i 4 4 
TEETH OF 
DIPLOPOD1A (PSEUDO DIADEM A) VERSIPORA. 
T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. 
The accompanying illustration is from an enlarged photograph 
of a typical example of Diplopodia versipora, and enables us to 
show for probably the first time, the character of the teeth of 
the animal, which are still in position in the centre of the fossil. 
In the early number of the Palaeontographical Society’s 
‘ Monographs,’ illustra- 
tions are given of a few 
examples of echinoderm 
teeth, but they do not 
appear to be any relation 
to this particular genus. 
An examination of a 
modern echinoderm such 
as can be obtained at 
most of our seaside re- 
sorts, shows the ‘ Aris- 
totle’s lantern,’ as the 
mouth organs are called, 
just within the cavity on 
the underside of the test. 
It seems remarkable that 
in the thousands of fossil 
echinoderms from the 
Yorkshire Oolites, so very few should show any trace whatever 
of this important part of the animal, especially as the teeth 
appear to be quite as hard and firm as the test. Possibly the 
large size of the mouth opening, together with the fact that in 
most instances the dead shell would be washed about on the sea 
floor, accounts for the matter. The present specimen was found 
by Mr. H. C. Drake, F.G.S. , in the well-known Coral Rag Quarry 
at Seamer. It was quite loose on a flat shelf of rock, from which 
it had apparently weathered, and the teeth were almost as 
clearly shown as represented in the photograph. The full 
complement of five is well seen, and each tooth is ribbed 
from the base towards the apex. Probably the specimen had 
been for some time on the ledge, as not only is the inside of 
the test clean, but the fossil is almost entirely freed from its 
matrix. Adhering to the top of the test is a portion of an 
oyster (A. gregaria) which almost entirely covers the anal 
orifice. The test measures i T \ inches across, and is therefore 
about half the size of the illustration. Through the kindness 
of Air. Drake the specimen has been placed with numerous 
other interesting Yorkshire geological specimens which he has 
given to the museum at Hull. 
Naturalist. 
Diplopodia versipora. 
