Page:Transactions NZ Institute Volume 15.djvu/117

approach the apex, where they become curved. Second pair of gnathopoda having the propodos (in the male) much larger than that of the first pair. Two anterior pairs of pereiopoda short, having the basa very broad. Posterior pair of pleopoda having two rami, one of which is armed with one or more hooked spines. Telson squamiform."

Podocerus frequens, sp. nov. Plate III., fig. 2.

Eye moderately large round. Superior antenna as long as the inferior; first joint of peduncle stout, next two joints longer, equal in length, slender, flagellum considerably longer than the last joint of peduncle, secondary appendage of two or three joints; the whole of the inferior margin of antenna thickly fringed with long setæ. Inferior antennæ slender, last two joints of flagellum equal and longer than the preceding one, flagellum considerably longer than the last joint of the peduncle, inferior border of antenna fringed with long setæ; spines on flagellum even at the end are not much curved and not very strong. First pair of gnathopoda long but not very stout, carpus longer than propodos, hairy; propodos ovate hairy, dactylos with proximal half of inner edge serrate, distal half smooth. Second gnathopod with carpus short, triangular, propodos large, produced inferiorly into a strong tooth against which the dactylos impinges, dactylos strong proximal half of inner edge serrated. First two pairs of pereiopoda subequal, stout. Last three pairs stout, third smaller than the fourth and fifth. Last three pairs of pleopoda short all reaching to the same point; first pair the longest, rather slender, peduncle longer than the rami and produced between them into a sharp slightly curved spine which is about two-thirds as long as the rami; rami with short teeth on upper margins curving upwards; second pair with stout peduncle, rami more slender than peduncle, curved teeth on upper margins of peduncle and rami; last pair with stout peduncle narrowing at apex, rami small slender, nearly naked. Telson with two curved spines, and anterior to these one or two simple setæ.

Female.—Differs from above in having the propodos of second gnathopoda less stout and wanting the strong process, but with two stout setæ towards the end of the palm.

Length about ¹⁄₁₀ of an inch.

Hab. Lyttelton Harbour.

This species appears closely to resemble P. validus, Dana, from Rio Janeiro, but that species has the inferior antennæ "very stout."

The process on the propodos of second gnathopoda of male varies in size in different specimens, and is often longer and more distinct than shown in fig. 2b.