Genus 313. Phorticium,[1] Haeckel, 1881, Prodromus, p. 464.
Definition.—Phorticida with irregular cortical shell of simple lattice-work, enclosing a lentelliptical Larnacilla-shaped medullary shell.
The genus Phorticium comprises all Phorticida in which the irregular cortical shell is formed by simple lattice-work, not by spongy framework. We can divide this genus into two subgenera: in Phortopyle (as in the Pylonida) the lattice-work of the cortical shell exhibits large openings or gates; in Phortolarcus these gates are perfectly closed by network; the former may be regarded as abnormal or irregular Pylonida, the latter as modifications of Larnacida.
Subgenus 1. Phortopyle, Haeckel.
Definition.—Lattice-work of the irregular cortical shell incomplete, with large openings or gates.
1. Phorticium pylonium, n. sp. (Pl. 49, fig. 10).
Cortical shell irregular, roundish, about three times as large as the enclosed lentelliptical, regular, Larnacilla-shell, connected with it by some radial beams and irregularly latticed girdles; between these remain four to eight large open gates of irregular roundish form and size; and these gates are the same as in Tetrapyle and Octopyle. This very variable species may be regarded as a monstrosity of those genera of Pylonida; it is very common, but all individuals are more or less unequal; some specimens approach to some common species of Tetrapyle. The surface of the shell is more or less spiny.
Dimensions.—Diameter of the irregular cortical shell 0.12 to 0.18; length of the lentelliptical medullary shell 0.05 to 0.06, breadth 0.035 to 0.045.
Habitat.—Cosmopolitan; Mediterranean, Atlantic, Pacific, &c., common, surface and in various depths.
2. Phorticium spironium, n. sp.
Cortical shell irregular, roundish, tuberous, about four times as large as the enclosed subregular Larnacilla-shell, connected with it by some irregular radial beams, and by opposite, spirally begining, irregularly latticed girdles, comparable to those of Spironium; between them remain six to twelve large open gates of irregular size and form. Surface rough. The resemblance to some forms of Spironium makes it probable that this species is a deformity or monstrosity of that genus.
Dimensions.—Diameter of the irregular cortical shell 0.12 to 0.2, of the lentelliptical medullary shell 0.03 to 0.06.
Habitat.—Pacific, central area, Stations 270 to 274, surface, and in various depths.
- ↑ Phorticium = Small vessel; φορτικίον.
