Page:Scientific results HMS Challenger vol 18 part 1.djvu/904

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
696
THE VOYAGE OF THE H.M.S. CHALLENGER.

around the principal axis, we reach the characteristic form of Larcospirema, the first subgenus of Larcospira; but if afterwards the second wing follow the example of the first, and overgrow it from the other side, we reach the typical form of the second subgenus, Larcospironium. In this latter subgenus the spiral becomes double, whilst in the former it remains simple.


Subgenus 1. Larcospirema, Haeckel.

Definition.—Spiral convolutions or turns of the cortical shell simple; only one single wing of the transverse girdle turning around the principal axis.


1. Larcospira lentelliptica, n. sp.

Cortical shell with smooth surface, four times as long as the lentelliptical medullary shell. Perimeter of the lateral plane elliptical, one and a half times as long as broad, without constrictions. One lateral wing of the transverse girdle is more strongly developed and turns around the other in two to three simple spiral turns.

Dimensions.—Length of the cortical shell 0.2, breadth 0.16; length of the medullary shell 0.05, breadth 0.04.

Habitat.—Pacific, central area, Station 265, depth 2900 fathoms.


2. Larcospira quadrangula, n. sp. (Pl. 49, fig. 3).

Cortical shell with thorny surface, three times as long as the lentelliptical medullary shell. Perimeter of the lateral plane nearly quadrangular, with four rounded corners (on the poles of two crossed diagonal axes), one and a third times as long as broad, with one sagittal constriction at the poles of the principal axis. One lateral wing of the transverse girdle turns around the other in one and a half to two simple spiral turns.

Dimensions.—Length of the cortical shell 0.18, breadth 0.14; length of the medullary shell 0.06, breadth 0.04.

Habitat.—Pacific, central area, Station 274, depth 2750 fathoms.


3. Larcospira sexangula, n. sp.

Cortical shell with spiny surface, four times as long as the hexagonal medullary shell. Perimeter of the lateral plane nearly hexagonal, one and a half times as long as broad, with six rounded corners (two on the poles of the principal axis, four on the poles of two crossed diagonal axes), with three slight ring-like constrictions. One lateral wing of the transverse girdle turns around the other in two to two and a half simple spiral turns.

Dimensions.—Length of the cortical shell 0.24, breadth 0.16; length of the medullary shell 0.06, breadth 0.04.

Habitat.—Pacific, central area, Station 271, depth 2425 fathoms.