REPORT ON THE FORAMINIEERA. 
187 
Vertebralma striata , d’Orbigny (PL XII. figs. 14-16). 
Testae hammoniformes (lituitatae) ” Soldani, 1789, Testaceograpkia vol i., part. 1, p. 76, 
pi. xlvii. figs, vv—zz. 
VertebraHna striata , d’Orbigny, 1826, Ann. Sci. Nat., vol. vii. p. 283, No. 1 ; — Modele, No. 81 
„ „ Parker, Jones, and Brady, 1865, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, 
vol. xvi. p. 32, pi. i. fig. 1. 
This species, in common with many of the others enumerated in the Tableau 
Methodique, was never described in zoological terms by d’Orbigny, but his Model, 
No. 81, and the figures referred to in Soldani’s plates are sufficient indication of what 
was intended by the author. 
The structure of the early portion of the shell in Vertebralma striata is tolerably 
uniform, the variation in contour being chiefly dependent on the number of non-spiral 
chambers. The rounded, non-angular outline of the segments, the absence of border or 
carina, and the invariable surface-ornament of delicate parallel striae, are the minor 
distinctive features of the species. Some of the larger specimens measure about ^g-th inch 
(TO mm.) in length. 
Vertebralma striata has a wide geographical distribution. It inhabits the shallow- 
water margins of the seas of warm latitudes in both hemispheres, probably not extending 
further north than the Mediterranean, and is most frequently met with in the coral 
debris and littoral sands of the tropics. Of about a dozen Challenger localities, only one 
has a greater depth than 40 fathoms, the finest specimens being from sands dredged at 
from 6 to 8 fathoms. 
VertebraHna insignis, n. sp. (PI. XII. figs. 9-11). 
Test compressed, planospiral, subquadrangular, nearly symmetrical bilaterally ; 
margin angular or partially carinate. Segments few, more or less triangular in outline, 
embracing — the three segments of the final convolution (with or without a single 
additional or non-spiral segment) forming almost the entire visible shell. Surface 
decked with exogenous costae, either distinct or in some parts combined so as to form an 
irregular reticulated ornament. Aperture a long bordered slit, on the median line of the 
outer face of the terminal chamber. Length, g^th inch (1 mm.). 
This fine handsome variety is sufficiently characterised in the foregoing description. 
It differs from the typical VertebraHna striata in its stouter proportions and bilateral 
symmetry, the embracing segments, more or less cultrate periphery, and bolder surface- 
ornament. 
VertebraHna insignis is exceedingly rare. The figured specimens are from the coral- 
reefs of Tongatabu, Friendly Islands, 18 fathoms. It also occurs offRaine Island, Torres 
Strait, 155 fathoms; and a single specimen has been found in dredged sand from oft’ 
Culebra Island, West Indies, 390 fathoms. 
