The genus Stauropelta is distinguished from the other Phractopeltida by the possession of sixteen pairs of free apophyses (on the eight tropical and the eight polar spines); only the other four equatorial spines remain simple, without apophyses, and form a simple cross in the equatorial plane.
1. Stauropelta cruciata, n. sp. (Pl. 133, fig. 3).
Apophyses of the long polar and tropical spines crossed by a transverse beam, which is again crossed by two perpendicular branches parallel to the apophyses; branches with free ends, not united by concrescence. At the base of each spine (in the outer shell) two large elliptical aspinal pores, larger than the other irregular pores. Four equatorial spines simple, without apophyses, of the same size as the other sixteen spines.
Dimensions.—Diameter of the outer shell 0.12, of the inner 0.05.
Habitat.—Indian Ocean (Madagascar), Rabbe, surface.
2. Stauropelta stauropora, n. sp.
Apophyses of the long polar and tropical spines crossed by a transverse beam, which is again crossed by two perpendicular branches parallel to the apophyses; these branches are united by concrescence, and form a square shield with four crossed pores, the centre of which is pierced by the spine. At the base of each spine (in the outer shell) four crossed aspinal pores, corresponding to those of the shield, of about the same size as the other roundish pores. Four equatorial spines, simple, without apophyses, somewhat larger than the other sixteen spines.
Dimensions.—Diameter of the outer shell 0.1, of the inner 0.04.
Habitat.—Indian Ocean, Sunda-Archipelago, Singapore, Trebing, surface.
Suborder II. PRUNOPHRACTA.
Definition.—Shell ellipsoidal, lenticular or diploconical, with radial beams of different size.
Definition.—Acantharia with a simple ellipsoidal lattice-shell, composed of the branched apophyses of twenty radial spines meeting in its centre and disposed according to the Müllerian law of Icosacantha. Two opposite equatorial spines larger than the two others. Central capsule ellipsoidal, enclosed in the fenestrated shell.
The family Belonaspida, formerly united by me with the Dorataspida (in the Prodromus, 1881, p. 468), differs from it in the ellipsoidal form of the lattice-shell and
