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PRODROMUS
OF TUB
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA;
OR
FIGUEES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LIVING SPECIES OF ALL CLASSES
OF THE
VICTORIAN INDIGENOUS ANIMALS.
VOLUME II. (DECADES XL TO XX.)
BY
FKEDEKICK McCOY, C.JI.G., M.A., Sc. D. Cantab, F.B.S.
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ; HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY
OF NATURALISTS OF MOSCOW ; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON ;
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE NEW ZEALAND
INSTITUTE ; HONORARY FELLOW OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH ; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MANCHESTER,
ETC., ETC., ETC.
AUTHOR OF "SYNOPSIS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE FOSSILS OF IRELAND;" "SYNOPSIS OF THE SILURIAN FOSSILS OP
IRELAND;" "CONTRIBUTIONS TO BRITISH PAL.BONTOLOGY ; " ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF SEDGWICK AND McCOY'S
"BRITISH PALAEOZOIC ROCKS AND FOSSILS;" "PRODROMUS OF THE PALAEONTOLOGY OF VICTORIA," ETC.
PROFESSOR OP NATURAL SCIENCE IN THE MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY. GOVERNMENT PALEONTOLOGIST, AND DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE, ETC.
MELBOURNE :
BY AUTHORITY : ROBT. S. BRAIN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
LONDON :
TRUBNER AND CO. , 57 AND 59 LUDGATE HILL.
M DCCC XC.
MAR". . ROGiCK
C^
r
55
Jlatural Hist.org of Victoria.
PBODBOMUS
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA;
FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LIVING SPECIES OF ALL CLASSES
VICTORIAN INDIGENOUS ANIMALS.
DECADE XI.
11 v
FREDERICK McCOY, F.R.S.,
HONORARY MEMREK OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY; HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY
OF NATURALISTS OF MOSCOW; CARRESPOVD1NG MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON;
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OK NEW SOUTH WALES; HONORARY FELLOW OB THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
OF EDINBURGH; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MANCHESTER,
ETC., ETC., ETC.
AUTHOR OF "SYNOPSIS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE FOSSILS OF IRELAND;" "SYNOPSIS of THE SILURIAN FOSSILS OF
IRELAND;" "CONTRIBUTIONS To BRITISH PALEONTOLOGY ;" one OF THE AUTHORS OF SEDGWICK AND MCCOY 'fl
''BRITISH PALEOZOIC ROCKS AND FOSSILS;'' " I'RoDROM I s OF THE PALEONTOLOGY OF VICTORIA," ETC.
PROFESSOR OF NATURAL SCIENCE IN THE MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY.
GOVERNMENT PALEONTOLOGIST, AND DIRE! lOR OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE, ETC.
I
MELBOURNE:
i;v AUTHORITY : JOHN FERRE8, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
LONDON . TRUENER AND CO., 57 AND 59 l.l ih. ATI HILL.
M DCCC I.XXXV.
I\^
ADVERTISEMENT.
It having been considered desirable to ascertain accurately the natural productions of the Colony of Victoria, and to publish works descriptive of them, on the plan of those issued by the Governments of the different States of America, investigations were undertaken, by order of the Victorian Government, to determine the Geology, Botany, and Zoology of the Colony, to form collections illustrative of each for the public use, and to make the necessary preparations for such systematic publications on the subject as might be useful and interesting to the general public, and contribute to the advancement of science.
As the geological and botanical investigations have already approached completion, and their publication is far advanced, it has been decided now to commence the publication of the third branch completing the subject, namely, that of the Zoology or indigenous members of the different classes of the animal kingdom.
The Fauna not being so well known as the Flora, it was a necessary preliminary to the publication to have a large number of drawings made, as opportunity arose, from the living or fresh examples of many species of reptiles, fish, and the lower animals, which lose their natural appearance shortly after death, and the true characters of many of which were consequently as yet unknown, as they had only been described from preserved specimens. A Prodromus, or preliminary issue, in the form of Decades, or numbers of ten plates, each with its complete descriptive letterpress, will be published, of such illustrations as are ready, without systematic order or waiting for the completion of any one branch. The many good observers in the country will thus have the means of accurately identifying various natural objects, their observations on which, if recorded and sent to the National Museum, where the originals of all the figures and descriptions are preserved, will be duly acknowledged, and will materially help in the preparation of the final systematic volume to be published for each class when it approaches completion.
Uatural Sistorg 4 Wtttatm.
H<
PRODROMUS
OF THE
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA;
OR,
FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LIVING SPECIES OF ALL CLASSES
VICTORIAN INDIGENOUS ANIMALS.
DECADE XI.
BY
FREDERICK McCOY, E.R.S.,
HONORARY MEMBER OF TUE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY; HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY
nF NATURALISTS UF MOSCOW; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON;
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES; HONORARY FELLOW OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
OF EDINBURGH; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MANCHESTER,
ETC., ETC., ETC.
AUTHOR OF "SYNOPSIS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE FOSSILS OF IRELAND;" "SYNOPSIS OF THE SILURIAN FOSSILS OF
IRELAND;" "CONTRIBUTIONS TO BRITISH PALEONTOLOGY;" ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF SEDGWICK AND MlCOY'S
" BKITISH PALAEOZOIC ROCKS AND FOSSILS ; " "PRODROMUS OF THE PALEONTOLOGY OF VICTORIA," ETC.
PROFESSOR OF NATl UAL SCIENCE IN THE MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY.
GOVERNMENT PALAEONTOLOGIST, AND DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE, ETC.
MELBOURNE :
UY AUTHORITY : JOHN FEEEES, GOVERNMENT PEINTES. LONDON :
TRUBNEll AND CO., 57 AND 59 LUDGATE HILL.
M DCCC LXXXV.
PREFACE.
This eleventh Decade gives illustrations in the first plate, No. 101, of the only Victorian specimen known of the great Luth, or Leathery Turtle, the largest of the living Chelonians, and certainly identical with the Old World and American examples.
The second plate, 102, gives the first recognisable figure of one of the most extraordinary of Australian Lizards, the Rugged Stump-tail, or Shingle-hack, Lizard; the short head-like tail, and very large, thick, rugged scales of which suggest two of the popular names given to it.
The next plate, 103, shows one of what I venture to call our " Worm- Snakes," the Typhlops nigrescens, which burrows in the light soils of the warm northern part of the colony, and is often found in ants' nests.
The fourth plate, 101, is of great interest, not only as giving the first accurate figure of the most famous of all Sharks, the Basking Shark, the largest of all known fishes (upwards of thirty feet long), but as representing the only recorded occurrence of the species south of the Equator. The food has now for the first time been identified with certainty as a very minute Pteropodous
PREFACE.
Mollusc Cuvieria minor (McCoy), less than the twelfth of an inch in length; reminding one of the similarly minute food of many Whales.
The next four plates continue the illustrations of Victorian Polyzoa, the descriptions and type specimens of which have been given by Mr. MacGillivray for this work and the National Museum.
Plate 109 illustrates the largest species of the group of Insects popularly called Grasshoppers, and often confounded with Locusts. In this I observed for the first time the probable position of the organ of hearing in Insects, in a similar position to that of Macrourous Crustacea. This species is a close representative of the Great Green Grasshopper of Europe, and has not been figured before.
The last plate, 110, gives detailed illustrations of our common Yellow-winged Locust as a type of the great group of Locusts, often confounded with Grasshoppers, but the characteristic structural differences of these two groups are shown in contrast by the figures on this and the preceding plate.
The succeeding Decades will illustrate as many different genera as possible, and will deal first usually with species of some special interest, and of which good figures do not exist or are not easily accessible.
Frederick McCoy. 30th July, 1885.
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ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA (Reptiles)
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Profit0 Coy direjct'
7te^zm, ktko Govt- Printing Office,
Zoology.] NATURAL IllSToUY OF VICTORIA. [faptUia.
Plate 101.
SPHARGIS CORIACEA (Linn. sp.). The Luth, or Leathery Turtle.
[Genus SPHARGIS (Mbkbbm) = DERMATOCHELTS (Blain.) = CORIUDO (Flem.). (Sub-kingd, Vertebrate. Class Reptilia. Order Chelonia. Sub-order Oiacopodcs. Fam. Sphargidae.)
Gen. Char. — Body covered with a thick, coriaceous skin, concealing the bones of the cara- pace and sternum ; seven longitudinal ridges on the hack, tubercular in young, smooth in old individuals. Paddles large ; without nails or claws ; head with very strong jaws, the upper with three large, triangular notches in front. ( )rl>its very large ; eyelids opening vertically, one in front, and one behind ; nostrils very small, approximate, on upper surface of nose. Cosmopolitan.]
Description. — Form : Carapace sub-cordiform, acutely pointed behind, broad, and with three inflected edj>-es in front, concavelv arched backwards, one over the neck, and one over each fore paddle; greatest width over hind base of paddles two- thirds of the length ; longitudinal profile slightly arched, most abruptly near the front; transverse curvature nearly semicircular; longitudinal ridges angular, pro- minent, with about 28 compressed tubercles, the space between the ridges deeply concave ; surface smooth ; keels nearly equidistant, one along midline of back, the outermost along lateral edges of carapace. Sternum flat, truncated in front, obtuse- angled behind, without projections on surface. Head nearly as wide behind as long, slightly convex above, moderately compressed and rounded in front; smooth, with- out scales or plates, when adult; jaws very strong, upper one with three deep, triangular notches defining two acutely angular, sharp lobes in front; lower jaw with an upturned, angular point in front, fitting the median notch between the two lobes of upper jaw. Anterior paddles very long, narrow, falcate; posterior paddles short, broad, the two hinder fingers separately movable. Tail slightly compressed, the point reaching a little beyond the end of carapace; whole skin smooth, except on back of neck, which is tubercular from intersecting wrinkles. Color: Purplish- black above, sternum and lower sides of paddles, and sides of neck and cheeks marbled with pinkish- white, and reddish-white on front edge of anterior paddles. Measurements: Length of carapace, 4 feet 5 inches; greatest width, 3 feet 2 inches; depth, 1 foot ; length of head, 8 inches ; width, 1\ inches ; depth, 6^ inches ; diameter of orbit, 2 inches; from anterior edge of orbit to nostril, 2 inches; length of neck, 6 inches ; length of anterior paddle, 2 feet 3 inches ; greatest width, 9 inches; length of posterior paddle, 1 foot 1 inch; width, 8 inches; length of sternum, 3 feet 2 inches ; width, 2 feet 4 inches ; tail, 4 inches.
Reference. — = Testudo coriacea (Linn.) Syst. Nat. 1, p. 350 = S. mercurii (Rondel.) Pise. Mar. p. 450 = T. Lyra, Donnd. Zool. Beitrage, v. 3, p. 2 = Spharyis mercurialis (Merrem) Amphib. p. 19*= S. tubcrculata (Gravenhorst) = Dermato- chclys porcata (Wagi.) Syst. Amphib. p. 133, t. 1, figs. 1-25 = Dermockclys Atlantica (Leseur).
The Sphargis differs from the other marine Clielonians, the Chelonce, in the body not being covered with hard plates, but with a very thick skin, smooth when adult, but covered with tubercular
Vol. II.— Decade XL— b. 1
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \_RepliUa.
scales when very young, some flat and polygonal, and some convex and circular. The head and paddles also lose the scales when adult.
Of all living Chelonians the Luth is the largest, some recorded being 9 feet long ; our specimen, from its size and the distinct tuberculation of the dorsal ridges, is only half grown ; but there are no traces of the line ridges on the sternum said to be found in the very young.
The specimen above described is the only one I have known to have occurred on the shores of the colony. It was captured in 1862 at Portland.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 101. — Fig. 1, side view of specimen, one-ninth natural size. Fig. la, front view. Fig. lb, anterior paddle, to show coloring of under-side. Fig. lc, hind paddle, to show coloring of under-side.
Frederick McCoy.
[2]
PI 102
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
[Reptiles)
f ifV>- T'UMR
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Prof'tfCti) ire*?
Steam hj}wt Govt, Prurfuy Office
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Heptilia.
Plate 102.
TRACIIYDOSAURUS RUGOSUS (Gray). The Rugged Stump-tail, or Shingle-back, Lizard.
[Genus TRACIIYDOSAURUS (Gray). (Sub-kingd. Vertebrata. Class Reptilia. Order Suuria. Sub-order Leptoglossae. Tribe Geissosaura. Earn. Scincidae.)
Gen. Char. — Form moderately elongate, thick, fusiform ; tail very short, broad, depi"essed. Head large, trigonal, pointed in front ; neck very sliort, narrow (head shields, ears, palate, tongue, body, and limbs as in Oyclodus) ; teeth blunt, conical ; scales of back very large, very thick, bony, with a rugged, ridged surface.]
Description. — Form: Sliort, rounded, moderately depressed, sides rounded; head very thick, trigonal, obtusely pointed in front, widening- to ear behind; neck short, moderately constricted ; back sloped from midline on each side ; tail very short, depressed, slightly rounded above, flat below, little narrower than the body, ending in a small, conical tubercle ; anterior and posterior feet nearly equal ; toes very short, and only slightly different in length, middle one longest, then 2nd, then 4th (a little shorter than the 1st), then the 5th on anterior foot; three first toes gradually longer, 4th shorter than 3rd, 5th shortest on hind foot. Scales : Nasal plates very large, meeting over top of rostral;* inter-nasal hexagonal, very slightly wider than long ; two fronto-nasals pentagonal, touching by their inner edges; frontal hexagonal small, slightly longer than wide; five supraoculars; eyelids scaly; a curved row of seven suboculars ; two fronto-parietals small, hexagonal, joining by inner edges; inter-parietal hexagonal or heptagonal, little larger than frontal ;f two parietals heptagonal, little larger than inter-parietal; behind parietals and occiput are four rows of thick, rugged scales like those of neck ; two fronto -orbital plates on each side and two frcenals ; ear moderately open, with simple margins ; scales of back very large, thick, sub-rhomboidal, with numerous, coarse, irregular ridges converging towards middle of posterior edge, those of middle of back largest, having two rows, those of sides forming oblique bands, those of tail with one median large keel ending in a point at the posterior edge; all the lower surface of chest, abdomen, and tail covered with thin, smooth, wide, hexagonal plates. Color : Upper surface dark rich Vandyke-brown, with transverse, irregular, paler yellowish-brown bands, forming usually eight or nine transverse, irregular chevrons from neck to tip of tail, one to two scales wide, above irregularly spotted at tip of scales with rich blackish-brown; the intervening, dark spaces two or three scales wide; on under- side the color is yellowish- white, irregularly blotched and mottled with dark brown. The coloring varies considerably; one specimen in the collection being entirely dark brown above, with only one light transverse band, five scales wide, behind the shoulder, and nearly uniform brown below ; another is transversely banded on belly and under-side of tail, much as on the back ; while in another the dark marks below are chiefly longitudinal blotches. Tongue flat, wide, notched at the tip, blackish- purple; inside of mouth pinkish-white.
* In some specimens the nasals do not touch, bnt the rostral and Inter-nasal touch. t In some specimens smaller, and tin> Length ami width equal.
[ 3 ]
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ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA I /i&p tiles)
Dr WilHdd.fJ.bi!:
Vr- Uy Arse1-
Steam hJjw Girt, J\oi&nj Office
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Reptilia.
Plate 108.
TYPHLOPS NI'GRESCENS (Gray sp.). The Blackish Australian Worm-Snake.
[Genus TYPHLOPS (Schneider). (Sub-kingd. Vertebrata. Class Reptilia. Order Opbidia. Tribe Scolecopbidia. Fain. Typhlopsidse.)
Gen. Char. — Cylindrical, glossy; head not constricted from body; front margin obtusely rounded from above downwards ; rostral plate very large, extending over top of head ; nasal plates extending vertically from labials to above eye, divided by a sulcus extending from nostril ; prcocular plate usually present, oculars larger than preocular, with the eye seen through them when it exists ; upper labials usually 4 ; scales hexagonal, imbricated, alike on back, sides, and abdomen ; preanal scales numerous, and like the ventrals. Teeth simple, 3 or 4 in upper jaw only. Tongue long, flat, forked at tip. Mouth small, lunate, inferior.]
Description. — Body smooth, flossy, cylindrical, of nearly equal diameter throughout, and covered with 22 rows of hexagonal scales, the posterior edge of each nearly semicircular and much imbricated. Tail very short, of the 12 last scales, obtusely rounded and bent downwards at the end, so that the terminal thorn arises nearlv on a level with the ventral surface and inclines downwards. Head narrower than the body, depressed, obtusely rounded in front both vertically and transversely ; rostral plate large, margin broadly rounded on top of head behind, slightly concave towards front, and narrowed to edge of lip below; nasal plate rising from 1st labial, widening to edge of snout, and narrowing upwards to inter-nasal plate behind rostral ; nostril below lateral margin, with a sulcus dividing the plate into two below, where it touches the middle of the 1st labial ; the nasal sulcus extends vertically upwards beyond the nostril rather further than below ; 2nd labial a little larger than first, touching nasal and preocular plate; 3rd labial larger, and extending up between bases of preocular and ocular plates ; ith labial largest, rounded, and with a small notch on lower hind margin. The three anterior, median, vertex plates, taken together, about two-thirds the length of the dorsal part of rostral plate ; the 1st, or inter-nasal plate, largest, sub-hexagonal, the posterior margin nearly semicircular; 2nd, or frontal, smallest, hexagonal ; 3rd, or occipital, in size and shape nearly like the 1st; they and the labial ones are larger, but nearly like the scales of the body. Preocular narrower than the ocular, the eye distinctly seen through the upper part of their junction, below the re-entering angle for the fronto-nasal plate. Color: Twelve rows of scales on back and sides, each greyish-brown on posterior two-thirds, whitish on anterior third, generally paler and browner towards the head ; lateral portions of anterior head shields and all the scales of lower side of body yellowish in some specimens, greyish-white in others ; the coloring of the scales of back is seen through the transparent overlapping ones in front. Length of average speci- men, 21 inches 6 lines; of tail, 4 lines ; diameter at base of tail, 5^ lines, in both directions ; diameter in both directions about middle of body, 7 lines ; length of head from front edge of snout to hind edge of third median (occipital) plate, 4^ lines ; width of head, 4 lines.
Reference. — Anilios id. Gray, C. Liz., B.M. p. 135=Typhlop3 id. Jan. Icon., Gen. des Ophid., p. 13; Liv. 9, t. 1, f. 1; ?= T. Ruppelli, Jan. Op. Cit., t. 1, f. 2.
The " Slow- Worms" or "Blind- Worms" of English writers, and their numerous allies in various foreign countries, are very difficult to classify, from their having several characters of Lizards combined
[ 7 ]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. l&eptilid.
with most of those of Snakes. The absence of external limbs, although striking the popular eye, is not a distinctive character, for in some undoubted Lizards these are wanting.
The " Worm-Snakes," as the curious group of Reptiles called Scolecophidice by Dumeril and Bibron may be termed, are so singularly like the " Slow- Worms " or "Blind- Worms" of English writers in size, shape, general appearance, and habits, that it is not easy for the popular observer to discriminate them. The absence of limbs is a character of Snakes common to both ; but the true " Slow- Worms " have the two halves of the lower jaw united by bony union at the chin, as in the Lizards, and also agree with them in having movable eyelids, and more or less distinct external drum to the ear, as well as some rudiments under the skin of the limbs. The present Worm- Snakes, on the other hand, have the halves of the loAver jaw free and separable in front, as in the Ophidice, or Snakes, and, like them, also, are destitute of eyelids and external ear-drums, so that the balance of the structural evidence would go to classify the Worm-Snakes with the Snakes, and the Slow- Worms with the Lizards. Nevertheless, Dr. Gray, as well as Fitzinger and Schlegel, class the creatures I propose to call "Worm-Snakes" with the Lizards or Sauria, as well as the " Slow- Worms," or Anguis, and other allied small snake-like Lacertilia, and at one time Dr. Gray proposed to form an Order Saurophidia, to include Typldops, Anguis, and a number of other snake-shaped reptiles which are now, however, by general consent, kept in different orders.
The " Worm-Snakes," by their small size, cylindrical body — scarcely tapering at the very short tail, both ends being much alike — glossy smooth surface, and habit of burrowing in the loose soil, differ from all other Serpents and Snakes, and sufficiently resemble Earth- Worms, to excuse the use of a popular name, recalling the similar ones of Blind- Worm and Slow- Worm applied to the species of Anguis, although they are neither blind nor slow. The muzzle is broader, in proportion to the back of the head, than in ordinary Snakes, and the bones of the anterior part of the head and face are solidly joined together, so that the mouth is incapable of the dilatation of Snakes in general, although, like them, and
[8]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Reptilia.
unlike Lizards, the halves of the lower jaw are not joined together in front, and the mouth, by its inferior position, like that of a Shark, below and behind the tip of the snout, differs equally from Lizards and Snakes. The small number of teeth, and their being either in the upper or under jaw, but not in both, is a special peculiarity of the group of Worm- Snakes. Another peculiarity of this group is the fact of the eyes being covered by one or two large plates of the side of the head, and through the translucent substance of these plates the eyes underneath may be dimly seen when they exist. Some seem to be blind, as, indeed, their subterranean habits and finding the Earth- Worms and larvae of insects for food, in the dark earth, without the sense of sight, might lead one to expect.
By a sort of practical joke, not uncommon in nature, the posterior, or tail end, in this species is made to look almost exactly like a head, by a pair of round black spots, so nearly of the size, shape, and color of the real eyes of the other end, and so similarly placed over the ends of the transverse, lunate, mouth-like slit on the ventral surface of that end, as to be readily taken for the eyes by an unpractised observer, taking away even the crucial test by which the boys in Leech's caricature terminated their dispute as to which was the head of the Skye terrier, by one at last "seeing the eyes " at the most unlikely end. The presence of these two eye- like posterior spots is almost the only character set down by Prof. Jan as distinguishing his T. Ruppelli from Gray's T. nigrescens ; but as the only specimens in which I could not see these spots had the skin so opaque, from being near the time of casting it (when the real eyes are also obscured), I have no doubt of both belonging to one species, as Prof. Peters has already suggested in the Monatsbericht der Konigl. Preuss. Akad. cler Wissenschaften zu Berlin, for June 1865, p. 262. There is, too, a singularly deceptive appearance produced by the transparent scales of the back, showing the semicircular dark margin, not only on the exposed, posterior edge of each, but continued visibly through the transparent, adjacent, overlapping scales, so that the apparent scales marked by the coloring do not coincide with the real scales marked by the free edges, as seen with a lens and as represented in our figure (l/*).
Although Dr. Gray was the first to describe this species (under
Vol. II.— Decade XL— c. 9
Zooloyy.} NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Ileptilia.
the generic name Anilios), there can he no douht that he is unaccountably in error in stating that there are no upper labial shields in the family Typhlopsidce, as the four are clearly present in all our specimens, as described by Prof. Jan.
The "Blackish Worm-Snake" is not uncommon in the northern warmer parts of the colony in localities having a loose, friable, or sandy soil, in which it burrows to a considerable depth with extra- ordinary ease and quickness. The specimen figured is from Murchison, presented by Mr. H. J. E. Brisbane ; but two still larger ones sent to me alive by Mr. J. P. Watt, from Taripta, I have kept alive for some time in large glass jars half filled with sandy soil at bottom, into which, when brought to the surface, they burrow so rapidly that the whole body is out of sight in an instant — the head being first raised, then arched and forced down with such strength that the glossy smooth body is quickly buried to the greatest depth. These specimens were dug out of an ant-hill in which they dwelt in the midst of the abundant insect food suited to them. It is almost impossible to hold them, they struggle with such strength, and are so smooth and slippery. The tongue is very long, narrow, flat, largely forked at the end, and of a dull red color, being darted out frequently to a length of an inch or so, as in ordinary Snakes. These Worm- Snakes are perfectly harmless, although, like the SIoav- Worms and their allies in other countries, they are popularly supposed to be very poisonous. They do not attempt to bite when handled ; and as the mouth is so very small and incapable of dilatation, and the few very small teeth are solid, and there are no poison glands, there could be no harm to man if they did.
It has not been figured of the colors of life hefore.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 103. — Fig. 1, large specimen, natural size, partly embedded in sand at middle, ami showing the position assumed by the anterior end and head when about to plunge into the sand to bury itself. Fig. la, upper view of head, three times the natural size, to show form of cephalic plates, with relative sizes of rostral, inter-nasal, frontal, and occipital plates in midline, and the extension of the nasal sulcus on the nasal plates, also showing the covering over of the eye by the preocular and ocular plates, and slightly by the outer angle of the fronto-nasal plate. Fig. lb, side view of head, magnified three diameters, showing upper labial, uasal. preocular, and ocular plates, and eye and nostril and nasal slit in due relation. Fig. lc, under view of head, showing narrowed end of rostral plate touching the mouth, and the relation of the labial plates to the others. Fig. Id, side view of tail, twice natural size, showing posterior thorn and eye-like spot. Fig. le, ditto, from under-side, to show anal plates. Fig. 1/, scales of back, four times the natural size, to show markings of color through the overlapping scales.
Frederick McCoy. [10]
lof
PL. 104
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ZOOLOCY OF VICTORIA (fishes)
A -BardaLmtw deieL-hih,
Prof ifc Coy three''
Steam, hl/u> , Govt printing Office .
Zoology."] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
Plate 104.
CETORHINUS MAXIMUS (Linn. sp.). The Basking Shark.
[Genus CETORHINUS (Blainv.) = SELACHE (Got.). (Sub-kingd. Vertebrata. Class Pisces. Order Plaeoida. Sub-order Selachoidea. Fam. Lamniadse.)
Gen. Char. — Snout short, narrow, blunt ; spiracles small, above angle of mouth. Gill-slits five, very large, nearly meeting under throat. Teeth very numerous, very small, conical, moderately arched backwards, without denticulation or lateral cusps ; scales of slender, erect, slightly curved points, rough to the touch in all directions. First dorsal opposite space between pectoral and anal, without spine ; second dorsal small, slightly in advance of the equally small anal ; caudal lunate, with pit at base above and below ; tail keeled on sides. No nictitating eye-lid.]
Description. — Fusiform, head very small, abruptly narrowed to a short snout with a slightly concave profile rising1 from a little behind the eye ; several mucous pores at the sides; eyes near tip of snout; nostrils near edge of upper lip; spiracles small, above and a little behind the angle of the jaw. Gill-slits enormously large, reaching from high above middle of sides to nearly meeting under throat. Teeth very small, simple, conical, slightly arched backwards, six rows of about 120 on each side of lower jaw, and five rows of about 109 in each side of upper jaw; those of under jaw a little wider than the upper ones. First dorsal large, over the space between the pectoral and ventral fins, upper angle approaching- a right angle, hinder angle narrow, prolonged, pointed ; 2nd dorsal small, upper angle obtusely rounded, hind angle acutely prolonged ; anal fin resembling the 2nd dorsal, nearly under, and slightly behind it; pectorals broad, pointed, a little behind the last gill-opening; ventrals moderate; claspers of male small; caudal fin with a deep, transverse pit at base above and below, lunate, upper lobe larger than lower ; a strong keel on each side from middle of base of tail to a little behind base of anal fin. Skin covered with very numerous, irregular, flexuous, rounded wrinkles, their own diameter apart, and about 10 in one inch, nearly vertical on most of the body, but longitudinal on head, and obliquely transverse on bands between gill-openings, closely set with nearly erect, slender, conical, slightly-curved thorns, about four in 1 line (or eleven in £ inch), about ^ line long, and rendering the surface rough to the touch in all directions, but least so towards the tail, in which direction they chiefly incline ; the individual wrinkles are not more than 1 or 2 inches long. Color: Nearly uniform blackish-brown or tar-color, lighter below; iris brown.
Measurements.
Length from tip of snout to tip of upper lobe of tail
„ „ ,, origin of first dorsal ...
„ across from one angle of mouth to the other
„ of upper jaw
„ of lower jaw Nostrils on edge of upper lip, distance apart Girth at middle of body...
Length from tip of snout to anterior cdgct>f orbit ... „ „ „ „ „ of pectoral fin
„ of anterior edge of pectoral
[ 11 ]
|
feet. |
inches, |
|
30 |
6 |
|
9 |
8 |
|
2 |
9 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1 |
11 |
|
1 |
0 |
|
20 |
0 |
|
0 6 |
9 A 0 |
|
5 |
9 |
Zoohujy.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
Measurements— continued. Feet, inches.
Width of pectoral ... ... ... ... ... 2 3
Length from anterior base of pectoral to anterior base of
ventral ,.. ... ... ... ... 9 3
„ of anterior edge of ventral ... ... ... 4 9
„ of terminal edge of ventral ... ... ... 3 0
„ of base of ventral ... ... ... ... 1 8
„ of claspers of male ... ... ... ... 3 9
„ from posterior edge of base of ventral to anterior edge
of anal ... ... ... ... ... 4 8
„ of anterior edge of anal ... ... ... ... 0 9
„ of terminal edge of anal ... ... ... ... 1 2
„ of posterior edge of anal ... ... ... 0 7
Diameter of orbit ... ... ... ... ••• 0 3
Distance of eyes apart ... ... ... ... ... 1 3
Length from posterior edge of orbit to spiracle ... ... 1 6
„ „ angle of month to spiracle ... ... 1 2
Depth of snout at vertical of eye, upper jaw ... ... 0 9
„ „ „ „ lower jaw ... ... 0 8
Lengtli from tip of lower jaw to anterior edge of pectoral ... 5 6
., of longitudinal space occupied by the five gill-slits ... 2 0
„ of anterior edge of first dorsal ... ... ... 5 0
„ of hinder edge of first dorsal ... ... ... 1 5
„ of top edge of first dorsal ... ... ... 5 0
,, of base of first dorsal ... ... ... ... 3 4
„ from posterior edge of base of first dorsal to anterior
edge of second dorsal ... ... ... ... 7 3
,, of anterior edge of second dorsal ... ... ... 1 4
„ of upper edge of second dorsal ... ... ... 1 5
„ of posterior edge of second dorsal ... ... ... 1 3
„ of base of second dorsal ... ... ... ... 1 0
„ from posterior edge of second dorsal to tip of upper
lobe of caudal ... ... ... ... 9 6
„ from tip to tip of caudal fin ... ... ... 7 0
„ from tip of upper caudal lobe to pit at base ... 5 7
„ from tip of lower caudal lobe to pit at base ... 4 0
„ from middle of caudal fin to posterior end of keel ... 2 3
„ of teeth towards middle of mouth, where largest ... 0 0| Number of teeth in a space of one inch, about five.
Reference. — =Squalus maximas, Gunner, Beschreibung des Brugden in Sclirif'ten der Drontheimschen Gesellsch. Tlieil. 3, p. 28 (1765)= Id. Linn. Syst. Nat., ed. 12, vol. I., p. 400 (1798) = Cetorhinus Gunneri, + C. Homianus, + C. Shavianus, Blainville, Bull. Soc. Phil., 121 (1810) = Selache maxima, Goyeau, Hamburg Magazin, vol. 24, p. 531, Cuv. Reg. An., vol. 2, p. 391 (1829).
As De Blainville's generic name, Cetorhinus, has a clear priority over Goyeau and Cuvier's Selache, and as the approximation to the characters of Whales is curiously greater in this than in any other fish, I have followed Dr. Gray in adopting it for the present Shark. The extraordinary circumstance of the individual I have here figured and described having come so far south gives special interest to this specimen, which was caught in November, 1883, at Portland, on the western coa*st of Victoria. It, as often happens in the northern hemisphere, to which, until this occurrence, it was
[ 12 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
supposed to be confined, was found entangled in the nets of the fishermen, and having wrapped the nets round itself by rolling and struggling, it became exhausted and was killed. In other countries where fishermen have recorded their meetings with this monster, the accounts agree in showing it to be a quiet, sluggish creature, quite destitute of the ferocity of other Sharks, swimming along, showing its back and dorsal fin above water, and with its mouth open to catch its small, floating food, like a Whale, and when basking quietly on the surface being so indifferent to the approach of a boat that the man may feel it without any alarm or movement of anger on the part of the Shark, unless harpooned, when it darts to the bottom with great force and velocity, and unlike a Whale, which must come up to breathe, it stays below, making it a dangerous captive for any ordinary fishing vessel.
The excessively small size of the teeth, far smaller in proportion than in any other Shark, and the very small size of the gullet, shows a curious approach to the Whales, and departure from the usual structure of Sharks. And I find another extremelv curious and interesting point, not before noticed, viz., that its food, as with many Whales, is often composed of myriads of the minute, floating, oceanic Pteropodous Mollusca. Of the scores of Basking Sharks that have been opened in the Northern Hemisphere not one contained any remains of fishes or large objects, and the food was, until now, unknown. Linnaeus mentions Medusae, Pennant suggests sea-weeds, and Mr Low says he found a pulpy red mass, which he likened to bruised crabs, or the roe of Echini. Neither crabs nor Echini could be obtained by a creature like this, too large to approach the shallow shores, and in all probability what Mr. Low saw was what I have here noted, the red pulpy mass filling the intestines of our example being altogether composed of body and shells of a species of the genus Cuvieria or Triptera, rather less than a line long, fusiform, pointed, and slightly arched at posterior end, mouth con- tracted, oblique (which might be named Cuvieria minor), the mass being tinted of a "boiled-shrimp" red from the remains of the soft parts, colored like the much larger Triptera rosea of Quoy and (iaimard. I owe the knowledge of this food to mv vigilant friend,
[ 13]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
Mr. M. Dusting, of Portland, who sent me a sample be had taken from the intestines when giving me notice of the capture of this Shark, the species of which he correctly recognised.
The tongue is very small, with little movable part, the greater portion of the mouth being occupied by the gill-openings.
This is the largest species of the whole class of Fishes (one noted by Yarrell, at Brighton, being 36 feet long), and as, like many Whales, and unlike other Sharks, it migrates in shoals of one to two hundred individuals, each of which is worth from £30 to £50, it is of great value where any peculiarity in the ocean (as at the " Sunfish Bank," one hundred miles west of Clew Bay, on the west coast of Ireland) induces it to come regularly within reach of the fishermen. The liver only is taken, the rest of the body being left at about a day's sail out of sight of land where they are found. The liver weighs about two tons, and yields 10 or 12 barrels (eight to the ton) of the finest oil, like spermaceti. The specimen figured, after its liver was taken out, was brought by railway to Melbourne, and attracted crowds in the streets as it came up Swanston-street on two of the largest lorries fastened together, drawn by a long train of horses to a stable-yard, where it was exhibited during the race week ; the hot weather rendering it useless as a specimen for the Museum afterwards. The teeth and portion of skin were pre- served, and all the measurements and the drawings completed before it defied approach.
This is the first good figure of this famous Shark which has been published. The figures of Yarrell and Couch represent the anal fin as too small and much too far back ; Home's figure of a male, exactly the same size as ours, in the Philosophical Transactions for 1809,* omits the anal fin altogether, but is otherwise the best of those hitherto published ; the skin seems too smooth, the lower jaw too long, and the concavity of the profile is not represented. The concavity of the profile (as well as the size of the mucous pores
* "An anatomical account of the Squal its maximus (of Linnaeus), which, in the structure of its stomach, forms an interesting link in the gradations of animals between the Whale Tribe and cartilaginous Fishes," by Everard Home, Esq., F.B.S., read May, 1809.
[ 14]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
on the snout) is exaggerated in Couch's figure. De Kay's figure and one of Shaw's ridiculously exaggerate the wrinkling of the tskin, and all show one or another variation of badness, mutually correcting each other, but rendering the figure here given very desirable.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 104. — Fig. 1, side view of male, one forty-second part of the natural size (an apparent doubling of the spiracle is an accident in the lithography). Fig. la, front view of mouth open, to show the rows of very small teeth, and front view of head, to show the position of nostrils on edge of upper lip. Fig. \b, portion of skin, magnified two diameters. Fig. \c, one of the thorns, magnified nine diameters. Fig. Id, portion of skin, natural size, to show the wrinkles or ridges and the thorny spines inclined in every direction. Fig. le, six rows of teeth from front portion of left side of lower jaw, natural size. Fig. If, same, viewed in profile, to show curvature of surface to which the teeth are attached. Figs. \y and 1/;, two of same teeth, magnified two diameters. Fig. It, two of the rows of teeth from portion of upper jaw, natural size. Fig. Ik, one of same, magnified two diameters.
Frederick McCoy.
[15]
Pl.105
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
/ I'ulyxoa)
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i
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DrMar Gilbb/rcgf de^- , . • 7,*l.
,: r * ' .'. ' I ■ ,-\< .iirrr?
rintiTia Office
Zoology.'] NATURAL BISTORT OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 105, Fia. 1. CELLARIA RIGIDA (McG.).
[Genus CELLARIA (Lamx.) = SALICORNARIA (Cuviku). (Sub-Mngd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa: Order Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Salicornariidse.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium simple or branched, cylindrical, with the zoucoia arranged around an imaginary axis.]
Description. — Polyzonry regularly dichotomously branched; branches cylin- drical, slightly arcuate, usually enlarging- upwards; zocecia mostly rhomboidal, pointed above and below ; mouth in the upper half, lofty, slightly contracted towards the straight lower lip ; operculum with, on each side, a cervicorn mark, and posteriorly a projecting, somewhat wedge-shaped process for the attachment of the occlusor muscles. Avicularium very large, replacing a cell ; mandible of great size, nearly semicircular. Ovarian cells rounded above, narrowed below ; the pore semilunar at the extreme upper end of the cell, with the lower edge usually projecting and smooth or obscurely crenulate.
References. — P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict. 1884; Salicomaria simplex, Busk, Challenger Polyzoa, p. 88, pi. xxxiii., f. 8.
Port Phillip Heads, usually on Dictyopora.
This fine species forms tufts 1 to 3 inches high. The articula- tions are frequently rigid from calcification. The internodes are thick and usually slightly curved. The zocecia are nearly regularly rhomboidal ; the ovarian ones broad and rounded above and narrowed below. The mouth is situated in the upper half, the lower lip corresponding to about the middle of the zooecium ; deep in the interior are two sharp, stout, calcareous denticles from each of the upper and lower margins, directed vertically upwards and downwards. The operculum is very peculiar ; it has a large cervicorn mark on each side, and the occlusor muscles are attached to projecting, wedge-shaped processes. The avicularium is of great size, replacing a cell ; the upper margin projects much forwards, and the mandible is very large, nearly semicircular, and directed upwards. The ovarian pores are mostly semilunar, situated close to the upper margin of the zooecium, and about the same width as the mouth ; the lower edge projects upwards as a sort of lip, which is either smooth or very faintly crenulate.
In Decade V., pi. 49, I described a form of Cellaria as C. Jistulosa, var. australis. Having subsequently, through the
Vol. II.— Decade XL— d. 17 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \_Polyzoa.
kindness of Mr. Hincks and Mr. Waters, received European specimens of C. jistulosa, I was satisfied that they ought to rank as distinct species, and therefore proposed (Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict. 1884) to name it C. australis. In the Challenger Polyzoa Mr. Busk has described the same species as Salicornaria clavata, probably not having noticed that I had already changed the varietal into a sjiecifie name.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 105. — Fig. 1, specimen, natural size. Fig. la, portion of same, magnified, showing outline of zocecia and an avieularium. Fig. lb, group of zocecia and an avicularium. Fig. 1c, single zooecium, showing the iutra-oral denticles. Fig. Id, three zocecia, two showing the ovarian pores.
Plate 105, Fig. 2. TUBUCELLARIA CEREOIDES (Ellis and Solander).
[Genus TUBUCELLARIA (D'Oebigny). (Sub-king. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Tubucellariida?.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium consisting of cylindrical internodes connected by corneous tubes ; branches arising dichotomously or irregularly from the sides of the segment to which they are attached. Zocecia prominent above, narrowed below, when young distinct, but when older indistinct ; peristome produced into a short tube ; frequently a small, circular, median pore in front ; surface punctate.]
Description. — Zoarium consisting of cylindrical brandies, each branch articu- lated by a corneous tube to the side of that from which it springs. Zocecia indistinct; mouth circular ; whole surface punctate.
Reference. — P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict. 1884.
Port Phillip Heads, Mr. J. Bracebridge Wilson.
Of this I have only seen two specimens, sent to me by Mr. J. B. Wilson ; one three-quarters of an inch in length, the other smaller. The zoarium consists of cylinders branched exactly as in Cellaria australis, the branches arising from the sides of those from which they spring by flexible corneous tubes. The zocecia are, on the surface, quite confluent, and mostly only distinguishable by their mouths. The whole surface is beautifully punctate, the punctations being caused by the reticu- lation of chains of small depressions or pores. There is usually a minute circular opening about the middle of each zocecium.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 105. — Fig. 2, specimen, natural size. Fig. 2a, portion of same, magnified.
[ 18]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 10:"), Figs. 3 and 4.
URCEOLIPORA DENTATA (McG.)-
[Genus URCEOLIPORA (McG.). (Sub-king. MoUusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundi- bulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Bifaxariidse.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium continuous, irregularly branched. Zocecia alternate, in two series, facing opposite ways, and each springing from the upper and posterior part of that immediately preceding; oral opening facing directly or obliquely upwards, entirely occupied by the operculum ; a slight ridge on each side of the zocecium, probahly indicating a shallow anterior compartment,.]
Description. — Zocecia arranged in a double series facing- opposite ways, alternate, elongated, sub-cylindrical, lmt narrowed below and projecting in front ; mouth terminal, oblique, lower margin straight, upper semicircular, with usually five short, stiff spines. Ooecia large, smooth, imbedded in the front of the zocecium above.
Reference. — P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict,, Nov. 1884.
Port Phillip Heads, dredged by Mr. Wilson and myself.
Forms small tufts about an inch high. The zooecia bear a marked resemblance to those of Calwellia bicornis, although there is not the same peculiar mode of connection. On the lower lip there is on each side a minute mark or pit, and immediately beloAV a small median pore.
Explanation of Figures. Platk 105. — Fig. 3, specimen, natural size. Fig. 3a, portion of the same, magnified. Fig. 3b, two zocecia, more highly magnified. Fig. 4, small portion of another specimen, mounted in balsam by 'Sir. Wilson, seen by transmitted light, showing two ocecia.
Plate 105, Figs. 5-7.
URCEOLIPORA NANA (McG.).
Description. — Zocecia elongated, urceolate, mouth terminal, opening nearly vertically upwards, lower lip hollowed, with a projecting, sub-triangular process on each side, sometimes bearing a small avicularium. Ooecia with the surface minutely cribriform or marked with radiating beaded lines.
References. — P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict. 1880; ? CaUymmo- p/iord lucida, Busk, Challenger Polyzoa, p. 84, pi. xxxii., fig. 8.
Port Phillip Heads.
This species forms small, dichotomously branched, rigid tufts, about half an inch high, growing on Retepora and other Polyzoa.
C 19 ]
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
It differs from the last in its stouter habit, the mouth opening more directly upwards, the single sub-triangular process on each side, and the radiately marked or cribriform ocecia.
Explanation op Figures.
Plate 105. — Fig. 5, specimen, natural size. Fig. 5a, portion of same, magnified. Fig. 5b, another portion, more highly magnified. Fig. 6, two cells and radiately marked oajcium (from dried specimen), viewed in front. Fig. 7, portion of a specimen mounted in balsam, showing cribriform ocecia and portions of loose epitheca.
These two species form a well-marked genus, for the second of which I proposed in 1880 the name Urceolipora. Mr. Busk, in the Challenger Polyzoa, having no doubt overlooked my previous description and figure, describes a form which is probably identical with U. nana as Callymmophora lucida, taking the name from the loose veil-like disposition of the epitheca. I have not had an opportunity of examining living or spirit-preserved specimens, but I believe that this will probably be found a characteristic feature. It is shown partly in figures 4 and 7, as well as in my original figure, which are taken from specimens beautifully mounted in balsam by Mr. J. B. Wilson ; and shreds of the membrane can also be detected in some of my dried specimens.
I am indebted to Mr. MacGillivray for the descriptions and specimens of the Polyzoa on this plate.
Frederick McCoy.
[ 20 ]
* (
I'l 106
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA fPotyxocv
,;:"■■ -.\r,'r
Zoology.} NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 106, Fig. 1.
AMPHIBLESTRUM PUNCTIGERUM (ITincks).
[Genus AMPHIBLESTRUM (Gray). (Sub-king. Mollusca. Class Tolyzoa. Order Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Membraniporidse.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium encrusting. Zooecia with the aperture occupying the whole front or with part of the zooecium produced below; aperture partly filled in by an additional membranous or usually calcareous lamina.]
Description. — Zooecia variously shaped, separated by raised smooth margins; aperture occupying' the whole front, except a very narrow space below and at the sides which is rilled in by a thin, calcareous, smooth or faintly granular membrane. Oeccia large, faintly granular, with a mitriform or quadrate portion in front separated try a narrow raised lino.
Reference. — Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1881.
Port Phillip Heads, on algae.
This seems to be a rare species, as I have only seen two or three not very good specimens. The zooecia are of a large size and very variable in shape. The raised margins are narrow and smooth. There is a very narrow calcareous membrane, sometimes scarcely distinguishable, on the lower part and extending up the sides. The mitriform or quadrate space on the front of the ocecium seems to be caused by a deficiency of the outer layer at this part.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 106. — Fig. 1, small portion of a specimen, showing the various shapes of the zooecia, the irregularity in extent of the calcareous thickening of the membrane, and three ooecia.
I have followed Busk (in the Challenger Polyzoa) in considering those Membraniporrc with the membranous aperture partly filled by a thicker chitinous or calcareous lamina as a distinct genus, and have adopted his name derived from Gray. Gray, however, originally proposed the name for M. membranacea, which in my opinion ought to be taken as the type of the true Membraniporas, the name having been first applied to it by Blainville. Gray, moreover, makes no reference to an additional thickening of the membranous front, which in met does not exist in M. membranacea. Those species previously described in this work as Membraniporae and which are referable to the present genus are M. umbonata,
cervicornis, and Rosselii.
[21 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Pohjzoa.
Plate IOC, Fig. 2.
AMPHIBLESTRUM FLEMINGII (Busk).
Description. — Zocecia large, variously shaped, surface granular ; inner aperture large, obscurely trifoliate; a spine on each side. A sessile avicularium at the base of a zocecium, with the mandible directed upwards or laterally. Ocecia large, prominent.
References. — Busk, Cat. Mar. Pol. Brit. Mus , pt. ii., p. 58, pi. lxxxiv., fig's. 3-0 ; Ilincks, Brit. Mar. Polyzoa, p. 162, pi. xxi., figs. 1-3.
Fort Phillip Heads, dredged by Mr. J. B. Wilson and myself.
I have only seen two small fragments of this species, hut I have no doubt that it is identical with M. Flemingii, although differing in size and appearance of the ooecia from those of the only European specimen I have. In the Victorian specimens the zocecium is generally produced below the margin, and it is in this part that the avicularium is situated. The mandible is usually pointed directly upwards, but it is occasionally transverse to the zocecium. In the European form there are generally two avicularia at the base of a zooecium. In my specimens most of the zocecia are destitute of spines, and when present there is only one on each side. The ooecia are very large, some with a space marked off in front, but most without any differentiation.
Explanation of Figure. Flatio 100. — Fig. 2, portion of specimen, magnified, showing' ovicells ami avicularia.
Plate 100, Fig. 3.
AMPHIBLESTRUM PERMUNITUM (Hincks).
Description. — Zoarium very cnlcareous. Zooccia variously shaped, wider in the middle, separated hy raised, crenulated margins ; secondary aperture occupying- nearly half of the front of the zooccia, somewhat fpindrate, hut wider below; front of zocecium helow the secondary aperture porcellanous, finely tuhercular and crenulated at the edge. Avicularia on special tracts at the hase of smaller zocecia; mandihle falcate, with an expanded hase, directed obliquely upwards. Ocecia small, prominent, finely granular, with a crescentic smooth hand about the junction of the upper with the middle third.
Reference.— Mcmbranipora permunita, Hincks, Ann. and Mns\ Nat. Hist., Feb. 1881. P P > >
Port Phillip Heads ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone.
[ 22]
Zoohyy.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
I had previously (Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict. 1868) described this as M. falcata, but as my description was taken from a single imperfect specimen, it was scarcely exact enough. I have there- fore adopted the name subsequently given to it by Mr. Ilincks, who described it from better specimens. The whole zoarium is very calcareous, the calcareous lamina of the membranous aperture being thick and granular. The avicularia are very peculiar. They are situated on special tracts at the base of small, imperfectly developed zocecia intercalated among the others. The inaudible is falciform, the concave edge thick, the other formed by a thin membrane ; it expands at each side at the base, like the cross-piece of the handle of a sword. The ocecia are prominent, globose, and divided by a concentric smooth band, the part below which is finely granular, the part above being smooth, or with coarser granulations.
Explanation of Figure. Plate 106. — Fig. 3, small portion of a. specimen, magnified, .showing an avicularium and two occeia.
Plate 106, Fig. 4.
PYRIPOEA CRASSA (McG.).
[Genus PYRIPORA (D'Orbigny). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Membraniporidaj.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium adherent. Zooeeia distinct, thick, calcareous, convex, not separated by raised lines, narrowed below, in branched single series or forming continuous expansions ; a large oblique aperture in front, filled by a thin membrane.]
Description. — Zooeeia. large, much attenuated downwards, surface not anuu- lated ; aperture large, its margin thickened, with a thick, lip-like projection from the lower border.
Reference. — Hippolhoa crassa, P. II. MacGillivray, Trans. Hoy. Soc. Vict. 1808.
Queenscliff.
Differs from P. catenularia in the thick projection from the lower margin of the aperture, and from P. polita in the absence of the thick lateral masses.
Explanation of Figure. Plate 106. — Fig. 4, portion of a specimen, magnified.
[ 23]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [l'ol,,zoa.
Pyripora forme a very natural genus, and was first proposed by D'Orbigny, but its species have generally been included in Hippo- thoa, with which it has no real connection, or in Membranipora. The chief distinction from the other Membraniporidse consists in the zocecia being very calcareous, thick, convex, much narrowed below, and not separated by raised margins. The habit also is to run in irregular, branching series.
Plate 10G-, Fig. 5. PYRIPORA CATENULARIA (Jameson).
Description. — Zocecia elongated, wide above, much narrowed below, arranged in linear or branching- series, or occasionally aggregated ; surface smooth or annotated; aperture oval or elliptical, occupying greater part of the expanded portion ; margin flattened or bevelled, especially below.
References. — Hippothoa calenularia, Busk, Cat. Mar. Pol. Brit. Mus., pt. i., p. 09, pi. xviii., figs. 1,2; Membranipora catenularia, Hincks, Brit. Mar. Pol., p. 134, pi. xvii., figs. 1, 2.
Port Phillip Heads ; Brighton.
I can detect no difference between this and the common European form. In my specimens the bevelled margin of the aperture is frequently granular.
Explanation of Figuke. Plate 106. — Fig. 5, portion of a specimen in branching series, magnified.
Plate 10G, Fig. 6.
PYRIPORA POLITA (Hincks).
Description. — Zocecia very porcellanous, usually close together, narrowed downwards; aperture occupying about a third or more of the front; below the aperture a rounded or oval protuberance and on each side an oval or elliptical mass; sometimes these convexities are not distinctly marked, and there is occasionally a thickened collar all round the aperture, and there are sometimes several transverse markings across the front of the zooecium.
Reference. — Membranipora polita, Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Nov. 1880.
Queenscliff, on Cymodocea antarctica.
[24]
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \_Po/,,zoa.
Very conspicuous from the highly porcellaneous character of the zocecia with their polished convexities. At the growing extremity of one specimen the zocecia spread irregularly in the manner of P. catenularia. I have little doubt that this is the species described by Lamouroux as Cellipora alata.
Explanation of Figure. Plate 106. — Fig. 6, small portion of specimen, magnified.
Plate 106, Fig. 7.
ELECTRA FLAGELLUM (McG.).
[Genus ELECTRA (Lamx.). (Sub-king. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Earn. Membraniporidae.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium encrusting or filiform and erect. Zocecia elongated, narrowed below, closely adherent together ; lower part convex without distinct raised margins, perforated by numerous small foramina ; aperture occupying the whole width of the zocecium above, deep, with thick raised margins ; one or more very large whip-like spines (occasionally replaced by an avicularium) below the margin of the aperture and a variable number of small sharp spines on its circumference.]
Description. — Zocecia arranged in regular transverse series, elongate-quadrate; aperture occupying the whole width of the zocecium above, its edge very prominent and thus causing the corresponding parts of the zocecia to be separated by much- raised margins ; lower part of zocecium convex, surface closely pitted and extending a little further up one side than the other; a stout conical spine superiorly on each side ; an enormous whip-like spine below the aperture to one side, and one or occasionally two small spines on the margin on the other side.
Reference. — Membranipora flagellum, P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., Dec. 1881.
QueensclifF, on stems of Cymodocea antarctica.
The only species with which this can be confounded is E. pilosa, from which it differs in the arrangement of the zoaicia in regular transverse series, in the lower part being produced more up one side of the aperture, and in the long spine being to one side. The oral opening is situated very deeply. The upper margin of the zocecium forms a deep arched vault against the base of that above, and is surrounded by a continuation of the thickened rim of the aperture. All my specimens present the same arrangement, which is also slightly seen in some specimens of E. pilosa. It is possibly ocecial, and may consequently not be constant.
Vol. II.— Decade XI.— e. " 25 \
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Pofyzoa.
The present species, Membranipora pilosa and E. verticillata, constitute a well-marked generic group. In all three the zocecium is of the same structure, the lower part, separated from its neighbours by a groove, is convex, covered with oval puncta or depressions. The aperture occupies the whole width of the upper part of the zocecium, its margins thickened and those of contiguous zocecia closely united. One large spine seems to be nearly constant (sometimes replaced by an avicularium) below the aperture, and there are other smaller spines on different parts of the margin. In E. verticillata the cells are trumpet-shaped, and the aperture consequently very oblique.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 106. — Figs. 7, 7a, portion magnified, the lower half the amplification of the upper.
Plate 106, Fig. 8.
BATHYPORA PORCELLANA (McG.).
[Genus BATHYPORA (McG.). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundi- bulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Memhraniporidae.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium encrusting. Zocecia in longitudinal series, quadrate, separated by raised lines ; lower part calcareous, convex, much projecting, smooth and imperforate ; aperture occupying the whole width of the upper part, deep, membranous, with a narrow smooth lamina below.]
Description. — The zocecia are quadrate, separated by narrow raised margins; the upper half is occupied by a membranous area, the membrane being- situated at a considerable depth, with the flap-shaped mouth at the upper end; the lower half is prominent, smooth, white, calcareous, rising- higher than the separating- margin. The upper end of the zocecium is in the form of a broad shallow arch hollowed out in the base of the prominent portion of that above.
Reference. — Membranipora porccllana, P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., Nov. 1884.
Portland, Mr. Maplestone.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 106. — Fig. 8, portion of specimen, magnified. Fig. 8a, small group of zooecia, more highly magnified.
[ 26 ]
Zoology.-} NATURAL BISTORT OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate IOC, Fig. 9.
BIFLUSTRA PAPULIFERA (McG-.).
[Genus BIFLUSTRA (D'Obbigny). (Sub-king. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Membraniporidse.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium encrusting or erect, foliaceons or cellular, uni- or bi-laminar ; zooecia depressed, elongated, separated by much raised, highly calcified, usually crenulated margins ; aperture partially filled in below and occasionally on the sides bj a calcareous usually granulated lamina, which generally slopes downwards from the margin]
Description. — Zoarium encrusting-. Zooecia arranged in more or less regular, contiguous lines, narrowed below, oval ; aperture very slightly rilled in below ; margin thickened, strongly crenulated, the lower part raised into a rounded prominence.
Reference. — Membranipora papulifera, P. H. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., Dec. 1881.
Port Phillip Heads, Mr. J. Bracebridge Wilson.
Explanation of Figure. Plate 106. — Fig. 9, group of zotecia, magnified.
Platk 100, Fig. 10.
BIFLUSTRA BIMAMILLATA (McG.).
Description. — Zoarium encrusting. Zooecia elongated; aperture elliptical, the edge formed by a tbickened, crenulated rim; the lower part of the aperture occupied by a large plate or denticle sloping backwards and usually with a fissure or notch on one side; front of the zocecium formed by a calcareous granulated lamina sloping inwards to the aperture ; at the lower part of the zocecium are two rounded prominences or mamillag, or occasionally only a single transversely elongated mass.
Reference. — Membranipora bimamillala, P. II. MacGillivray, Trans. Roy. Soc. Vict., Nov. 1884.
The broad smooth plate at the lower part of the aperture is evidently of the same nature as the serrated denticle of B. delicatula.
Explanation of Figure. Plate 106. — Fig. 10, portion of specimen, magnified.
The descriptions and type specimens illustrated by this plate are from Mr. MacGillivray.
Frederick McCoy.
[ 27 ]
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ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA (Potyzoa)
Prof Xc Coy Jva>
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Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Pohfzao.
Plate 107, Fio. 1. CATENICELLOPSLS PUSILLA (J. B. Wilson).
[Genus CATENICELLOPSIS (J. B. Wilson). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Ortler Infundibulata. Sub-order Oheilostomata. Fam. Catenicollidaj).
Gen. Char. — Polyzoary phytoid. erect, consisting of (usually) dicbotomously divided, uniserial branches ; cells all facing the same way, arising by sbort, corneous tubes from the upper and back part, or from the sides of other cells ; cells at a bifurcation geminate, or a simple cell giving rise to the first of a series from its side ; a small avicularium on either side superiorly.]
Description. — Cells ovoid; mouth lofty, arched ahove, straight below; a pair of long-, blunt, hollow processes above the mouth, and another pair, shorter and thicker, opposite its lower part, with usually a minute avicularium at their bases externally; front with a rounded foramen below the mouth; surface smooth or minutely papillose ; back smooth ; ovicell immersed at the base of the upper of a group of three coalescent cells.
Reference. — J. Bracebridge Wilson, Tr. Mic. Soc. Vict. 1880.
Spring Creek, near Geelong, Mr. J. B. Wilson.
This species forms small glassy tufts, growing on other polyzoa and algffi. The cells are ovoid, slightly curved forwards. The mouth is lofty and slopes backwards. Ahove and behind the mouth is, on each side, a long, blunt, digitiform process, and more anteriorly, opposite its lower half, is a shorter, thicker, and usually curved, similar process, which frequently has a small avicularium on its outer aspect. On the front of the cell is a round or oval opening raised on a slight elevation. The cells usually extend in linear series from the upper and back part of those preceding ; but they frequently originate by short, corneous tubes from their sides. The branches arise from the cells of a geminate pair, from the sides of single cells in a series, dichotomously from a single terminal cell, or in three series from a geminate pair. The ovicell is immersed in the base of the upper of a tricellate group, which is either terminal or at a bifurcation. It is covered with tubercles or raised pores.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 107. — Fig. 1, specimen, natural size. Fig. la, small portion, magnified, showing tricellate group and ovicell. Fig. lb, posterior view of the same. Fig. \c, small portion, show- ing the origin of cells and branches from the sides of other cells.
[29 ]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 107, Pio. 2.
CATENICELLOPSIS DELICATULA (J. B. Wilson).
Description. — Cells elongated; mouth arched above, hollowed, slightly bulg- ing below; on each side abroad aviculnrian process, directed outwards and forwards, extending from the summit of the cell to opposite the lower lip, and with a deep excavation lodging an avicularium ; surface smooth ; a short narrow, sub-lateral vitta on each side; posterior surface finely sulcate; ovicell globular, sub-immersed in the base of the upper of two coalescent cells.
Reference. — J. Bracebridge Wilson, Tr. Mic. Soc. Vict. 1880.
Spring Creek, Mr. J. B. Wilson. Port Phillip Heads.
This, like the last, occurs in small, glassy, parasitic tufts. The cells are elongated, and have on each side a small sub-lateral vitta. There is also on each side a broad, lateral process, directed consider- ably forwards, the outer part of which has a deep cup containing an avicularium. The ovicell is cemented to the base of the upper of two coalescent cells, the lower of which has, in the place of the usual avicularian process, a stout, blunt, digitiform prolongation.
Explanation or Figures.
Plate 107. — Fig. 2, specimen, natural size. Fig. 2a, small portion, magnified, showing ovicell and origin of three branches from a geminate pair.
I am doubtful whether Catenicellopsis ought to be separated from Catenicella. The character on which the genus has been founded is the frequent origin of the cells and branches from the sides of the cells, and not always from the summits of the cells of geminate pairs, as seems invariably to occur in the true Catenicellce.
[ 30 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. • [Potgzoa.
Plate 107, Fig. 3.
CALPIDIUM PONDEROSUM (Goldstein sp.).
[Genus CALPIDIUM (Busk). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundibu- lata. Sub-order Cbeilostotuata. Faui. Cateuicellida?.)
Gen. Char. — Polyzoary phytoid, erect, brancbed ; brandies consisting of series of cells all facing tbe same way, connected by corneous tubes ; eacb internode consisting of a single cell, or of a median primary cell and a lateral, on one or botb sides, united side to side ; moutb contracted about the lower third, its upper margin very prominent and projecting ; an avicu- larium on each upper, angle of an internode.]
Description. — Polyzoary consisting of long, strangling- branches; eacb inter- node containing a single cell, or two laterally coalescent; cells elongated, narrow, witb five fenestra? on tbe front of eacb; an avicnlarium at eacb upper angle of tbe internodes; posterior surface witb a vertical baud, and two lateral pairs springing from it ; ovicell large, galeate, terminal.
Reference. — Catcnicclla ponderosa, Goldstein, Tr. Mic. Soc. Vict. 1880.
Port Phillip Heads.
Forms tufts of considerable size. The branches are much more slender and straggling than in the next. Each internode usually consists of only a single cell, but very frequently there is also a coalescent one on the side. It is to be expected that a second lateral cell sometimes occurs, hut I have not observed it in any of the specimens examined. The cells are long, and narrower than in C. ornatum. On the hack, in the single-celled internodes, there is a vertical, thickened band, with a pair of similar hands extending from its lower part obliquely upwards and outwards to the edge, and another short pair going horizontally outwards from the upper part. The arrangement of the bands in the double-celled internodes varies. The ovicell is large, galeate, on the summit of a terminal cell. The cell on which it is situated is narrower and smaller than the others, and has the fenestra more elongated. The posterior surface has some slightly elevated bands. The
[ 3i i
Zoology.} NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
external envelope is very calcareous and brittle, easily separating in fragments or as a shell from the internal parts, and then giving the appearance described and figured by Goldstein.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 107 — Fig. 3, branch, natural size. Fig. 3a, portion, magnified, showing single- and double-celled iuternodes. Fig. 36, back view of a portion of the same. Fig. 3c, small portion, more highly magnified, to show the form of the mouth.
The type specimens and descriptions of the species on this plate have been contributed by my friend Mr. MacGillivray.
Frederick McCoy.
[32]
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HI 108
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
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Zoology.) NATURAL IIISToKY OF VTCTOlirA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 108, Fig. 1. CALPIDIUM ORNATUM (Busk).
Description. — Polyzoary consisting- of broad, closely set branches; internodes of three, or occasionally of two, laterally coalescent cells; cells very large, with five large fenestra on each ; posterior surface with a central, thickened band, correspond- ing to the middle of the median cell, and two pairs of transverse bands going at right angles from this, the upper again dividing.
Reference.— Busk, Brit. Mus. Cat. Mar. Pol, p. 15, PI. XII. and XIII.
Port Phillip Heads, seemingly very rare.
The only specimen I have, which I dredged in about 1 5 fathoms, forms a thick tuft, about 3 inches high. The branches are broad, closely set, fiat, almost penniform in arrangement. The internodes, which are broad and urn-shaped, usually consist of three coalescent cells, but occasionally one lateral is wanting. At each upper angle, whether the internode consists of two or three cells, is a large avicularium. Almost the whole front of each cell is occupied by 5 fenestras, separated by raised bands. The posterior surface is marked by a vertical, thickened band, corresponding to the central line of the median or primary cell ; from this two pairs of bands are given off at right angles, the upper of which again gives oft' another branch, which ascends vertically and then turns horizontally outAvards.
The ovicell, for specimens of which I am indebted to Mr. J. B. Wilson, very much resembles that of Catenicella plagiosfo?iia. It is terminal, of great size, equalling in width the preceding tricellular internode, with the summit of the middle cell of which it is connected by a short tube. It is obscurely triangular in outline, with the apex produced into a simple, sharp, or bifid process. On the front is a prominent vertical ridge. The opening is very wide, looking downwards and slightly forwards; the margin is thickened, especially anteriorly, where it forms a broad collar. A specimen, which is unfortunately somewhat damaged, mounted in balsam, shows a shallow operculum with its
Vol. II.— Decade XL—/. ~ 33 ~
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
base supported by two calcareous processes rising vertically from the thickened posterior margin of the mouth.
It is at once distinguished from the last by its much larger size, more massive appearance, the usually tricellate internodes, and the different sculpture on the back.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 108. — Fig. 1, portion of branch, natural size. Fig. lor, front view of two internodes, magnified. Fig. \b, portion of branch in outline, to show internodes of two and of three cells. Fig. \c, back of single internode.
The genus Calpidium was founded by Busk to contain C. ornatum, the character being that "it is distinguishable by the anomalous circumstance that each cell is furnished with two or more, usually with three distinct keyhole-shaped mouths, and is doubtless inhabited by three distinct individuals." The genus is a very marked and natural one, but the real distinction is not in the number but in the structure of the mouths. The mouth is lofty, contracted about the junction of the middle with the lower third ; above this the margin is very prominent, and projects as a hood or collar, slightly hollowed in the centre above, from which point (in the median or primary cells) a narrow ridge runs upwards. Each internode consists of a primary cell, either single, or with an additional cell added on one or both sides. The cells of a series, except at a bifurcation, always arise from the summit of a primary cell. At a bifurcation in C. ornatum one branch springs from the primary cell, the other from one of the laterals, Avhich has also a vertical ridge above the aperture ; while in C. ponderosum both cells at a bifurcation have a similar ridge. In continuous series, where the internodes are double-celled, the secondary cell seems to be always developed on the same side. At each upper angle of the internode, whether consisting of 1, 2, or o cells, there is a considerable avicularium .
Catenicella aurita and C. geminata have the mouth of a similar shape, but destitute of the raised margin, They ought, I think, to be separated as a distinct genus.
[ 34]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 108, Fro. 2.
CHLIDONIA D.EDALA (Wtv. Thomson).
[Genus CHLIDONIA (Savignt). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order [nfundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Fam. Chlidoniidae.)
Gen. Char. — Polyzoary plrytokl, erect, rising from a creeping stolon ; cells in single series, rising from the joints of an articulated, non-celliferous stem, all opening the same way.]
Description. — The stem of each colony rises by a corneous tube from a disk on the dilatation of a creeping-, anastomising stolon. It consists of a series of long, calcareous cylinders connected by corneous tubes. The upper internode divides into two, each division originating a branch extending in a curved direction out- wards, upwards, and forwards. These are divided into calcareous internodes con- nected by corneous tubes, as in the primary stem. A certain number (2-7 or 8) of the internodes give origin superiorly to the first cells of an erect series. The lateral branch ends in a simple or divided tendril-like filament, jointed in the same manner. The cells are arranged in erect, linear series, each connected to the upper part of the preceding b}r a short, corneous tube. The number varies from 1 to 5 or G in each series, being greatest in those nearest the bifurcation of the central stem. The ultimate cell of each series usually gives rise at its summit to a tendril-like prolongation of similar structure to the extremities of the lateral branches. The cells are wide above, narrowed below, laterally compressed, and very much bulging posteriorly. The anterior surface is flattened, the greater part occupied by a thinner, depressed area separated by distinct margins. The large mouth, situated at the upper part, is rounded above and straight below. Below the mouth there is usually a small, round foramen. Some of the cells are much larger, but not otherwise different, and are probably ovicelligerous.
It is a very minute species growing on other polyzoa, chiefly Bicellaria. When extended, the whole has a very beautiful appearance, resembling a two-branched candelabrum.
It was made the type of a new genus by Wyville Thomson (Dubl. Nat. Hist. Rev. 1858), and described as Cothumicella dcedala. It is, however, exceedingly closely allied to the Mediter- ranean Eucratea cordieri, and will probably prove to be a luxuriant form of that species. As, however, the only specimen I have of the latter is not in a very good state of preservation, I am unable to decide positively. Waters's description (Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Feb. 1879), the only one with which I am acquainted, would precisely apply to our species.
D'Orbigny (Paleontologie Francaise, and V. Bryozoaires, p. 40) first defines Chlidonia, referring to the name as given bv Savigny
[35 ]
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \Pdyzoa.
on one of his plates, and to Audouin's explanation of the plate as Eucratea cordieri. As priority seems to be with Savigny's name, and Eucratea has by different authors been made to include other species generically distinct (Scruparia cJielata, Alysidium Lafontii, Crisidia cornuta), it is, I think, better to follow D'Orbigny.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 108. — Fig. '2, specimen, natural size. Fig. 2a, specimen, magnified. Fig. 2Z», lateral half of another specimen, more highly magnified.
The specimens and descriptions of these two curious forms are from Mr. MacGillivray.
Frederick McCoy.
[ 30 ]
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ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
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Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [/meets.
Plate 109, Figs. 1-3.
LOCUSTA VIGENTISSIMA (Sebv.).
The Great Green Gum-teee Grasshopper.
[Genus LOCUSTA (Fade.). (Sub-kingd. Articulata. Class Insecta. Order Orthop- tera. Section Saltatoria. Fam. Gryllidae).
Gen. Char. — Head vertical, front flattened, sides rounded, smooth, unridged, upper front margin projecting between bases of antennae in a short, conical tubercle. Antennae setaceous, longer than the body, closely approximated at base ; 1st joint* as large as the frontal tubercle ; 2nd joint short. Eyes globular; ocelli none. Labrurn sinal, rounded at tip ; mandible Btrong ; maxillary palpi much longer than the labial ; terminal joint scarcely, or but little, larger than the preceding, moderately widened at tip, and obliquely truncated. Legs long, slender; thighs very slender, Blightly spinous below; anterior haunches with a curved spine on outer side; anterior pair of tibia? in both sexes with a swelling on the outer side of the basal joint, con- taining a hollow which is in great part covered over with a semioval lobe ; the 4 anterior tibia? strongly spinous ; posterior tibia) with fine, close, numerous, minute spines on the two upper keels, in addition to those below ; tarsi 4-jointed, the 3rd with 2 very large lobes, basal and 2nd joint witli smaller lobes. Prothorax with a flat disc, obscurely keeled at the deflexed sides, a little narrowed in front; presternum with 2 long, straight, close spines; meso- and nieta- sternum each divided longitudinally by a wide sulcus, each side bearing a conical, pointed tubercle. Tegmina long, rounded at tip, extending beyond the tip of the abdomen ; stridulating spot of right one transparent and glossy in middle ; hind wings equalling the tegmina in length. Abdominal appendages thick, short; sub-anal plate in male bent upwards, not extending beyond the abdomen, with lateral, setaceous appendages ; ovipositor very long, narrow, straight, a little wider at base ; valves 6, pointed, slightly hollowed above.]
Description. — Male: Head yellowish-brown, with a green patch on each side; tubercle between bases of antenna: conical, horizontal, divided by a mesial groove ; front of head and labrum ferruginous tawny-yellow ; maxillary and labial palpi green in most specimens. Eyes large, very prominent, yellowish-brown, mottled. Prothorax tawny-brown above, saddle-shaped, nearly smooth, with a i'ew transverse lines above; deflected sides green, rugosely pitted, and wrinkled; each of the three segments of the sternum with 2 conical spines, those of the front segment most slender and acute. Tegmina, or anterior wings, dull " gum-leaf " green, with the longitudinal vein very thick, prominent, and yellowish-brown; stridulating, bright, mica-like organ at base of left (or upper, when at rest) tegmina, very large, iridescent, opaline, surrounded by ridged, rugged, yellowish-brown margins, that of right tegmina with very bright, central spot; hinder wings transparent, almost colorless, tinged with green, veins green, equalling the tegmina in length when at rest, and extending nearly half their length beyond the abdomen; under part of body and all the legs yellowish-brown, tinged with greenish below and at the joints above ; femora of all the legs channelled below, the bounding ridges set each with a row of small spines, very much smaller on the posterior thighs than on the four anterior ones; keels of the tibiae set with curved, sharp spines, much larger on the two anterior pairs than on the posterior pair ; cavity in swollen base of anterior tibiae reduced to a long-, narrow slit; antennae extending about one-fourth of their length be}'ond the end of abdomen, of a brownish color. Length of male from
* 1 notice a perforated papilla, or foramen, on the anterior or lower base of the basal joint of the Antenna, like the opening to the eara in the base of the large antennae ol the Macrouroua cnutacea, and these, I thiol', may also be the organs of bearing ; the positions of which have not as yet been indicated in in
[ 37 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Zresccte.
between eyes to end of abdomen, 1 in. 6 lines; lengtb of eacb tegmina, 1 in. 11 lines, to 2 ins. 1 line; length of antennas, 1 in. 11 lines; length of appendages, from bifid anal plate, about \ line ; length of two upper appendages, lh lines. The sub- pentagonal, horizontal, inner basal angle of tegmina containing the stridulating organ is about as long as the head and prothorax, and of the same brownish color in some, greenish in others; the rest of the tegmina abruptly deflexed. Proportional measure- ments : Male — Length of tegmina, 1 in. 10 lines ; length from fore part of head to end of abdomen, yVo 5 length of antenna?, x^nfj length of hind thigh, Tr^°0. Female: Coloring as in the male, except the inner angles at base of tegmina, which are minutely reticulated, and of the same consistence and color as the rest of the tegmina. Length from base of antenna? to end of abdomen, excluding ovipositor, 1 in. 4 lines to 1 in. 7 lines; ovipositor, 1 in. 4 lines; appendages above base, 1 line ; length of hind thigh, 1 in. 3 lines; length of hind tarsus, 1 in. 3 lines; length of each tegmina, 2 ins. 3^ lines; expanse from tip to tip, 4 ins. 6 lines; greatest width of tegmina, 6| lines. Proportional measurements (length of tegmina taken as 100) : greatest width of tegmina, y^ ; length of hind wing, xsVs greatest width, -/^ ; length of antennae, TVo 5 length of prothorax, xo%5 length of ovipositor, T%°<y ; length of hind thigh, -{±\.
Reference. — Audinet Serville Hist. Nat. des Ins. Orthop., p. 530.
The family of GryHidce, or the Grasshoppers, is composed of a number of genera of insects often confounded with the Locustidce, or the Locusts, to which they are most nearly allied, but from which they may be easily distinguished by the more slender body, the very long antennae, exceeding the body in length, and the abdomen of the female being terminated by a very long, stiff, multivalve ovipositor, about as long as the abdomen ; and the base of the anterior wings or elytra of the male having usually each a round talc-like spot (unsymmetrical, the right differing from that of the left side), for producing the peculiar chirping song or call for the female. This latter structure is surrounded with prominent veins, those of the under-side of the left one being most prominent and lying; over the right one when the wings are closed ; the sound being produced by rubbing the bases of the wing-cases one over the other. In the Grasshoppers generally the legs are long and slender, and the delicate wings usually extend far beyond the end of the abdomen when folded at rest. The anterior tibiae of both legs have an oval pit closed by a talc-like plate in the slightly dilated base ; the functions of these curious peculiarities being unknown, although Glaus in his Lehrbuch der Zoologie suggests they may be the organs of hearing. This from their position and want of otolites is unlikely (and I have suggested the cavity opening in the basal joint of the antennae to be the organ of
[38 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL BISTORT OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
hearing as in the macrourous Crustacea). The long ovipositor of the female is composed of six pieces, and can be thrust to its full depth into the earth, and then separated to allow the eggs to pass between them ; the female after depositing a few eggs withdraws the ovipositor, and bores into another spot. Unlike the Locusts and the Field Crickets, which keep chiefly on the ground, the Grasshoppers frequent the branches of trees in moist places, feeding on the leaves, which they generally resemble in color ; most species, therefore, being green, and not variegated with the gay colors so often seen in the Locusts. The Grass- hoppers of any species are not so numerous as the Locusts in individuals, and — not forming swarms — are not dreaded as plagues.
The young, on escaping in spring from the egg laid in autumn, are like the parents, except in size, and wanting the wings. At first the two sexes are alike, but after the first moult (about two months old) the ovipositor of the female begins to grow. In the pupa condition they resemble the larvae in shape and activity, but have rudimentary wings projecting a little way from the second and third joints of the thorax. Their hearing is very acute, as the males stop their song on the slightest noise.
It is unfortunate that the generic name Locusta should be applied to a highly typical group of Grasshoppers congeneric with the present fine species, differing altogether from the Locusts in the very long antenna;, long ovipositor of the females, and the stridulating, mica-like organ at base of tegmina of males. The generic name Phasgonura, applied to them by Prof. Westwood, has not the priority, or else it would be preferable.
The pupae of the male and female resemble the adults, except that the elytra and wings are not more than half the length of the abdomen.
This L. vigentissima of Australia is so like the L. viridissinut (Linn, sp.), or Great Green Grasshopper of France and England, in general appearance and many details of structure that it would be easy to mistake one for the other if the great difference of locality did not draw attention to the valid specific distinctions which really exist. It is one of the singularly close imitations
[ 39 ]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
giving rise to the theory of representative species. It exemplifies the fact that one country of given temperature and other geo- graphical characteristics may have indigenous animal inhabitants so nearly resembling in size, shape, color, and habits some inhabitants of an inaccessibly distant country of like character (without appearing in the intervening localities \ that, each animal being suited to its surroundings, and those geographical circumstances being alike, one might fancy that the species should also be alike. As they certainly are not the same, the one species seems as if made on the pattern of the other, or to imitate it so nearly as to give rise to the general recognition of the fact involved in the theory of "Representative Species."
This fine Grasshopper is not very uncommon on gum-trees everywhere in Victoria, the male making a loud shrilling noise in summer. It has not been figured before.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 109 — Fig. I, female, natural size, in flying position. Fig. la, head, magnified two
diameters, to show broad, smooth face without keels or ocelli. Fig. \b, upper lip, magnified three diameters, to show simple, rounded edge. Fig. lc, mandible, magnified three times, to show strongly-toothed edge. Fig. \d, maxilla, magnified three times, to show bifid point, hood, and palpus. Fig. le, labium, magnified three times, to show quadrifid tips and palpi (these two figures accidentally inverted in lithographing). Fig. \f sternum, twice natural size, showing two conical spines on each segment between bases of legs. Fig. !</, hind leg, twice natural size, showing smooth thigh. Fig. lA, four-jointed tarsus, magnified three diameters, viewed sideways. Fig. la', ditto, viewed from below, showing division of basal joint, magnified three times. Fig. Ik, six-valved ovipositor of female, magnified two diameters, showing valves slightly separated, and the appendages at base. Fig. 1/, portion of anterior tibiae, magnified three diameters, to show elongate drum at base, partly covered over by inflection of surface. Fig. 2, male in flying position, natural size. Fig. 2a, same, in resting position, side view. Fig. lb, right elytron, or tegmen, of male, magnified two diameters, to show neuration, and the large, rounded, clear, talc-like spot of the stridulating organ at base, with the coarse, prominent ridges round it. Fig. 2c, portion of left elytron, similarly magnified, to show the difference of the stridulating organ. Fig. 3, female pupa, natural size, showing the shortness of elytra and wings, characteristic of the immature state.
Frederick McCoy.
[40]
PI. J JO
ZOOLOCY OF VICTORIA
( Insects j
DTWi2dd^ahth
A/ M?Cg Itrat
SUnm. hiAe Gwt.Tnntmg Office.
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
Plate 110, Fias. 1-0.
(EDIPODA MUSICA (Fab. sp.).
Australian Yellow-winged Locust.
[Genus CEDIPODA (Latr.). (Sub-kingd. Articulata. Class Insecta. Order Orthoptera. Section Saltatoria. Earn. Locustidae.)
Gen. Char. — Head vertical or nearly so ; anterior face convex, with four vertical keels, two median close, outer ones lateral ; eyes large, oval ; ocelli three, one between tbe two median keels, below base of antenna?, and tbe otbers at inner edge of eye between tbe median and lateral keels, above the base of tbe antennae. Antenna? multiarticulate ; joints indistinct, cylindrical, shorter than head and thorax. Prothorax moderate ; disc flat, with a median keel and another, less distinct, on each side ; anterior half transversely striated. Three sternal pieces between the legs, wide, not armed with spines, smooth, flattened. Feet moderate; four anterior tibia), spinose below; posterior pair with two rows of spines above, except at base; tarsi 3-jointed, with first joint longest, divided into 3 parts below, the last joint with a very small cushion between the claws. Abdomen thick, long, moderately compressed, terminated by four short, pointed pieces, in the female ; sub- anal plate of male extending slightly beyond the end of the abdomen, triangular, pointed, and a little curved upwards, convex below; abdominal appendages short, setaceous. Anterior wings, or tegmina, usually longer than the abdomen, opaque towards the base, with all the transverse nervures almost equally fine, anterior margin narrow ; never dilated nor transparent ; posterior wings usually nearly as long as the tegmina.]
Description. — Head brownish- or yellowish-green, a polished, black, triangular spot below the eye and outside the outer keel and the base of the antenna?; man- dibles bluish at base, with black tips ; prothorax brownish in front, pea-green behind in most specimens, but occasionally dark brown ; keel dark brown, and one or two black blotches on sides ; tegmina extending beyond the abdomen when at rest, basal half of posterior margin nearly opaque and pea-green in most specimens, brown in others, middle and anterior portions dark brown, with one conspicuous, narrow, transverse, whitish, transparent band about one-third of length from base, with an imperfect, similar band or spot about half-way between base and tip ; distal half more transparent, irregularly mottled with transparent, pale brown, irregular spots and dark brown nervures. Posterior wings a little shorter than tegmina, with basal half rich sulphur-yellow, with a slight greenish tinge, beyond which is a broad, brownish-black, opaque band curving from middle of anterior edge to anal angle, where it narrows ; beyond this, the wings are transparent, nearly colorless, with brown nervures and a few dusky spots near tip, but very variable, sometimes forming a large, cloudy, apical spot. Abdomen, antenna;, and anterior feet greenish tawny- brown ; inferior groove of hind thigh bright red ; tarsi and tibiae dull red, with a yellowish band near base of tibiaa ; thighs greenish, with a large blackish, dull red, or purple transverse band on inner side. Length, 1 in. 5 to 0 lines ; length of tegmina, 1 in. 2 lines to 1 in. 6 lines ; width of thorax between bases of tegmina, 3 lines ; length of hind wing, 1 in. 1\ lines; length of antenna?, b\ lines ; male smaller and with proportionately longer antenna, otherwise similar to females, length 1 in. 1 line ; length of antennae, 5| lines. Proportionate measurements — Female (large specimen) : length, 1 in. 7 lines ; tegmina, j%°0- ; hind wing, -ffl-§ ; antenna', i3oV Male: Length, 1 in. \\ lines; tegmina, /'^ ; hind wing, ^j ; antenna?, jl03&. Vars. — The coloring varies considerably, especially in the proportion of green and brown on the head and thorax, the darkness of the brown mottling on the tegmina
Vol. II.— Decade XI. -y. 41 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
and the greater or less distinctness of the mottling or obscurity of the tip of the hind wings. The two most distinct and persistent varieties are the common one, with thorax, and hind margin of tegmina, pea-green, and the other with those parts testaceous brown. The green is also sometimes absent from the thighs, which are then brown, irregularly banded with darker. In other respects the varieties agree.
Reference. — Gryllus musicus, Fabr. Ent. Syst., v. 2, p. 55 == Gryllus pieties, Leach, Zool. Misc., v. 1, t. 25.
The family Locustidce, or the true Locusts, embracing all the migratory sorts, includes a number of genera differing from the Gryllidoe, or Grasshoppers, in the females not having the long exserted ovipositor ; and in having the antennae short, not half the length of the body, and of only 20 to 30 joints, and either cylindrical or fusiform or clavate in shape. The head has three ocelli, or small simple eyes, usually, but never less than one, while they are absent in the Grasshoppers. The tarsi are only 3-jointed, instead of 4-jointed as in the Grasshoppers. The wings in the Locusts never have the talc-like, eye-like stridulating organ at the base of the right anterior wing or tegmen of the male, but produce their song, or shirring chirp, by the totally different method of rubbing the hind femora and tibiae against the hard anterior edge of the deflexed anterior wings or tegmina, the insect standing on the four anterior legs while rapidly scraping the thighs up and down like the bow of a fiddle against the raised edge of the wing- covers ; the thigh of one side being used alternately with that of the other.
Connected apparently with this mode of singing is another structural peculiarity found in all Locusts (of both sexes), and not in Grasshoppers ; this is a semi-oval drum-like cavity (see our Fig. li) just above and behind the base of the hind leg on each side in the last thoracic segment, with a bright reflecting internal plate partially crossing the cavity ; the whole apparently intended to increase the resonance of the sound produced by the scraping of the hind legs on the wing-case edge.
The great size of the muscular thighs of the posterior pair of feet enables the Locusts to jump much higher, further, and more readily than the Grasshoppers, giving an example of muscular power almost unparalleled in the animal kingdom. The hind legs are not used for walking, which is effected by the four anterior feet,
[ «]
Zoobyy>~\ NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
the great jumping posterior pair being held up in ordinary slow walking. This is perhaps the reason why Moses counts the locusts amongst four-footed animals that may be eaten.
The long boring ovipositor of the Grasshoppers is replaced in the Locusts by four short conical plates, two above and two below, the upper ones a little concave above, the lower conoidal. Another general peculiarity of the Locustidce in which they differ from the Grasshoppers is the great width of the middle and hinder sternal pieces of the thorax, separating widely the middle and hinder legs of the right side from those of the left side.
The wonderful migrations of countless millions of individuals of several species of this group — the Locusts — at certain times of the year, in various countries, especially North Africa, Arabia, India, China, and even the warm parts of Europe, have been the subjects of records the most ancient, interesting, and important of all popular references to insects. In most of the countries named, the flights or migrations are approximately from E. to W. (in Victoria they are generally from N. to S.), chiefly carried on by the action of strong winds blowing at the time, as the power of the wings for flight is not great, and the creatures seem to have little or no power of directing their flight, so that the great clouds of locusts raised, and mainly carried, by the wind are unable to avoid a river in their course ; and as each individual's flight is for the most part short, the insects falling into such rivers are in many cases described as forming putrefying heaps of dead bodies many feet high and many miles long, creating a pestilence, while the flight itself often darkens the noon-day sky so that one could not see to read in the houses for hours. When they all alight, as they do at sundown, every trace of green vegetation disappears as if by magic, from the action of their voracious jaws, the places where they pass seeming as if burnt up — the Latin name Locusta being derived (locis uatis) from the parched arid appearance wherever they have been. In nearly all ancient writers the popular or local names of Locusts have reference to their appearance in myriads, or their destructive voracity. For instance, the old Hebrew name for these, Arbch, refers to their multitude at the times of migration ; in Sanskrit,
[ 43 ]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
Patanga, refers to the jumping and advancing of the swarms ; the Chinese names have all the same meaning ; the Greek, aicpig, refers to the belief that they came from the tops of the mountains ; and the Arabic, Djarddoim, is from their gnawing or plucking away every green thing.
The astonishing multitudes of individuals which appear at one time, and apparently march or fly over the land nearly in one direction, constitute in all countries a constant character of these scourges or plagues, and is not clearly explicable at present. The passage is only partially effected by the wings, which are only capable of holding up the body for a short distance ; the prevailing winds are really the most powerful agents for carrying forward these clouds of Locusts, described by all observers ; and it is entirely to the power of currents high in the air that the passage of clouds of Locusts over hundreds of miles of sea is sometimes observed when they fall on ships at sea hundreds of miles from land.
The eggs are generally deposited in autumn in the earth, in parcels of fifty or sixty, slightly glued together. In spring the young appear without tegmina or wings; and, jumping with the hind legs, or walking slowly with the four anterior ones, increase in size, and devour most kinds of vegetation, with a gradual de- velopment of wings at each moult or change of skin, until the autumn, when the flights or migrations take place on the perfection of the wings of a considerable proportion of the individuals. These are always accompanied by a multitude of imperfect younger individuals with short, undeveloped wings, travelling as pedestrians — the " Fiissgangers," as the Germans, and the Dutch Boers in Africa, call them.
Prepared in various ways, the Locusts make good food, especially if mixed with honey, which makes them more easy of digestion ; some nations boiling them with butter ; others roasting the bodies, after taking off the legs and wings, and, with the addition of salt, either eating them fresh or potting them up preserved for future use. Sparmann mentions how fat the delighted Hottentots grow when the Locusts arrive in due season. Many of the lower animals, birds, and mammals, even lions, feed largely on them.
[44]
Zoology.-} NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
As Fabricius does not mention the color of the wings of his G. musicuSj and subsequent writers have quoted that species also from India and the Cape of Good Hope, where I do not think the Australian species occurs; while, on the other hand, Leach's G. pictus is unmistakably our insect, and has never been quoted from any other country, I should have been glad to use Leach's specific name, if it were not certain that Sir Joseph Banks's specimen was our species, and Fabricius's name, founded on that specimen, has the priority.
Very common everywhere in Victoria in the latter part of the summer.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 110. — Fig. 1, female, natural size, flying. Fig. la, side view of end of abdomen of ditto, magnified three diameters, showing the down-turned lower pair of appendages and up-turned upper pair of oviducal plates. Fig. \l>, end view of ditto. Fig. \c, tegmen or anterior wing, magnified twice, to show veining and absence of stridulating organ at base. Fig. Id, bilobed upper lip or labrum, magnified three diameters. Fig. le, powerful, serrated first jaw or mandible, magni- fied three diameters. Fig. If, slender, bidentate maxilla or second jaw, with hood and 5-jointed palpus, magnified three diameters. Fig. Ig, lower lip or labium, with 4-jointed palpi. Fig. Ih, one of the antennae, magnified three diameters. Fig. li, side view of anterior segments of abdomen, to show the stridulating cavity, with its tense membranous cover over base of hind legs, magnified three diameters. Fig. Ik, front view of head, to show the four vertical keels and position of the three stemmata, or small simple eyes, magnified two diameters. Fig. 1/, hind leg, magnified two diameters, to show the chevron-grooving. Fig. \m, side view of 3-joiuted tarsi, magnified three diameters. Fig. In, under view of ditto, to show apparent division of the basal joint. Fig. \o, sternum with bases of six legs, to show wide, flat, smooth, middle and hind segments, and narrow, unarmed front joint. Fig. 2, male, natural size, flying, to show its smaller size and proportionally longer antenna?. Fig. 2a, side view of end of abdomen of male, magnified three diameters, to show the upward-curved sub-anal plate and small appendages. Fig. 2b, ditto, viewed from above, showing pair of small appendages with up-turned end of sub-anal plate between them. Fig. 3, female, natural size, side view. Fig. 4, female, natural size, viewed from above, of variety, with thorax and basal or inner margin of tegmina brown, to show the overlapping of the left anterior wing upon the right when at rest. Fig. 5, pupa, natural size, to show short wings and tegmina. Fig. 6, hind wing, natural size, of very small specimen, to show range of dimensions.
Frederick McCoy.
Voi. II.— -Decade XI.— h, ' 45
CONTENTS OF DECADES.
N.T5. — The originals of all the Figures are in the National Museum, Melbourne.
DECADE I.
Plate 1. — The Black Snake (Pseudochys porphyriacus, Shaw sp.).
Plate 2. — The Copper-head Snake (Hoplocephalus superbus, Giinth.).
Plate 3. — The Tiger Snake (Hoplocephalus curtus, Schl. sp.).
Plate 4. — The Australian Bream (Chrysophrys Australia, Giinth.).
Plate 5. — The Spiny-sided Butterfly-Gurnard (Lepidotrigla Vanessa, Rich. sp.).
Plate 6. — The Kurau Gurnard (Trigla Kumu, Lesson and Garn.).
Plate 7. — The Australian Giant Earth-worm (Megascolides Australis, McCoy).
Plate 8. — Lewin's Day-moth (Agarista Lewini, Boisd.).
The Loranthus Day-moth (Agarista Casuarina?, Scott).
The Vine Day-moth (Agarista Glycine, Lewin sp.). Plate 9. — Pieris (Thyca) Harpalyce (Don. sp.). Plate 10. — Pieris (Thyca) Aganippe (Don. sp.).
DECADE II.
Plate 11. — The Little Whip Snake (Hoplocephalus flagellum, McCoy). The White-lipped Snake
(Hoplocephalus coronoidcs, Giinth.). Plate 12. — The Death Adder (Acanthophis Antarctica, Shaw sp.). Plate 13. — The Carpet Snake (Morelia variegata, Gray). Plate 14. — The Gippsland Perch (Lates colonorum, Giinth.). Plate 15. — The Murray Lobster (Astacoides serratus, Shaw sp.). Plate 16. — The Salmon Arripis (Arripis truttaceus, Cuv. sp.). Adult. Plate 17. — Ditto of the younger forms and coloring. Plate 18. — The Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus, Lin. sp.). Plate 19. — The Small-scaled Rock Cod (Lotella callarias, Giinth.). Plate 20. — The Australian Rock Cod (Pseudophysis barbatus, Giiuth.).
DECADE III.
Plate 21.— The Sea-Leopard Seal (Stenorhynchus leptonyx, de Blainv. sp.).
Plate 22. — The Yellow-sided Dolphin (Delphinus Novae Zealandia?, Quoy and Gaim.).
Plate 23. — The Common Brown Snake (Diemenia superciliosa, Fisch.).
The Small-scaled Brown Snake (Diemenia microlepidota, McCoy). The Shield-fronted Brown Snake (Diemenia aspidorhyncha, McCoy).
Plate 24.— Catenicella margaritacea (Busk). — C. plagiostoma (Busk). — C. ventricosa (Busk). — C. hastata(Busk.)— C. rufa (McG.).— C. cribraria (Busk).— C. alata (Wyv. Thomson).— C. lorica (Busk).— C. formosa (Busk). — C. elegans (Busk).— C. perforata (Busk).— C. Buskii (AVyv. Thomson).— C. Hannafordi (McG.).— C. crystallina (Wyv. Thomson).— C. carinata (Busk). — C. aurita (Busk). — C. geminata (Wyv. Thomson). — C. cornuta (Busk). — C. intermedia (McG.)
Tlate 25. — Mcmbranipora membranacea (Linn, sp.).— M. perforata (McG.).— M. ciliata (McG.). — M. mamillaris (McG.).— M. umbonata (Busk). — M. pilosa (Linn. sp.). — M. cervicoruis (Busk).
Plate 26.— Mcmbranipora dispar (McG.).— M. Woodsii (McG.).— M. lineata (Linn, sp.).— M. Rosselii (Audouin sp.). — M. Lacroixii (Savigny sp.).
Plate 27. — The Australian Rockling (Genypterus Australis, Cast.). The Yarra Blackfish (Gartopsis gracilis, McCoy).
Plate 28. — The Southern Mackerel (Scomber pneumatophorus, De la Roche).
Plate 29. — The Yabber Crayfish (Astacoides bicarinatus, Gray sp.).
Plate 30.— The Large Wattle Goat-Moth (Zeuzera Eucalypti, Boisd. Ilerr.-Schaef.).
CONTENTS OF DECADES.
DECADE IV.
Plate 31. — The Australian Sca-Bcar or Fur-Seal (Euotaria cincrca, Pt'ron sp.).
Plate 32. — The Two-hooded Furina-Snake, Furina bicucullata (McCoy).
Plate 33. — The Banded lied Gurnet-Perch (Sebasles percoides, Solander sp.).
Plate 34. — The Angel-fish (Ilhina squatina, Lin. sp.).
Plate 35. — Lepralia circinata (McG.). — L. Cecilii (Aud.). — L. diaphana (McG.). — L. marsupium
(McG.). — L. subinunersa (McG.). — L. anceps (McG.). — L. Maplestouei (McG.). Plate 30. — Lepralia vittata (McG.). — Membranipora perforata. Lepralia Brogniartii (And.). —
L. elegans (McG.). — L. pertusa (Esper. sp.). — L. Malusii (Aud. sp.). — L. lunata (McG.). Plate 37. — Lepralia ciliata (Linn. sp.). — L. trifoliuiu (McG.). — L. cheilodon (McG.). — L. canaliculata
(McG.).— L. larvalis (McG.).— L. diadema (McG.).— L. papillifera (McG.).— L. Ellerii
(McG.). Plate 38. — Lepralia monoceros (Busk). — L. excavata (McG.). — L. vitrea (McG.). — L. mcgasoma
(McG.).— L. Schizostoma (McG.).— L. Botryoidcs (McG.).— L. fcrox (McG.)— L. pellu-
cida (McG.). Plate 39. — Crisia Edwardsiana (D'Orb. sp.). — C. biciliata (McG.). — C. acropora (Busk). — C. setosa
(McG.).— C. tenuis (McG.). Plate 40. — Saunders' Case-Moth (Metura clongata, Saunders sp.). The Lictor Case-Moth (Entometa ignobilis, Walk.).
DECADE V.
Plate 41. — The Lace Lizard (Ilydrosaurus varius, Shaw sp.).
Plate 42. — The Spotted Marsh-Frog (Limnodynastes Tasmaniensis, Gi'mth.). — The Common Sand- Frog (Limnodynastes dorsalis, Gray). Plate 43. — The Carpet Shark (Crossorhinus harbatus, Lin. sp.). — The Seven-gilled Shark (Notidanus
[Ileptanehus] Indieus, Cuv.). Plate 44. — The Barracouta (Thersites atun, Cuv.). — The Tunny (Thynnus Thynnus, Lin. sp.). Plate 45. — Flustra denticulata (Husk). — Carbasea episcopalis (Busk). — C. dissimilis (Busk). —
C. indivisa (Busk). — C. elegans (Busk). — C. pisciformis (Busk). Plate 4G. — Spiralaria florea (Busk). — Diachoris Magellanica (Busk). — D. spinigera (P. McGil.). —
Dimetopia spicata (Busk). — D. cornuta (Busk). — Didymia simplex (Busk). — Calwellia
bicornis (Wyv. Thomson). Plate 47. — Dictyopora cellulosa (P. McGil.). Plate 48. — Escliara obliqua (P. McGil.). — E. dispar (P. McGil ).— E. gracilis (Lamx.). — E. platalea
(Busk).— E. quadrata (P. McGil.) — E. mucronata (P. McGil.). — Caleschara denticulata
(P. McGil.). Plate 40. — Cellaria fistulosa (Linn.). — 0. hirsuta (P. McGil.). — C. tenuirostris (Busk.). — C. gracilis
(Busk). — Nellia oculata (Busk). — Tubueellaria hirsuta (Busk). Plate 50. — The Great Black, or Manna Cicada (Cicada mccrens, Germ.).— The Great Green Cicada
(Cyclochila Australasia', Donov. sp.).
DECADE VI.
Plate 51. — The Victorian Phodona (Rhodona Ofiiccri, McCoy).
Plate 52. — The Black and AVhite Ringed Snake (Vermicclla annulata, Gray).
Plate 53. — The Green and Golden Bell-Frog (Ranoidea aurea, Less. sp.).
Plates 54-55. — The Australian Aulopus (Aulopus purpurisatus, Rich.).
Plate 56. — The Hammer-headed Shark (Zygama malleus, Shaw). — The Common Australian Saw- Fish (Pristiophorus nudipinnis, Gi'mth.).
Plate 57.— Biflustra perfragilis (McGil.). — B. delicatula (Busk).
Plate 58.— Ccllularia cuspidata (Busk).— Menipea crystallina (Gray sp.).— M. cyathus (Wyv. Thom- son).—M. cervicornis (McGil.) — M. triccllata (Busk). — M. Buskii (Wyv. Thomson).
Plate 50. — Bicellaria tuba (Busk). — B. grandis (Busk). — B. ciliata (Linn). — B. turhiuata (McGil.). — Stirparia annulata (Map.).— Bugula ncritina (Linn.).
Plate 60. — Steganoporella magnilabris (Busk. sp.). — Pctralia undata (McGil.).
CONTENTS OF DECADES.
DECADE VII.
Plate CI. — The Tuberculatecl Argonaut (Argonauta oryzata, Meusch.).
Plate 62. — The same sealed in its so-called shell or Paper-Nautilus.
Plate 63. — The Blue-spotted Eagle-Ray (Myliobatis Australia, Macleay).
Plate 64.— The Long-toothed Bull-Shark (Odontaspis taurus, Raf.).— The Australian Tope Shark
(Galeus Australis, Macleay). Plate 65 — The Leafy Sea-Dragon (Phyllopteryx foliatus, Shaw sp.).— The Short-headed Sea-horse
(Hippocampus breviceps, Pet.) Plate 66. — Dictyopora grisea (Lamx. sp.). — D. albida (Kirch.)— (Var. avicularis, P. McOill.). Plate 67.— J). Wilsoni (P. McGill.).
Plate 68. — Idmonea Milneana (d'Orb.). — I. contorta (P. McGill.).— I. radians (Lamk.). Pi. \tes 69-70.— The Violet-shouldered Phasma (Tropidoderua iodomus, McCoy).— The Red-shouldered
Fhasma (Tropidoderus rhodomus, McCoy).
|
Plate |
71.- |
|
Plate |
72.- |
|
Plate |
73.- |
|
Plate |
74.- |
|
Plate |
75- |
|
Plates 76 |
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|
Plate |
78.- |
|
Plate |
79.- |
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Plate |
80.- |
DECADE VIM.
-The Australian Sea-Bear or Fur-Seal (Euotaria cinerea, Peron sp.).
-The Northern Blue-tongued Lizard (Cyclodus gigas, Bodd. sp.).
-The Ludrick (Girella simplex, Rich. sp.).
-The White Shark (Carcharodon Rondeletii, Mull, and Hen.).
-The Picked Dog-Fish (Acanthias vulgaris, Linn. sp.).
-77. — The Australian Tooth-cupped Cuttlefish (Sepioteuthis Australis, Quoy and Gaim.).
-Butjula rohusta (P. McGil.). — B. cucullata (Busk). — B. dentata (Lamx.). — B. avicularia
(Pall.). -The Violet-winged Phasma (Acrophylla violascens, Leach sp.). -The Large Pink winged Phasma (Podacanthus typlion, Gray).
DECADE IX.
Plate 81. — The Gippsland Water Lizard (Physignathus Lesueri, Gray) — (Var. Ilowitti, McCoy).
Plates 82-83. — The Murray Tortoise (Chelymj's Macquaria, Cuv. sp.).
Plate 84. — The Murray Golden Perch (Ctenolates ambiguus, Rich. sp.).
Plates 85-86. — The Murray Cod-Perch (Oligorus Macquariensis, Cuv. and Val. sp.).
Plate 87. — The Australian Smooth-Hound (Mustelus Antarcticus, Giinth.).
Plate 88. — The Thresher, or Long-tailed Shark (Alopecias vulpes, Linn. sp.).
Plate 89.— Catenicella intermedia (P. McG.). — C. amphora (Busk). — C. Wilsoni (P. McG.). — C. pul-
chella (Map.). — C. utriculus (P. McG.). Plate 90. — Catenicella fusca (P. McG.). — C. umhonata (Busk). — C. cornuta (Busk).
, DECADE X.
Plate 91. — Gymnohelideus Leadheatcri (McCoy).
Plates 92-93. — The Long-necked River Tortoise (Chelodina longicollis, Shaw sp.).
Plate 94. — Opercula of Rctei)ora.
Plate 95. — Retcpora porcellana (P. McGil.). — R. avieularis (P. McGil.). — R. fissa (P. McGil.).
Plate 96. — Retepora monilifera (P. McGil.).
Plate 97.— Retepora monilifera (P. McGil.).— R. formosa (P. McGil.).— R. carinata (P. McGil.).
Plate 98.— Retepora Phoenicea (Busk). — R. aurantiaca (P. McGil.).
Plate 99. — Retepora granulata (P. McGil.). — R. tessellata (Hincks). — R. scrrata (P. McGil.).
Plate 100. — Gonioeidaris tubaria (Lam.).
The foregoing ten Decades form Vol. T.
CONTENTS OF DECADES.
DECADE XI.
Plate 101. — The Luth, or Leathery Turtle (Sphargis coriacea, Linn. sp.).
Plate 102. — The Rugged Stump-tail, or Shingle-hack, Lizard (Trachydosaurus rngosus, Gray).
Plate 103. — The Blackish Australian Worm-Snake (Typhlops nigrescens, Gray sp.).
Plate 104. — The Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus, Linn. sp.).
Plate 105. — Cellaria rigida (McG.). — Tubucellaria cereoides (Ellis and Solander). — Urceolipora
dentata (McG.) — U. nana (McG.). Plate 106. — Amphiblestrum punctigcrum (Hincks). — A. Flemingii (Busk). — A. permunitum
(Ilincks). — Pyripora crassa (McG.). — P. catenularia (Jameson). — P. polita (Hincks). —
Electra flagellum (McG.). — Bathypora porcellana (McG.). — Birlustra papulifera
(McG.).— B. bimamillata (McG.). Plate 107. — Catenicellopsis pusilla (J. B. Wilsou). — C. delicatula (J. B. Wilson). — Calpidium
ponderosum (Goldstein sp.). Plate 108. — Calpidium ornatum (Busk). — Chlidonia dasdala (Wyv. Thomson). Plate 109. — The Great Green Gum-tree Grasshopper (Locusta vigentissima, Serv.). Plate 110. — The Australian Yellow-winged Locust (CEdipoda musica, Fah. sp.).
CONTENTS OF DECADE XL
N.B.— The originals of all the Figures are in the National Museum, Melbourne.
Plate 101.— The Luth, or Leathery Turtle (Sphargis coriacea, Linn. sp.).
Plate 102. — The Rugged Stump-tail, or Shingle-back, Lizard (Trachydosaurus rugosus, Gray).
Plate 103.— The Blackish Australian Worm-Snake (Typhlops nigrescens, Gray sp.).
Plate 104. — The Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus, Linn. sp.).
Plate 105. — Cellaria rigida (McG.). — Tubucellaria cereoides (Ellis and Solander).— Urceolipora dentata (McG.).— U. nana (McG.).
Plate 106. — Amphiblestrum punctigerum (Hincks). — A. Flemingii (Busk). — A. permunitum (Hincks). — Pyripora crassa (McG.). — P. catenularia (Jameson) — P. polita (Hincks). — Electra flagellum (McG.). — Bathypora porcellana (McG.). — Biflustra papulifera (McG.).— B. bimamillata (McG.).
Plate 107. — Catenicellopsis pusilla (J. B. Wilson). — C. delicatula (J. B. Wilson). — Calpidium ponderosum (Goldstein sp.).
Plate 108.— Calpidium ornatum (Busk). — Chlidonia da;dala (Wyv. Thomson).
Plate 109. — The Great Green Gum-tree Grasshopper (Locusta vigentissima, Serv.).
Plate 110. — The Australian Yellow-winged Locust (Gidipoda musica, Fab. sp.).
:
-M
Statural Sis to of Wtttarw.
%
PRODROMUS
ZOOLOGY OF -VICTORIA;
OR,
FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LIVING SPECIES OF ALL CLASSES
VICTORIAN INDIGENOUS ANIMALS.
DECADE XII.
BY
FREDERICK McCOY, EJR.S.,
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY ; HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER OP THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY
OF NATURALISTS OF MOSCOW ; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON ;
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOOTH WALES ; HONORARY FELLOW OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
OF EDINBURGH ; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MANCHESTER,
ETC., ETC., ETC.
AUTHOR OF " SYNOPSIS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE FOSSILS OF IRELAND ; " " SYNOPSIS OF THE SILURIAN FOSSILS OF
IRELAND;" "CONTRIBUTIONS TO BRITISH PALEONTOLOGY;" ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF SEDGWICK AND MCCOY'S
"BRITISH PALEOZOIC ROCKS AND FOSSILS;" "PRODROMUS OF THE PALEONTOLOGY OF VICTORIA," ETC.
PROFESSOR OF NATURAL SCIENCE IN THE MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY.
GOVERNMENT PALEONTOLOGIST, AND DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE, ETC.
MELBOURNE :
BY AUTHORITY : JOHN FERBES, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
LONDON:
TRUBNER AND CO., 57 AND 59 LTJDGATE HILL.
MDCCCLXXXVI.
ADVERTISEMENT.
It having been considered desirable to ascertain accurately the natural productions of the Colony of Victoria, and to publish works descriptive of them, on the plan of those issued by the Governments of the different States of America, investigations were undertaken, by order of the Victorian Government, to determine the Geology, Botany, and Zoology of the Colony, to form collections illustrative of each for the public use, and to make the necessary preparations for such systematic publications on the subject as might be useful and interesting to the general public, and contribute to the advancement of science.
As the geological and botanical investigations have already approached completion, and their publication is far advanced, it has been decided now to commence the publication of the third branch completing the subject, namely, that of the Zoology or indigenous members of the different classes of the animal kingdom.
The Fauna not being so well known as the Flora, it was a necessary preliminary to the publication to have a large number of drawings made, as opportunity arose, from the living or fresh examples of many species of reptiles, fish, and the lower animals, which lose their natural appearance shortly after death, and the true characters of many of which were consequently as yet unknown, as they had only been described from preserved specimens. A Prodromus, or preliminary issue, in the form of Decades, or numbers of ten plates, each with its complete descriptive letterpress, will be published, of such illustrations as are ready, without systematic order or waiting for the completion of any one branch. The many good observers in the country will thus have the means of accurately identifying various natural objects, their observations on which, if recorded and sent to the National Museum, where the originals of all the figures and descriptions are preserved, will be duly acknowledged, and will materially help in the preparation of the final systematic volume to be published for each class when it approaches completion.
Uatal Ststorg d Wxiimm.
PRODROMUS
OF THE
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA;
OR,
FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OP THE LIVING SPECIES OF ALL CLASSES
VICTORIAN INDIGENOUS ANIMALS.
DECADE XII.
BY
FEEDERICK McCOY, F.^.S.,
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY; HONORARY ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY
OF NATURALISTS OF MOSCOW ; CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON ;
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROTAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALES ; HONORARY FELLOW OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
OF EDINBURGH ; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF MANCHESTER,
ETC., ETC., ETC.
AUTHOR OF " SYNOPSIS OF THE CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE FOSSILS OF IRELAND ; " " SYNOPSIS OF THE SILURIAN FOSSILS OF
IRELAND ; " " CONTRIBUTIONS TO BRITISH PALEONTOLOGY ; " ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF SEDGWICK AND MCCOY'S
"BRITISH PALEOZOIC ROCKS AND FOSSILS;" "PRODROMUS OF THE PALEONTOLOGY OF VICTORIA," ETC.
PROFESSOR OF NATURAL SCIENCE IN THE MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY.
GOVERNMENT PALEONTOLOGIST, AND DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MELBOURNE, ETC
MELBOURNE :
BY AUTHORITY : JOHN FEBRES, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
LONDON :
TRUBNER AND CO., 57 AND 59 LUDGATE HILL.
M DCCC LXXXVI.
PREFACE.
This twelfth Decade gives illustrations in the first plate of two varieties and the young of the commonest of the Lizards found near Melbourne, the Grammatophora muricata, absurdly called "Blood-sucker" by the colonists.
The second plate gives the detailed illustrations of the parts of the Antarctic representative of those curious fish, so interesting to geologists, the Chimcerce ; this species, the Callorhynchus Antarcticus being often called Elephant Fish by the fishermen.
The third plate is devoted to details of both sexes of that famous and most peculiar Shark, the Port Jackson Shark or Cestracion, the Heterodontus Phillipi, the teeth of which resemble many ancient fossil forms found in the Palaeozoic Rocks of Europe, which would be inexplicable but for the existence in our day of this Australian type, in the opinion of many authorities, who see a nearer affinity than I do.
The Fish figured on the fourth plate, the Trachichthys Australis, is so rare that the type specimen in the British Museum, imperfectly described eighty years ago, has remained unique until Count Castelnau and myself each recently obtained an example, enabling me now to give a careful figure from the fresh specimen.
PREFACE.
Plate 115 illustrates a newly discovered kind of Sea-Pike, the Lanioperca mordax, of a genus peculiar to this part of Australia.
The three next plates continue the series of Polyzoa, the specimens and descriptions of which have been contributed by my friend Dr. MacGillivray to the National Museum and this work.
Plate 119 figures for the first time, with details of both sexes, an abundant Gum-tree Grasshopper, of the family GryllidcB, contrasting, by the shortness of the ovipositor, with that of the family Locustidce, figured on Plate 109.
The last plate gives figures of both sexes of a very rare form allied to the preceding, but of a different sub-genus.
The succeeding Decades will illustrate as many different genera as possible, and will deal first, usually, with species of some special interest, and of which good figures do not exist or are not easily accessible.
Frederick McCoy. 21st July, 1886.
///
PI. Ill
ZOOLOCY OF VICTORIA
(Reptiles J
Z>rWzU&l,tW
: Coy direr*
Steam, lithx) G(nl Fruiting OffirA
Zoology.] NATUKAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Reptiles.
Plate 111.
GRAMMATOPHORA MURICATA (Shaw sp.).
The Blood-sucker.
[Genus GRAMMATOPHORA* (Kaup). (Sub-kingd. Vertebrata. Class Reptilia. Order Sauria. Sub-order Fachyglossse. Tribe Strobilosaura. Family Agamidse.)
Gen. Char. — Body moderate, subtrigonal or slightly depressed in section. Head large, trigonal, obtusely pointed in front, depressed ; sides flattened, and separated from tbe top by an angle, covered with small, irregular, unequal, keeled, scale-like plates. Nostrils lateral, under the lateral angle, a little behind tip of snout. Ear-drum large, rounded. Tongue short, flat, narrow, spongy, notched at tip. Teeth : — molars, short, semioval, compressed, on edge of jaw bone, 5 incisors in middle, and 2 canines on each side above, 4 incisors below Throat not pouched ; with a strong transverse fold between its base and front of thorax. Scales of back imbricated, unequal. Femoral and preanal pores large, numerous. Tail long, conical, tapering, depressed at base, with keeled, imbricated scales. Toes slender, the 4 first gradually increasing in length, the 5th a little shorter than the 2nd ; subdigital scales transversely keeled very strongly. Australia.]
Description. — Body moderate; head small, nearly an isosceles triangle; a strong- keel from tip of snout over orbit to hind margin of eye ; nostril half way between tip of snout and the anterior angle of eye ; occipital plate scarcely larger than those surrounding it on head and nape ; tail more than twice as long as head and body, slender. One row of small, contiguous, triangular, keeled spines along midline of back, largest near origin at occiput, smallest at termination over base of tail j on each side, at a distance of two ordinary scales, a row of large similar scales, mostly separated by the length of one or two of the small, ordinary body scales, these two lateral rows converging, running close together, where midline ends at base of tail, continued as two approximate, conspicuous, small keels for first fourth of tail, beyond which they are undistinguishable from the rest of the strongly keeled scales of the tail ; a similar outer row of keeled spines extends from half way between midline and shoulder, ending at first fourth of base of tail ; between the 2 lateral rows and outside the outer one are several, irregularly scattered, similar, but slightly smaller, triangular, keeled, spinose scales, very rarely forming a slightly marked, outer, lateral, additional line; ordinary scales of back rhombic, keeled, the keels stronger and forming continuous longitudinal ridges on tail; scales of. belly and throat similar, but more faintly keeled ; a row of keeled spines, like those of back, extends from eyebrow behind eye, over the ear ; a similar, short, ridge-like row under the ear ; and one from each side of occiput extending obliquely backwards and downwards to outer lateral row of body; a few spinose scales on upper side of thigh and front of leg; scales on front of arm and top of head imbricated, strongly keeled. Preanal pores 3 or 4 on each side ; femoral pores 3 or 4 on each side, not reaching half the length of the thigh. Color : Varying from pale brownish ash to dark olive brown above, the space between the inner lateral rows traversed by the keeled serrated midline, usually mottled irregularly with darker; sides irregularly mottled with dark brown on lighter greyish-brown ground; 2 rows of 6 or 7 large, conspicuous, brownish-black, triangular spots run along the back, the base of each
* I continue the use of Kaup's generic name for these Lizards, instead of Amphibolurus of Wagler adopted hy Boulcuger in his recent important work, because where so many cases of applying one name to two or more genera exist, I do not think Stephens having used this one first for a genus of small moths is likely to produce any serious confusion.
Vol. II.— Decade XII.— i. ' 47
Zoologij.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \_Reptiles.
coinciding1 with the median lateral keels, the apices directed outwards ; the broad, longitudinal space between the inner and outer row of spinose keels much lighter in color than the rest of the back, and either divided into a row of large, lateral, oval spots on each side, by the apices of the black triangular marks extending to meet a similar smaller row of blackish triangular spots, having their bases on the outer lateral row of spines and their apices inwards; or forming a more or less continuous longi- tudinal pale band on each side where the triangles are disconnected; the 2 inner rows come together to form lozenges or rhombs over basal fourth of tail where these two ridges approach; hinder three-fourths of tail, .legs, and thighs with rather distant, transverse, dark bands, those of tail usually 6 or 8 scales wide, with lighter intervals 2 or 3 scales wide, but sometimes narrower than the light bands; top of head with 5 or 6 narrow, transverse, chevron-like, dark brown bands starting from an irregular midline; a broad dark band extends from the eye, enclosing the ear; a black angular spot half way between shoulder and ear; under side of throat and belly either plain pale ashy- grey or (sometimes) dark grey, or (more usually) mottled irregularly with darker grey. From 3 to 4 femoral pores irregularly spaced on basal half of each thigh, and 3 to 4 on each side preanal ones. Iris dark brown ; inside of mouth and tongue yellow. 2 canines and 11 molars on each side above. About 12 labial plates on each side; rostral hexagonal, 3 times wider than high; chin plate large, pentagonal, with nearly equal sides. Moderate specimen, 1 ft. 1 in. total length ; tip of snout to occiput 1 in., to ear 1 in. \ line ; width of head, 11 lines ; tip of snout to shoulder 1 in. 7 lines, to thigh 3 ins. 7 lines, to vent 4 ins. ; length of tail, 9 ins.; width of body, 1 in. 3 lines ; width of tail at base 6 lines, at half its length, 3 lines; length of arm 9 lines, of forearm 7 lines; longest toe and claw, 6 lines; length of thigh, 1 in. ; leg", 1 in. ; longest toe and claw from base of hind toe, 1 in. 1 line. Toes slender, third anterior one nearly as long as the fourth ; third posterior one only two-thirds as long as the fourth.
Reference. — =Muricated Lizard, White Jour. Voy., t. 31, fig. 6 ; = Lacerta mnricata, Shaw Gen. Zool., v. 3, pt. 1, t. 65, f. 2 ; = Grammatophora, id. Kaup Isis, 1827, p. 621 ; =Agama Jacksoniensis, Guer. Icon. Reg. An., t. 3, f. 1.
With the exception of the variations in color above noted, this pretty little Lizard varies very little. The absence of bearded scales on throat and across the occiput, and the invariably present, small, median row of keeled scales along back, distinguish it readily from the young of G. barbata. The resemblance is much closer to the G.angulifera (of which I have many specimens before me from Western Australia), which is, when adult, of nearly the same size (though more slender) and much alike in coloring. But this latter species, which I have not seen in Victoria, is easily distinguished by its comparatively very short tail, little exceeding the body in length, while it is more than double the length in G. muricata. The average proportion of tail to the total length in G. muricata is tto) while in G. angulifera it is only T%V ; the base of the tail in G. angulifera is also much wider, and has a conspicuous lateral line of 6 or 7 large spinous tubercles on each side, not
[48]
Zoology.']
NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA.
[Reptiles.
found in G. muricata. The tail, it should be mentioned, is shorter in the young than in the adult of this species. The head of G. muricata is more slender than in G. angulifera, in which latter the femoral pores are more numerous and closer, making a nearly continuous line across the lower part of body. The femoral pores of the present species are, as in the woodcut, sometimes 3 on one thigh and 4 on the other, and the preanal pores are sometimes 3 on one side and 4 on the other in the same individual. In some specimens of G. angulifera there is a slight indication of a median dorsal keel, but it is usually absent ; it is present always in the long-tailed G. muricata.
To show the irregularity of the preanal and of the femoral pores, I give here a woodcut of a specimen, magnified two
diameters, from the Goulburn District, in the Museum, show- ing 3 femoral pores on one thigh and 4 on the other, and
3 preanal pores on one side and
4 on the other.
This is the commonest Lizard about Melbourne, especially in the sandy districts on the south coast, where it may often be seen, as represented in our plate, on a stump of Tee-tree, which it resembles in colors and marking so nearly that it is almost impossible to distinguish it, unless the sun happens to glance from its bright eyes. When seen it will remain so immovable as almost to induce a belief that it is a withered stump ; but if your eye should leave it for an instant, it is gone like a flash. It is fond also of basking in the sun on sandy paths, &c. The eggs are laid in the sand.
Why the popular name of "Blood-sucker" should be so uni- versally given to this harmless creature by the colonists (except on
[ 49]
Zoology] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Reptiles.
the lucus a non lucendo principle) I cannot conceive. In confine- ment it feeds readily on flies, and makes an elegant little pet in a Wardian Fern-case.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 111. — Fig. 1, adult specimen, natural size, of the variety with lateral bands broken into rows of oval spots, in its customary attitude on a stump of Tee-tree. Fig. 1 a, head and part of the neck, viewed from above, magnified two diameters, to show the character of scales. Fig. 16, hind foot, magnified two diameters, to show character of scales on under-side. Fig. lc, anterior foot, magnified two diameters, to show the transverse keeling of the scales on under-side. Fig. Id, scales of back, magnified two diameters, showing the middle and two lateral rows of keeled scales. Fig. le, young, natural size, showing the shorter tail as compared with the adult. Fig. If, variety with darkly mottled under-side, and partially continuous light bands on side of back instead of the oval light marks of usual vai'iety, natural size.
Frederick McCoy.
[50]
/v. m
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
A BcwtAi*\)'-r. a? ■ .,:■
Pr,fMc(jn iirct.'
Steam, hMa. Gryvt/frvduui Offis*
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \_Fishes.
Plate 112.
CALLORHYNCHUS ANTAKCTICUS (Lacep. sr.). The Southeen Chbleea.
[Genus CALLOEHYNCHUS (Gronovius). (Sub-kingd. Vertebrata. Class Pisces. Sub- class Elasmobranchia. Order Holocepbala. Family Cbimaeridae.)
Gen. Char. — Body semifusiform, tapering from tbe head, laterally compressed ; tail elevated, heterocercal, caudal fin on underside only; head with the snout produced into a long proboscis, of median and two lateral cartilages, terminating in a wide, thin, ovate, skinny flap ; anterior dorsal fin with a long, compressed, serrated, bony spine on its anterior edge; second dorsal with a longer base ; anal fin small, deep, triangular, close to the caudal ; pectoral very large, triangular ; skin smooth, except two rows of minute spines usually felt between the dorsals; pupil elliptical, vertical. Dentary plates: Anterior of upper jaw thick, narrow, pointed in front ; grinding surface in both jaws large ; male with a small frontal appendage between the eyes, with bifurcate base, lodged in a cavity, both cavity and tip of appendage set with numerous small, recurved spines.]
Description. — Pectornl reaching- a little beyond the base of the ventral fins; first dorsal commencing slightly behind the gill -opening, and origin of pectoral; second dorsal commencing over front edge of ventrals ; dorsal spine nearly twice the length of the space from its base to corner of orbit, bare in its whole length, compressed, gently curved backwards, posterior edges finely serrated on apical third of length ; skinny flap at end of snout ovate, broad end down, with rounded margins, twice as long as wide. Lateral line slightly undulating from extremity of tail, running along its lower margin, taking an abrupt turn upwards a little behind front edge of caudal to a little behind the eye where it branches, one branch going over the eye forwards nearly to tip of snout, giving off a branch behind the eye crossing top of head to join that of other side at an acute angle directed backwards ; lower branch going forward under the eye and sending one branch along side of proboscis, one to anterior part of mouth, and one to angle of mouth, and one backwards to a little in front of gill-opening extended by a few pores, as if to join that from the other side, but interrupted in the middle under the throat. Color : Body bluish-grey lead color with silvery lustre; under surface whitish ; a black upper margin to orbits ; a black trigonal spot in front of dorsal fin, with base behind, and apex reaching between eyes ; a black band on each side of base of first dorsal uniting into a broad mesial band along middle of back to sides of second dorsal, and thence along midline to end of tail, receiving a small lateral branch from under hind half of second dorsal ; dorsal, anal, and caudal fins brownish, with blackish tips and margins ; ventrals brownish with blackish base ; pectorals brownish below, blackish towards margins, black above, brownish at base. Iris green ; front of snout-flap flesh color.
Measurements.
Length from tip of proboscis to end of caudal fin
„ „ „ base of proboscis
„ ,, „ anterior edge of orbit
„ „ „ anterior base of 1st dorsal
„ „ „ „ „ 2nd dorsal ...
„ „ „ „ „ pectoral
„ „ „ „ „ ventral
» » » n jt anal
» » » » » caudal
„ of spine ...
„ of base of 1st dorsal Height of 2nd dorsal
[51 ]
|
Ft. |
ins. |
lines, |
|
2 |
7 |
0 |
|
0 |
o |
3 |
|
0 |
4 |
7 |
|
0 |
8 |
2 |
|
1 |
4 |
2 |
|
0 |
7 |
3 |
|
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
1 |
9 |
3 |
|
1 |
10 |
10 |
|
0 |
5 |
4 |
|
0 |
2 |
9 |
|
0 |
3 |
0 |
Zoology.']
NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA.
[Fishes.
|
Ft. |
ins. |
lines |
|
0 |
5 |
6 |
|
0 |
8 |
0 |
|
0 |
3 |
6 |
|
0 |
3 |
6 |
|
0 |
2 |
11 |
|
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
0 |
5 |
6 |
|
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
0 |
6 |
6 |
|
0 |
6 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
0 |
1 |
11 |
|
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
0 |
4 |
6 |
Measurements — continued.
Length of base of 2nd dorsal
„ of pectoral Greatest width of pectoral Depth of ventral ... Greatest width of ventral ... Depth of anal Greatest width of anal Greatest depth of caudal (anterior lobe) Space between 1st and 2nd dorsal ...
„ „ 2nd dorsal and caudal
„ „ pectoral to ventral ...
„ „ ventral to anal
„ „ anal to caudal
Diameter of orbit Length of snout ...
„ of ovate flap Greatest width of flap Depth of body
Reference. — = Callorhynchus (Gronov.), Mus. Ichth., v. 1, p. 59, t. 4 = Chimcera callorhynchus, Lin. Syst. Nat. = Chimcera Antarctica, Lacep. Hist. Poiss., v. 1, p. 400, t. 12, f. 2 = C. Australis, Shaw Gen. Zool., v. 5, p. 368 = C. Tasmanius, Rich. Trans. Zool. Soc, v. 3, p. 696.
The two rows of spines on the back between the dorsals may be distinctly felt in most of the large female specimens, but they are not perceptible in a male specimen of smaller size before me. The pectorals seem slightly smaller in the males, and do not extend quite so far towards the ventrals. The curious grasping organ on the forehead of the male arises by a widely bifurcate base between the eyes a little behind the anterior edge of the orbit ; its middle portion is oblong, about three-fourths the diameter of the orbit in length, about half as wide as long, narrowed and rounded towards the front, where it is very convex below and set with recurved spines ; the hollow into which it can be depressed is set with recurved spines at its anterior end.
This fish is tolerably common along tne coast, and is frequently called Elephant Fish by the fishermen.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 112. — Fig. 1, side view of female specimen, one-fourth of the natural size. Fig. la, the same, viewed from above, to show the shape of the black markings and course of the porous lines on top of head. Fig. lb, front view of head, natural size, to show the position of the nostrils and grinding plates of mouth, the added outline showing position of the flap of the snout. Fig. lc, side view of dentary plates of. upper and lower jaws, natural size. Fig. Id, dentary plates of upper jaw, grinding surface, natural size. Fig. le, inner view of grinding surface of dentary plates of lower jaw, natural size. Fig. \f, side view of flap at end of snout, natural size. Fig. la, front view of ovate snout-flap, natural size. Fig. 1A, side view of frontal grasping process of male, half the natural size, shewing the tooth-like spines at its distal end, raised up from the spinose cavity, into which it fits. Fig. It, side view of dorsal spine, natural size. Fig. Ik, section of dorsal spine.
Frederick McCoy.
52 ]
us>
I'l
MIFIMOTJRS ©IF TTM1E MUSEUM
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
(Fishes)
Cj A iy;
cs'is oa
°m?
•n,
FSchoenfeld.del &lith
FrofMcCo(/.dirar?
Bamel6tC?imp,
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
Plate 118.
HETERODONTUS PHILLIPI (Lacep. sp.).
Port Jackson Shark, or Bull-dog Shark.
[Genus HETERODONTUS (Blainv.) = CESTRACION (Ccv., not Klein.) (Sub-king- dom Vertebrata. Class Pisces. Order Cbondropterygii. Sub-order Plagiostornata. Tribe Selacboidei. Eamily Heterodontidaj.)
Gen. Char. — Ovate, fusiform ; head large, blunt, rounded in front, high, cuboid, with a prominent longitudinal ridge over each eye ; mouth narrow, nearly terminal ; upper lip divided into 7 lobes (1 median and 3 on each side) ; lower lip with one long fold on each side ; nostrils confluent with mouth cavity; spiracles very small, below and behind the eye. Gill-openings small. Teeth alike in both jaws, the median front rows very small, acutely tricuspid when young, simple and with obtusely triangular cusp in middle age, blunt and hexagonal when old ; more posterior teeth large, oblong, longer than broad, flattened, arranged in oblique, spiral rows on each side of jaw, the anterior and posterior ones smaller than those in middle. Fins ; Two dorsals, each with a small, smooth spine on front edge, anterior dorsal between pectorals and ventrals, posterior dorsal in front of anal. Shagreen spines, or granules, of skin irregularly stellate on upper surface. East and West Pacific and Indian Oceans.]
Description. — Form semifusiform, tapering- rapidly from the head to the tail. Head large, about as high as broad, bluntly rounded in front, muzzle short ; two prominent, bluntly rounded ridges arise, one on each side, beginning about over the first gill-slit, arching over the eye and descending with the slope of the profile (which is nearly straight at an angle of about 40° from longitudinal midline) to about over angle of mouth, bounding a deep concavity along top of head ; their distance apart about equal to distance from anterior edge of orbit to upper end of first gill-opening ; height of head at orbit about one-seventh of total length, including caudal fin ; length of head from tip of snout to first gill-opening about one-sixth the length of body ; mouth and nostrils nearly terminal on under-side ; upper lip as wide as head, divided into three lateral lobes, the outer one large, longitudinally oblong, flat, overlapping under lip, next a nearly circular spirally involute lobe going nearly round the large nostril, and next a broad rounded lobe ; the middle occupied by a thin semicircular edge exposing the anterior median rows of teeth, which are promi- nent ; lower lip with a long fold on each side from angle to the middle, exposing the median rows of teeth in front. Spiracle minute, about the vertical diameter of the orbit below hind margin of eye. Orbit twice as long as wide, close under the ridges on the upper margin of the sides of the head; pupil longitudinally horizontal, elliptical. Teeth : Upper and lower jaws alike, but a few more rows in upper than lower jaw; quadrate, oblong in front, the rami widening so as nearly to touch about the middle of their length, leaving an ovate median space, be}rond which they narrow and divaricate to the back; teeth in about 27 rows, about 12 rows of about 13 teeth each, longitudinal, and slightly diverging in front, each tooth of which is very small, triangular, transversely ovate, front ones blunt, forming acutely angular simple erect cusps farther back, and most acute, and with 1 or 2 lateral cusps in young teeth behind ; 7 or 8 rows spirally arranged obliquely on each ramus from within, for- wards and outwards, of large, flattened, slightly convex teeth, obliquely rhomboidal, each with a narrow longitudinal ridge nearer the outer margin, and having the surface sculptured with transverse vermicular ridges and small pits ; teeth of the fifth row from the back largest, all longer than wide. Fins : Pectorals very large, about one- fifth the length of the fish, width about two-thirds the length ; posterior edge nearly
[ 53]
Zoology.']
NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA.
[Fishes.
straight, posterior angle rounded ; front edge of first dorsal slightly in front of, and vertically over the posterior base of pectorals, trapezoidal, front margin rounded, about as long as from its base to acute posterior angle ; hind edge obliquely trun- cated, concave; second dorsal about one-third smaller than the first, of the same shape, origin behind the base of the ventrals, and terminating in front of anal, nearer to anal; anal more than the length of its inner margin in front of caudal, similar in form to second dorsal, but smaller ; caudal obliquely truncated, with its lower part divided into two lobes by a deep quadrate notch, upper lobe separated from the lower by the end of the body; ventrals trapezoidal, nearly equidistant between the first and second dorsals. Spines in front of dorsal fins strong, basal two-thirds covered with skin, exposed point smooth, compressed, triangular in section, reaching about half the height of the fin, growing thicker with age. Skin with the shagreen points irregularly cruciform on back and sides, globular on throat and on lower tip of pectorals. Color: Reddish-brown above, pinkish-yellow below; a dark brown band crosses top of head and eyes passing down cheeks towards corner of mouth ; a broad brown band runs along middle of back from occiput to first dorsal, then dividing obliquely outwards and backwards to upper surface of ventral fins, and giving off a branch to the pectorals, inclosing a light, triangular space over posterior base of pectorals; another dark medial band extends along back from anterior dorsal on each side of second dorsal to tail ; pectorals and ventrals blackish-brown above, pinkish on edge below; dorsal and anal fins lighter; iris greenish-brown. (The brown dark bands are most distinct on the young, nearly or quite obsolete on the old, and invisible on stuffed or spirit specimens.) The caudal fin is relatively larger' in young than in old individuals.
Measurements.
|
Large Female. |
Small Male. |
|||||||
|
Ft. |
ins. |
lines. |
Ft. |
ins. lines. |
||||
|
Total length |
. . ... ... |
3 |
8 |
0 |
2 |
9 0 |
||
|
Length from tip of snout to corner of mouth . |
0 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
2 0 |
|||
|
Width of mouth |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 1 |
|||
|
Tip of snout to anterior edge of orbit |
0 |
4 |
8 |
0 |
3 3 |
|||
|
„ „ posterior edge of orbit |
0 |
5 |
9 |
0 |
4 1 |
|||
|
» |
, first gill-opening |
0 |
7 |
5 |
0 |
5 5 |
||
|
» |
, anterior base of pectoral |
0 |
10 |
3 |
0 |
7 0 |
||
|
>> |
, anterior base of first dorsal |
1 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
9 3 |
||
|
!> |
, posterior ,, „ |
1 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
11 9 |
||
|
5? |
, anterior base of ventral |
, , ... |
1 |
10 |
0 |
2 8 |
||
|
>> |
, „ ,, second dorsal |
o |
2 |
6 |
7 3 |
|||
|
» |
, posterior „ „ |
o |
5 |
0 |
9 3 |
|||
|
5) |
, anterior base of anal ... |
2 |
6 |
6 |
10 7 |
|||
|
» |
, posterior „ |
2 |
8 |
0 |
11 6 |
|||
|
)> |
, anterior edge of lower lobe of caudal ... |
3 |
0 |
6 |
2 |
2 7 |
||
|
Distance of spiracle from middle of posterior edge of orbit |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 7 |
|||
|
\V idth of head at vertical of eye |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
4 5 |
|||
|
Height at same to superciliary ridges... |
0 |
6 |
7 |
0 |
3 10 |
|||
|
Space between superciliary ridges |
0 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
2 5 |
|||
|
Length of anterior edge of pectoral ... |
0 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
6 3 |
|||
|
Outer edge of ditto ... |
0 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
5 5 |
|||
|
Exposed portion of spine of anterior dorsal |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 8 |
|||
|
Antero-postcrior diameter of same |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 3 |
|||
|
Transverse posterior diameter of same |
0 |
0 |
n |
0 |
0 2 |
|||
|
Anterior edge of first dorsal ... ■ |
0 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
3 7 |
|||
|
Posterior „ „ |
0 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
2 8 ' |
|||
|
Exposed portion of spine of second dorsal |
0 |
0 |
10 |
0 |
0 8 |
|||
|
Antero-posterior diameter „ |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 1\ |
|||
|
Transverse posterior diameter „ |
, , ... |
0 |
0 |
2 i |
0 |
0 \\ |
||
|
Anterior edge of second dorsal |
. • ... |
0 |
3 |
9 |
0 |
2 11 |
||
|
Posterior edge of same |
.. |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 5 |
[ 54 J
Zoology."]
NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA.
[Fishes.
Measurements — continued.
|
Large Female. |
Ska |
||||||
|
Ft. |
ins. |
lines. |
Ft. |
ins. lines. |
|||
|
Anterior edge of ventral |
••• •• • |
• • • |
0 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
2 6 |
|
Posterior edge of same |
•• • ... |
■ • • |
0 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
2 3 |
|
Anterior edge of anal |
• • • |
0 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
2 7 |
|
|
Posterior edge of same |
• • • |
• ■ • |
0 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
1 10 |
|
Anterior edge of lower lobe of caudal |
... • • • |
■ • * |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
3 7 |
|
Upper lobe above end of vertebral line |
•• • • • • |
• ■ • |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 10 |
|
Number of stellated spines of skin in 3 lines |
on head ... |
... |
Seven |
Seven |
Reference. — =Port Jackson Shark, Phillip's Voy., p. 283 = Squalus Phil- lipi, Lacep. Poiss., v. 1, p. 218 = Cestracion Phillipi, Cuv. R. A. = Jleterodontus Phillipi, Blainville, Nouv. Bui. Sc, 1816, p. 121.
In the admirable descriptive and illustrated memoir on the Heterodonti, by Baron Miklouho-Maclay and Mr. W. Macleay, in the Proceedings of the Linnsean Society of New South Wales (Vol. in., pt. 4), the interesting fact is announced of all the teeth, both front and lateral, being small, sharp-pointed, and with one or two lateral cusps, in the young a few inches long ; showing a resemblance to those of Notidanus, the two anterior cusps being- more perpendicular.
This Shark, so famous amongst zoologists and geologists under the name of Cestracion, or Port Jackson Shark, is called the Bull-dog
Shark by Victorians, from the form of the head and muzzle. No other Shark has any approach to the extraordinary structure, shape, and arrangement of the teeth of this genus, which has been taken by Agassiz and Owen as illustrating in our time the European fossil genus Cocliliodus of the Carboniferous
Limestone formation ; to which, in my opinion however, the relationship is not really close. It is common in Hobson's Bay. The stomach is filled with fragments of shells. There are only two eggs at a time, laid once a year. These eggs are very remarkable objects, not uncommon on the shore ; they are conical in shape, about 6 inches long, and surrounded Egg ; half the natural size, with two broad keels extending spirally and obliquely round the egg from one end to the other, like six turns
Vol. II.— Decade XII.— Jr. " 55 ]
Zoology^ NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. {Fishes.
of a broad screw ; the substance is of a tough, dark brown, horny appearance. The stellated form of the shagreen is quite unlike that of any other genus of Sharks.
Explanation op Figures.
Plate 113. — Fig. 1, side view, male, reduced. Fig. la, anterior view of bead, mouth closed, showing the form of the lobes of the lips in front, and exposure of teeth above and below. Fig. 16, teeth of lower jaws, natural size. Fig. \c, mouth widely opened, to show similarity of dentition above and below. Fig. 2, female, reduced. Figs. 2a and 2b, irregularly stellated shagreen of head and body, magnified.
Frederick McCoy.
[56]
"7
PL . 114
ZOOLOCY OF VICTORIA
(Fishes )
AUttrdwlorntw cULeVltih
Trof.McCcy hrext
SteajTu. litho .Govts, Printing Office
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
Plate 114.
TRACHICHTHYS AUSTRALIS (Shaw).
Australian Rough Fish.
[Genus TRACHICHTHYS (Shaw). (Sub-kingdom Vertebrata. Class Pisces. Sub- class Tcleostei. Order Acanthopterygii. Family Berycidas.)
Gen. Char. — Ovate, compressed ; muzzle very short, scmioval ; cleft of mouth oblique ; chin projecting a little in front of upper jaw ; eye very large ; teeth very fine, villiform on jaws, palatines, and vomer. Eight branchiostegal rays. A very long, strong spine extending backwards from supra-scapula ; a small triangular one on upper margin of operculum, and a large one on basal angle of preoperculum ; scales semielliptical, roughly granular, serrated at edge, and with upper and lower ends of anterior edge prolonged into flat, smooth, triangular spines on covered portion ; scales of lateral line not larger than adjacent scales ; a row of very large compressed scajes forming a strongly serrated edge to abdomen. One dorsal ; ventral with six rays ; caudal forked. Australasia.]
Description. — Height of body about once and three-fourths in total length from chin to base of caudal ; dorsal and ventral outlines from tip of snout to level of dorsal fin, forming two nearly similar curves, the dorsal higher. Head semi- elliptical ; diameter of eye two and a half in length of head ; mouth reaching under middle of eye, supra-maxillary reaching to vertical of hind edge of orbit; posterior nostril vertical, ovate, close to anterior edge of orbit; 2 lateral and 1 narrow, mesial, smooth, vertical bands on forehead, middle widening into a cordate space above ; intermediate spaces and all the bones of the head and the 4 lower branchiostegal rays rough with close, irregularly arranged, spinose granules, without distinct radiated arrangement ; supra-scapular spine very large, rough, with spinose granules passing to flexuous ridges at point; a broad, flat, very obtuse, triangular spine on upper margin of operculum, and a longer, stronger, and more acute, triangular, flattened spine at basal angle of preoperculum. Teeth : A broad band of very numerous, very minute, villiform teeth on upper and lower jaws, an ovate band of similar teeth on each palatine bone, and a round patch of the same on the vomer. Scales : 65 from operculum to base of caudal, and 24 from dorsal to ventral ; rhomboidal, twice as high as long, those of lateral line not conspicuously larger than the adjacent ones; 12 very large between bases of ventral fins and anus, forming a strongly serrated keel to abdominal edge, the first anterior one obtuse, the others progressively more compressed and prominent ; all the scales strongly pectinated on hind edge, and rough with spinulose granules. Lateral line indistinct, descending from under base of supra-scapular spine, with a slight curve to middle of tail. Fi?is : Dorsal, with 4 spines (the first little larger than a scale), and 11 broad branched rays, the first branched ray highest, the others rapidly shorter, the 6 latter nearly equal, and half the height of the triangular anterior portion; anal with 3 spines and 10 branched rays (2 last with one base), the 6 hind rays lower than the 3 anterior ones, first longest ; caudal deeply bilobed, notch angular, lobes semioval, with 6 shorter rays above and 5 below, simple; 9 above and 7 below, thick, flat, branched ; pectorals
[57]
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
quarter of an oval, of 13 rays ; ventrals broad, trigonal, of 1 spine and 6 branched rays ; all the fin-rays, spinous and branched, rough, with short, spinulose granules. Color: Whole surface of a rich tar-brown, with a vertical tawny-yellow band from supra-scapular spine to spine at base of preoperculum, the throat and pectoral lighter and with a rusty-red tinge, and the ventral blackish-brown with anterior spines yellowish ; dorsal with spines yellowish, high triangular anterior portion blackish- brown, posterior lower portion reddish-chestnut brown, with a conspicuous yellowish- white, nearly colorless and translucent band at base, less than one-third the height of the fin, with a narrow lighter edge ; middle lobe of caudal blackish-brown, upper, lower, and middle margins yellowish ; anal blackish-brown, with a narrow, lighter edge and a light band, yellow and less translucent than that of the dorsal, at base, from one- fourth the height of the fin in front to one-half behind. Iris silvery behind, orange in front. Inside of mouth pale flesh color.
Measurements.
Length from tip of snout to base of caudal
„ „ „ anterior edge of orbit
„ of upper caudal lobe ...
„ „ lower „
„ „ pectoral ... Greatest height of dorsal
„ „ 1st dorsal spine
» ,> 2nd „
» » 3rd „
J> It !»
posterior „
edge of operculum spine
base of pectoral
„ Tentral
,, dorsal anal
|
Ins. |
lines |
|
5 |
1 |
|
0 |
4 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
11 |
|
2 |
1 |
|
2 |
8 |
|
.3 |
3 |
|
4 |
3 |
|
1 |
6 |
|
1 |
4 |
|
1 |
4 |
|
1 |
6 |
|
0 |
2 |
|
0 |
3 |
|
0 |
4 |
|
1 |
3 |
|
3 |
7 |
|
1 |
6 |
|
0 |
10 |
|
0 |
7 |
|
a |
X |
|
Three |
„ depth of body
„ thickness of body Length of supra-scapular spine Space between eyes ... Number of scales in 6 lines at middle of body, longitudinally
» „ „ „ vertically
Reference. — Shaw, Nat. Mis. and Gen. Zool. Fishes, vol. iv., t. 92.
I should have had no doubt, like Count Castlenau, that this very rare fish was identical with the unique specimen described about eighty years ago by Shaw under the name of T. Australis, were it not for the statements of Dr. Glinther that this type specimen of Dr. Shaw, which is still in the British Museum, has 3 dorsal spines, 2 anal spines, 8 ventral keeled scales, and the height of the body not quite one-half the length from snout to base of caudal. I cannot say I feel satisfied that these remarks are correct, for Shaw's figure, in his " General Zoology — Fishes," vol. iv., t. 92, shows exactly the same relative height as our specimen, while Dr. Giinther's proportion would stand for the edge, not base, of the
[58]
Zoology.} NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
caudal iu the present fish and Shaw's figure. Furthermore, Dr. Gray, examining the same specimen (as quoted in Low's Fishes of Madeira, p. 65), says, " There are only 3, or 4 at most, spines in front of dorsal," and if the small anterior dorsal spine which I count in the present fish was possibly, according to such an accurate observer, present in Shaw's type, it may have been overlooked by Dr. Giinther, as it is little bigger than a scale, and applied so closely to the base of the second as to be easily overlooked. I count 12 scales of the large abdominal serration, but the anterior one between the bases of ventral fins is so obtusely keeled, or little compressed, that it might not be counted by some observers ; and Shaw's figure seems to me to indicate 11 of these. Count Castle- nau, in the description of the single specimen known to him (Proc. Lin. Soc. N. S. Wales, vol. iii, p. 364), counts 4 spines to the dorsal, but only 2 spines to the anal, and 10 scales to the ser- rated ventral keel (Mr. Macleay, Des. Cat. Aust. Fish, p. 146, says 9 to 11). His statement that there are nO teeth on the palate bones is to me at present inexjnicable. Mr. Macleay, in his excel- lent work above quoted, proposes the new name T. Jacksonie?isis for the New South Wales specimen described by Count Castlenau as T. Australis, on account of those differences from Shaw's specimen as described by Dr. Giinther ; but for the reasons indi- cated I think it better to retain the old name, pending further examination of the type specimen, which might more fully warrant the establishment of a distinct species.
The tongue is so closely connected to the subjacent parts as almost to warrant the statement of some writers that it is absent ; its surface is smooth.
The only specimen I have ever seen is that figured, which was presented to the National Museum by Mr. Jenkins, the fishmonger, of Swanston-street, who has contributed many rarities to the collec- tion. Described by Shaw originally from a New South Wales specimen collected by White nearly a century ago, no second specimen has been seen since until the present one and that described bv Count Castlenau. Cuvier and Valenciennes, in their great " Histoire Naturelle des Poissons," have had to construct a description from Shaw's figure, no example existing in the
[ 59]
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
Continental museums. The only other species of the genus, the T. elongata (Giinth.), is easily distinguished by its more elongate slender form, smooth spines, and other characters.
The specimen in our Museum was caught in Hobson's Bay, 23rd May, 1884. Not figured of natural colors before.
Explanation of Figures.
Tlate 114. — Fig. 1, side view, natural size. Fig. la, front view of head, to show granula- tion and smooth spaces on top of head, natural size. Fig. 16, interior of mouth, showing tongue, and hands of villiform teeth on jaws, palatine bones, and vomer, magnified two diameters. Fig. 1c, scales of abdominal keel, enlarged. Fig. Id, anterior spines and branched rays of dorsal, to show their roughness, magnified two diameters. Fig. le, scale from lateral line, magnified three diameters. Fig. 1/, ditto, profile.
Frederick McCoy.
[CO]
Pl.il--
ZOOLOCY OF VICTORIA (Fishes)
WW11'
4
A R 'irthfloriiseM dcL cb hik-
Trof McGyfarexr
SU-am lithe, Coy t Trinixjw Office,
Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \Fiahes,
Plate 115.
LANIOPERCA MORDAX (Gunth.).
The Skip-jack Pike.
[Genus LANIOPERCA (Gunth.) = NEOSPHYRJENA (Castel.) = DINOLESTES (Klunz.). (Sub-kingd. Vertebrata. Class Pisces. Sub-class Teleostei. Order Acan- thopterygii. Family Sphyramidaj).
Gen. Char. — Body compressed, elongate, covered with deciduous cycloid scales of moderate size. Head sharp-pointed, covered with small scales ; cleft of mouth wide, lower jaw projecting in front of upper one. Teeth in villiform bands on vomer, palatines, and jaws ; an outer series of stronger, and one or two pairs of very large, lauiary, teeth in front of upper jaw. Tongue smooth ; eyes lateral, moderate ; seven branchiostegal rays ; pseudobranchiae. Fins : Two dorsal, anterior one short, of 5 spines ; anal with 2 spines ; ventrals nearly under pectorals. No denticulation on plates of head; margins of opercular pieces thin and membranous. Australia.]
D. 5 + 2, 18; A. 3, 26; V. 1, 5j P. 16; C. 18; L.L. 67Jr.
Description. — Form semiovate; head pointed, with a slightly concave profile; abdominal outline much more convex than the dorsal line. Height of body about 5 times in total length (without caudal) ; length of head, about 3^ in the same ; eye nearer to end of operculum than to end of snout ; diameter of eye equal to interorbital space, about f^ of length of head; maxillary not quite reaching vertical from front margin of eye. Preoperculum with a wide obtuse sinus in posterior edge; lower angle forming a rounded finely-serrated lobe. Teeth of lower jaw much larger than upper jaw, 4 or 5 posterior ones large, distant, laniary ; outer row of upper jaw nearl}T equal, small, and about their length apart. Pectoral fin ovate, less than half the length of the head, of 16 rays; ventrals deltoidal, united below, slightly behind base of pectorals ; 1st dorsal of 5 slender spines, about 1* its length in front of 2nd dorsal, which is high in front and of 2 simple and 18 branched rays; anal shaped like 2nd dorsal, of 3 simple and 26 branched rays; caudal forked, lower lobe largest, of 18 long rays and 7 or 8 short ones on upper and lower edges. Scales large, very deciduous, lateral line very prominent, nearly straight from upper edge of operculum to middle of tail ; 67 along lateral line, 6 above and 11 below it. Color: Top of head, back, and sides dark purplish-grey, fading into whitish on throat and belly ; first dorsal, pectoral, and ventrals nearly colorless ; 2nd dorsal pale yellowish-olive ; anal lighter ; caudal yellowish-olive ; 2nd dorsal and anal fins with rows of minute dark dots crossing the rays. Iris silvery white. Measurements : Total length of average specimen from tip of snout to tip of caudal fin, 1 ft. 7 ins. 6 lines. Proportional measurements (taking total length as 100) : From tip of snout to middle of caudal, T9^; to base of caudal, TW; to front edge of 1st dorsal, yVtt ? to front edge of 2nd dorsal, T4«^ ; to front edge of anal, f^- ; to base of pectoral, T2/0- ; to front edge of ventrals, T2^ ; to front edge of orbit, T\rV ; to hind edge of orbit, ^ ; to tip of operculum, -f^ ; length of pectoral, ^VV ? length of ventral, i*j>; width of ventrals, y^ ; length of anal, $?■$ ; greatest depth at 2nd branched ray, , *-„ ; length of 1st ray, tot 5 length of last ray, tou; length of 1st dorsal, T(;cr; greatest height at 2nd spine, ^^ ; length of 2nd dorsal, T£$ ; greatest height at 4th branched
[ 61 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Fishes.
ray, -^^ ; length of last ray, T30^j- ; greatest depth hetween 1st and 2nd dorsal fins, Ty^. Length of largest, anterior, npper tooth, 5 lines ; length of upper anterior teeth, 2 lines ; length of posterior lower teeth, 2 lines ; length of teeth of anterior portion of lower jaw, |- line; those of edge of upper jaw, -^ line. Ahout middle of hody 5 scales in one inch longitudinally, 3 vertically.
Reference. — Lanioperca mordax (Giinth.), Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 1872, v. 10, p. 183 = Dinolestes Miilleri (Klunz.), Archiv. fur Naturges, 1872, p. 29, t. 3 = Neosphyrcena multiradiata (Cast.), Proc. Zool. Soc. Vic, v. 1, p. 96.
The Laniopercce resemble the Sphyrcence or Sea Pikes, but have much more numerous rays in the second dorsal and anal fins, and have teeth on the vomer, and bands of villiform teeth inside the large ones on jaws. The typical species was made the type of the genus Dinolestes by Klunzinger, and of Neosphyrcena by Count Castlenau.
The Skip-jack Pike, as it is called by the fishermen, is not un- common in the winter and spring months, and is easily distinguished from the Sea Pike, which it resembles generally and in color, by its shorter, thicker form and much longer anal and second dorsal fins. The color often seems a purplish-brown in the fish shops, when dead some time and most of the scales off ; but when fresh is purplish slate-grey above, like the Pike.
Klunzinger's figure gives only four rays to the first dorsal fin, and the photograph published by the Rev. J. E. Tennison- Woods, in the " Fish and Fisheries of New South Wales," omits the first dorsal fin altogether, the error in both cases probably arising from the ease with which the spines are completely concealed when depressed into a deep slit or groove at the base of the fin.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 115. — Fig. 1, average specimen, half the natural size. Fig. la, under-view of head, to show the form of the isthmus, half natural size. Fig. 16, inner view of mouth, natural size, showing the villiform bands of minute teeth, tapering at anterior and posterior ends on each jaw and on the front of tlie vomer, with the smooth tongue, and the row of larger outer teeth, becoming very large behind on the lower jaws, and the smaller, more uniform, outer row of teeth on the upper jaw, as well as the two pairs of great laniary teeth between the vomer and front of the mouth, and the few larger teeth on sides of back of vomer (the lower jaw is nearer the top of the plate). Fig. lc, scales from lateral line, twice the natural size. Fig. Id, scale from above the lateral line, twice the natural size. Fig. le, scale from below the lateral line, twice the natural size. Fig. If, portion of anal fin, natural size, to show the transverse streaks of minute dark dots.
Frederick McCoy.
[62]
-*
/v. in;
ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
(Po lyzocu)
Hipper luA
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St&am- kjjio. Govt, Printing I
Zoology. ,] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. {Vohjzoa.
Plate 116, Fig. 1.
BEANIA MIRABILIS (Johnston).
[Genus BEANIA (Johnston). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infun- dibulata. Sub-order Cheilostoniata. Family Bicellariidae.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium creeping or loosely adnate. Zooecia disjunct, connected by (usually) corneous tubes, erect or decumbent, ovate or boat-sbaped, entirely open in front and filled in by a membrane. Usually one or two capitate pedunculate avicularia, perfect, aborted or altered in form.]
Description. — Zoarium sub-erect or decumbent. Zooecia erect, connected by long', filiform tubes springing- from their bases ; each cell boat-shaped, with a thick- ened rim, two sharp spines superiorly and 7-10 sub-marginal, incurved spines or costce on each side, the uppermost of which is stouter than the others.
References. — Busk, Cat. Mar. Pol. Brit. Mus., Pt. i, p. 32, pi. xxiv., Figs. 4, 5 ; Hincks, Brit. Mar. Polyzoa, p. 96, pi. iv.; Figs. 8-10.
Port Phillip Heads, Mr. J. B. Wilson.
This exceedingly beautiful and interesting species, for the dis- covery of which in Australia we are indebted to Mr. J. B. Wilson, differs in no respect from the well-known European form. The figured specimen occurs on a small piece of sea-weed. The zooecia are boat-shaped, of a beautiful silvery appearance, and connected by long delicate tubes attached to their bases. The superior thicker spine seems to me to be evidently the homologue of the frequently-modified avicularium in the Diachoridan species.
Explanation op Figures.
Plate 116. — Fig. 1, portion of zoarium, magnified. Fig. la, single cell, more bighly magnified.
Plate 116, Figs. 2 and 4.
MUCRONELLA TRICUSPIS (Hincks).
[Genus MUCRONELLA (Hincks). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order In- fundibulata. Sub-ord. Cheilostomata. Fam. Escharidae.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium crustaceous or erect and uni- or bi-laminate. Zooecia ■with a sub- orbicular or semicircular orifice, the peristome of which is elevated into a more or less promi- nent inferior mucro.]
Description. — Zoarium encrusting*. Zooecia distinct, convex; primary mouth semicircular, with 3 or 4 long1 spines superiorly; secondary mouth with a pouch-like projection of the peristome below, the middle part forming' a broad mucro and on each side produced into a sharp process. A raised avicularium on each side of the zocecium below the mouth, with the long-, pointed mandible directed outwards, and projecting-
Vol. II.— Decade XII.— 1. ' 63 ]
Zoology.-] NATUEAL HISTOKY OF VICTOKIA. \_Polyzoa.
against the side of the mouth of the contiguous cell. Ooecia globular, smooth, occasionally with the margin thickened.
References. — Mucronella tricuspis, Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Aug. 1881 ; M. munita, MacGillivray, Tr. Roy. Soc. Vict., July 1882.
Port Phillip Heads ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone.
Of this common species there are two varieties which I, at one time, considered as distinct species. The one, which may be taken as the type, forms, when young, thin glassy layers on Retepores, shells, &c. The oral spines are long and only seen on the marginal zooecia. The whole surface of the zooecia is smooth. In older specimens there is no difference except what is due to increased calcification. The peristome below forms a pouch-like projection, divided superiorly into three parts — a central broader and two lateral sharper projections. The central part is traversed by a shallow, vertical groove which is frequently, as in the figure, replaced by an elevated band or ridge. In the other variety, which I have described as M. munita, the surface of the zocecia is sharply areolated round the margin, and the spines are much thicker and persistent. Even when highly calcified the areolation is frequently retained, although sometimes obliterated. In. one beautifully per- fect young, growing specimen the marginal spines are thick, with conspicuous chitinous articulations ; and many of the zooecia have a calcareous nodule on the front.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 116. — Fig. 2, portion of zoarium of normal form, showing the young marginal zooecia and those fully formed, ooecia, and avicularia projecting on the sides of the mouths of contiguous zooecia. Spines are seen on the marginal zooecia, but not on the others. Fig. 4, small portion of the variety munita, in which, however, the marginal areolation has disappeared. The bases of the persistent spines are shown.
Plate 116, Fig. 3.
MUCRONELLA L^VIS (P. McG.).
Description. — Cells broadly ovate, arranged in linear series, separated by deep grooves, slightly convex, smooth ; mouth rounded above, a broad denticle deep in the lower lip ; peristome raised round the lower lip, produced in the centre into a prominent square or blunt mucro ; six stiff, articulated spines on the upper margin. Ocecium small, globose, smooth, three spines showing on each side in front of it.
Reference.— P. H. MacGillivray, Tr. Roy. Soc. Vict., July 1882.
Sorrento, Mr. J. B. Wilson ; Port Phillip Heads, on shells, &c.
[64]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Of a yellowish-brown color. Allied to M. peachii, from which it differs in the greater prominence of the mouth, the larger size of the mucro, the stouter spines (the articulations of which are usually darker colored), and the presence of three spines in front of the ocecium on either side. It is also closely allied to, and may prove to be identical with the M. teres described by Mr. Hincks from specimens dredged off Curtis Island.
Explanation or Figure. Plate 116. — Fig. 3, portion of specimen, magnified.
Plate 116, Figs. 5-8.
MUCROXELLA VULTUR (Hincks).
Description. — Zoarium loosely attached or in hemescbara form. Cells large, distinct, surface cribriform, with numerous, slightly raised, circular foramina ; mouth semicircular, with six spines on the upper margin ; inside the lower lip a broad denticle, and on each side, separated by a rounded sinus, a sharp tooth; in front of the median denticle the peristome forms a large mucro, with a large avicularium on one side, the sharp point of the mandible of which is directed upwards. Occasionally a large avicularium, with a broad, blunt, tongue-shaped mandible on the front of a cell. Ooecium large, globular, closely and finely punctate, with, usually, a sharp point on each side of the opening.
Reference. — Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Aug. 1882.
Port Phillip Heads ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone ; Warrnainbool, Mr. Watts.
In this large and handsome species the zooecia are of great size, and the massive mucro, with its long, pointed, lateral avicularium, is very conspicuous. The front of the mucro is frequently elevated into a stout knob or process. The zocecia posteriorly are quadrate, and have very frequently a large round pore, usually situated about the centre of the upper margin, probably indicating the attachment of a radical fibre. It is nearly allied to M. (Lepralia) Ellerii (McG.), of which it ought possibly to rank only as a variety. In M. Ellerii the primary mouth is of the same structure, but the central mucro is smaller (although frequently with the projecting process), and there are usually additional blunt processes at the sides of the mouth. The zooecia, moreover, are
[ 65]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
oblique ; and the ooecia are broader, the inferior angles not so sharply pointed, and there is a smooth space in front without any punctation.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 116. — Fig. 5, two mature zocecia with ooecia, showing also the process on the mucro. Fig. 6, two cells from another specimen. Fig. 7, younger cells from another specimen, showing the growth of the mucro. Fig. 8, single marginal cell, showing the central and lateral denticles.
Plate 116, Fig. 9.
CYCLICOPORA LONGIPORA (P. McG.).
[Genus CYCLTCOPORA (Hincks). (Suh-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infun- dibulata. Sub-ord. Cheilostomata. Fam. Escharidae.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium encrusting or loosely adnate. Zooecia elongated ; mouth suborbicular, turned forwards, with a slightly-thickened margin. No avicularia. Ocecium prominent.]
Description. — Zocecia much elongated, distinct, arranged in linear series, convex ; surface smooth and sparsely punctured ; mouth nearly circular, with the lower lip usually slightly straightened, margin thickened. Ocecium large, rounded, smooth.
Reference. — Lepralia longipora, P. H. MacGillivray, Tr. Roy. Soc. Vict., July 1882; Cyclicopora prcelonga, Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Oct. 1884.
Port Phillip Heads, mostly on calcareous nodules, common.
Explanation of Figure. Plate 116. — Fig. 9, portion of specimen, magnified.
The specimens and descriptions for the Polyzoa on this plate have been contributed by Mr. MacGillivray.
Frederick McCoy.
[ 66]
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ZOOLOGY OF VICTORIA
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Plate 117, Figs. 1 and 2. BEANIA DECUMBENS (P. McG.).
[Genus BEANIA (Johnston). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Iufun- dibulata. Sub-order Cheilostomata. Family Bicellariidse.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium creeping or loosely adnate. Zooecia disjunct, connected by (usually) corneous tubes, erect or decumbent, ovate or boat-shaped, entirely open in front, and filled in by a membrane. Usually one or two capitate pedunculate avicularia, perfect, aborted or altered in form.]
Description. — Zooecia much elongated ; two or three short spines at the top ; 14-16 long- spines on each side, arching- over the front of the cell and those of opposite sides interdigitating ; at each upper angle a smail capitate avicularium; connecting tubes springing from the extremities or sides, so that the cells are entirely decumbent.
Keference. — P. H. MacGillivray, Tr. Eoy. Soc. Vict., Dec. 1881.
Port Phillip Heads ; first found by Mr. J. Bracebridge Wilson. Spreads in long, irregular lines over calcareous nodules. The connecting tubes are very short, and the zocecia are arranged end to end, the branches, however, originating from the sides of the zocecia. In many zocecia there are one or two radical tubes from the sides, fixing them to the body on which they grow.
I have elsewhere given reasons for including most of the species of Diachoris in the present genus. The zocecium in such a species as D. spinigera, as pointed out by Hincks (Polyzoa, p. 66), is identical in structure with that of a typical Beania. The number of the connecting tubes, the seemingly constant junction of each cell with six others, and, especially, the presence of capitate avicularia, constituted the reason for separating Diachoris ; but Hincks has described a species, D. intermedia, in which the connecting tubes are four, and the symmetrical pattern is lost ; and in Heller's D. hirtissima and the allied B. conferta (McG.) there are no avicularia. The character of the genus Beania, as now defined, depends on the structure of the cell, the margins being raised and front entirely open or membranous, their disjunction and connection with each other by tubes, and the presence of one or two perfect or modified capitate avicularia at or towards the oral end of the cell.
The systematic position of the genus is somewhat doubtful, but on the whole I agree with Mr. Hincks in referring it to
[ & ]
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Pohjzoa.
the Bicellariidse. It is also closely related to the Membraniporse through the very interesting B. radicifera, in which the original disjunction of the cells is shown by the short, thick, calcareous connection seen behind, and the avicularia, although sessile, are evidently a modification of the capitate form.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 117. — Fig. 1, two zocecia of a series arranged end to end. Fig. la, single zocecium with the first zooecia of two branches springing from the sides. Fig. 2, outline of side view, to show the position of the attachment of the connecting tubes.
■/ki/->. .i ~ j-d^fc Plate 117, Fig. 3.
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— BEANIA COSTATA (Busk sp.).
Description. — Zoarium adnate or free; zooecia connected with six others by corneous tubes ; boat-shaped, rounded at either end ; 4-0 spines above the mouth, and about 10 or 12 long- incurved spines on each side of the aperture bending- over the front, and tbose of opposite sides interdigitating ; posterior surface of cells smooth; a capitate avicularium on each side opposite the mouth, usually directed upwards.
Reference. — Diachoris costata, Busk, Challenger Polyzoa, p. 60, xxiv. f. 4.
Port Phillip Heads.
This species is allied to the D. spinigera, from which, however, it may readily be distinguished. The zocecia are much smaller, the marginal spines more numerous and longer, and the avicularia are smaller, narrower, and more elongated.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 117.— Fig. 3, group of zooecia, magnified. Fig. 3a, single zocecium, more highly- magnified ; the outward direction of some of the marginal spines is owing to the irregular contraction of the sides of the cell in the dried specimen. Fig. 3b, back view of portion of same specimen.
Plate 117, Figs. 4 and 5. BEANIA CROTALI (Busk sp.).
Description. — Zoarium loosely adnate or snberect; zocecia erect, quadrate, each joined to six others by corneous tubes; from each upper angle a large lanceolate process (a modified avicularium) is directed downwards and inwards ; posterior surface with several perforations at the base and on the sides.
Reference. — Diachoris Crotali, Busk, Cat. Mar. Pol. Brit. Mus., pt. 1, p. 54, t. lxvi., figs. 1 and 2.
Port Phillip Heads ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone.
[68]
Zoology.'] NATUEAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. {Pohjzoa.
The zoarium is partly free or adnate, and very loosely con- nected with the object on which it rests. The zocecia are nearly erect, oblong. Each is connected with six others by tubes spring- ing from the bases (not the sides and anterior extremity) of the zocecia, the tubes thus forming a horizontal network from which the zocecia are directed upwards. At each upper angle of the zocecia there is articulated a lanceolate leaf-like process, the upper and narrower end of which forms a rounded knob. This process is hollowed on one surface, and has a prominent ridge on the other. There is no appearance of mandible, but there can be no doubt of its being a modified avicularium. At the base of the zocecium, when viewed posteriorly, several rounded markings or openings are usually seen near the edge, mostly to one side, and they occa- sionally occur also on the sides of the erect part.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 117.— Fig. 4, anterior view of portion of a specimen. Fig. 4a, portion of the same, more highly magnified. Fig. 4b, posterior view of same. Fig. 5, side view of two zocecia.
Plate 117, Figs. 6 to 8. BEANIA RADIC1FERA (Hincks sp.).
Description. — Zoarium attached by numerous radical tubes springing- from the backs of the zocecia ; zocecia large ; aperture entirely membranous or slightly filled in below by a thin calcareous plate ; two very short spines or tubercles above the mouth, and a long, incurved, blunt or occasionally furcate, rigid spine on one side, a short distance below the mouth ; on the opposite side a large, sessile avicularium rising' from a distinct broad base. Ocecia large, rounded, granular and pitted. Posteriorly, the zocecia distinct, but each united by short calcareous tubes with six others, the spaces between the tubes appearing as round deep depressions.
Reference. — Membranipora radicifera, Hincks, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1881.
Port Phillip Heads, on mud and sponges.
This is in many respects a most interesting form, marking, as it does, the transition from Beania (including Diachoris) to Mem- branipora. The zocecia wTith the slight filling in inferiorly are Mem- braniporidan ; but, although they are united in front, posteriorly they present the characteristic arrangement of Diachoris, the rounded openings seen being the spaces between the connecting tubes of the adjacent cells, which, instead of being long and chitinous, are here short and calcareous. The avicularium is also
[ 69 ]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polgzoa.
transitional. It is not capitate, but has a broad calcareous basis, clearly representing the pedicle of the ordinary capitate form. The mode of attachment is peculiar, the zoarium being fixed by numerous radical tubes springing from the backs of the cells.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 117. — Fig. 6, front view of portion of specimen. Fig. 7, back view, showing con- nection of each zooecium with six others by short, thick, calcareous tubes. Fig. 8, single zooecium from another specimen, showing a few radical fibres.
Plate 117, Fig. 9.
AMPHIBLESTRUM PATELLAKIUM (Moll sp.).
Description. — Zooecia slightly separated and connected by short tubes, oval and lozenge-shaped ; margins raised, crenulated ; lower two-thirds filled in by a minutely granular calcareous expansion ; aperture nearly semicircular, occasionally somewhat trifoliate. Ocecia rounded, smooth, with a thickened rim below.
References. — Mollia patellaria, Smitt, Flor. Bryozoa, Pt. ii., p. 12, fig. 72 = Diachoris patellaria, Waters, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Feb. 1879 = Membrani- por a patellaria, P. H. MacGillivray, Tr. Roy. Soc. Vict., Dec. 1881.
Port Phillip Heads.
This species agrees with Beania and Diachoris in nothing but the disjunction of the cells ; otherwise it is undoubtedly an Am- phiblestrum, allied to A. Rossellii. It agrees perfectly with the form described by Waters, from the Bay of Naples, as Diachoris patellaria var. multijuncta. The cells are only slightly separated, and are sometimes so close that the connecting tubes cannot be distinguished. Each cell is connected with the adjacent ones by usually about twelve tubes. In the typical form, as figured by Smitt and Waters, the connecting tubes are much fewer. These naturalists consider Heller's D. simplex as the same species, which they refer to Moll's Eschara patellaria. I have not seen Moll's work, but Heller's figure certainly looks very different. No avicularia have been seen.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 117. — Fig. 9, group of zooecia, magnified. Fig. 10, portion of another specimen, showing ooecia.
I am indebted for the specimens and descriptions of the Polyzoa on this plate to Mr. MacGillivray.
Fkederick McCoy,
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Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Polyzoa.
Plate 118, Figs. 1 to 5.
HORNERA FOLIACEA (P. McGL).
[Genus HORNERA (Lamx.). (Sub-kingd. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order Infundi- bulata. Sub-order Cyclostomata. Family Idmoneidse.)
Gen. Char. — Zoarium brancbed, branches distinct, anastomosing or connected by transverse bars. Zocecia distinct, opening irregularly on one side of the branches. Ooecia dorsal or anterior. ]
Description. — Zoarium rising- from a discoid base, forming- a foliaceous ex- pansion, composed of sub-parallel brandies dichotomously divided and connected by transverse bars forming oblong- fenestra ; anterior surface divided into elongated, more or less rhomboidal, spaces by the approximation, at intervals, of slightly elevated longitudinal ridges ; zocecia opening in these spaces, exserted, the peristome produced and lacerated especially on the expanded outer lip; posterior surface longitudinally sulcate, the elevations between the sulci transversely marked by shallow grooves. Ooecia very large, bulging, extending usually over several branches, deeply and closely pitted.
Reference. — Homera foliacea, P. H. MacGillivray, Tr. Roy. Soc Vict. = Retihomera foliacea, Busk, Brit. Mus. Cat., Marine Polyzoa, Part iii., p. 19, pi. xiii., figs. 1 and 2, pi. xix.
Port Phillip Heads ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone ; Western Port and Sealers' Cove, Baron von Mueller.
This beautiful and common species rises from a discoid base, spreads usually at first in a flabelliform manner, but ultimately becomes more or less convoluted, and frequently attains a size of two inches. The fenestras are oblong, varying considerably in size according to age, sometimes narrower than the branches, sometimes as wide or even wider. The zocecia are exserted in perfect specimens, with the peristome lacerated ; in those at the margins of the branches the outer lip is much expanded, forming a laciniated lip with usually two or three teeth. There are seldom more than two or three rows of zocecia in a branch, and their occurrence on the cross-bars is very infrequent. The surface of the branches is faintly granular and traversed by longitudinal, slightly elevated ridges, the approximation of which, at intervals, forms eloDgated, irregular, somewhat rhomboidal spaces in which the orifices of the cells are situated. The posterior surface is longitudinally sulcate, the intermediate elevations being marked by close transverse furrows. The depth of the posterior sulci, the distinctness of the
Vol. II.— Decade XII.— m. '71
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. {Polyzoa.
anterior ridges, and the prominence of the cell-mouths, of course, vary much with age. In some specimens numerous, small, sharp- pointed spines project from the edges of the fenestra?. These, however, are usually absent, even in perfect specimens. The ooecia are very large and prominent. They are seldom confined to one branch, but usually extend over several, generally bulging in the direction of the axis of each branch involved.
The genus Retihornera has been proposed by Kirchenpaur and adopted by Busk for the fenestrate species of Hornera. Such a species as H. robusta (McG.) shows the transition, and I cannot see any sufficient reason for dividing the old genus.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 118. — Fig. 1, specimen, natural size. Fig. 2, portion of the front of a specimen* magnified. Fig. 3, portion of another specimen, more highly magnified, to show the expanded' lacerated outer lip of the peristome of the zooecia. Fig. 4, portion of the back of a specimen, showing two ooecia. Fig. 5, part of a specimen, with small spines on the edges of the fenestra?.
Plate 118, Figs. 6 to 8.
HORNERA ROBUSTA (P. McG.).
Description. — Zoarium composed of one or more thick, flattened stems, from which lateral branches extend on either side, these lateral branches frequently anas- tomosing- with each other and with those from adjacent stems ; zocecia arranged in numerous longitudinal rows, separated by raised ridges ; mouth in the central zooecia slightly exserted, in the lateral and those near the edge the peristome produced and irregularly dentate ; posterior surface of zoarium longitudinally sulcate, the narrow intermediate ridges thickly punctate. Ocecium large, posterior, elongated in the direction of the branch, pitted.
Reference.— P. H. MacGillivray, Tr. Roy. Soc. Vict., Dec. 1882.
Port Phillip Heads.
H. robusta attains a considerable size, a specimen dredged at Port Phillip Heads being two and a half inches by one and three- quarters. Its mode of growth is very characteristic. It originates from a single stem, usually subcylindrical, but sometimes broad or
[72]
Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. \_Polyzoa.
indistinct. This divides usually into two, which again subdivide into several branches. From the main branches others spread on either side in a penniform manner, and these again give rise to smaller branches. These anastomose irregularly together, and the large branches from the neighbouring main stems frequently unite in the same manner. Some specimens consist only of a single stem with lateral branches. The resulting zoarium in those with several stems is more or less expanded and curled. The anastomoses are very irregular, and do not produce anything like the regular fenestrate arrangement seen in Retihornera foliacea. They seem to be frequently caused by the accidental contact of the peristomes of zocecia in contiguous branches.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 118. — Fig. 6, specimen, natural size. Fig. 7, portion of a specimen, showing the anterior surface and the mode of formation of the anastomoses, magnified. Fig. 8, small portion of the back of another specimen, showing an ocecium.
Mr. MacGillivray has kindly contributed the specimens and descriptions of these species of Retihornera and Hornera.
Frederick McCoy.
[73]
PL. 113
ZOOLOCY OF VICTORIA
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Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
Plate 119.
PHANEROPTERA VALIDA (Walk.). The Smaller Green Gum-tree Grasshopper.
[Genus PHANEROPTERA (Aud. Serv.) (Sub-kingd. Articulata. Class Insecta. Order Orthoptera.* Section Saltatoria. Family Gryllidse.)
Gen. Char. — Head small, narrow, oval, vertical ; antennas close together at base, longer than the body, setaceous, multiarticulate, first joint large, elongate, second spheroidal, capillary from the third joint ; eyes small, prominent ; no ocelli ; labrum small, rounded ; mandibles moderate, slender; maxilliary palpi with last joint twice as long as that of labial palpi, both truncated at tip. Legs long, slender ; posterior femora very long, smooth ; tibias long ; spines of legs few and small ; anterior tibiae with a basal swelling, having a distinct oval cavity ; tarsi 4-jointed, third joint narrow, bilobed. Elytra long, narrow, extending beyond the abdomen when at rest, and having large stridulating organ on inner base in the males ; wings large, ex- tending beyond the elytra. Prothorax short, flat or concave above, posterior edge sometimes raised ; presternum smooth ; mesosternum and metasternum concave, with raised lateral borders. Abdomen narrow; subanal plate of male bifurcate at tip, the two branches extending beyond the abdomen ; two upper appendages long, setaceous, pubescent, those of the male a little arched upwards, and much larger than in the female ; ovipositor very short, arched upwards from base, rounded at tip ; valves flat, smooth above.
Sub-genus, Phaneroptera proper : Prothorax oblong, nearly parallel-sided and flat above, keeled at sides where deflected ; legs and thighs nearly smooth.]
Description. — Male: Head brown, with green tinge; eyes very prominent, greenish-brown ; antennae very slender, pale brown ; prothorax with a flat or slightly concave, oblong disc, sides bent down at right angles with a strong, straight, pale-yellowish keel on each side at the flexure; rest of the surface pea-green; anterior margin -slightly concave, posterior edge convex. Presternum narrow, sulcate along middle, meso- and meta- sternum broader, slightly convex with raised lateral edges, deeply bilobed behind. Upper abdominal appendages long, slightly curved upwards; lower pair very short. Legs very long, slender; femora and tibiae with few very minute spines, proximal half of hind femora moderately thick- ened; anterior pair of tibia? dilated at base for oval drum cavity; all the legs pale brown, except thick part of hind femora, which are green on outer side. Tegmina, or anterior wings, narrow, about 2 lines shorter than posterior wings when at rest ; larger areolets irregular, not distinctly marked; pea-green, except the large triangular part of inner base carrying the iridescent, transparent, stridulating spots, which are pale brown. Hind wings colorless, with pale pink and green iridescent reflection; a triangular, opaque, pea-green spot, 2 lines long, on anterior half of apex (which opaque green portion projects beyond the tegmina when at rest); abdomen brown above, green below; tibia?, tarsi, distal half of hind thighs and palpi, pale brown; angle at sides of thorax, continued by inner or posterior veins of tegmina, when at rest, pale yellowish. Expanse of tegmina, 3 ins. 1 line ; length of body, 1 in. Proportional measurements : Length of lower wings, 1 in. 6 lines, taken as unity; length of anterior wings, or tegmina, \%%', width of tegmina, r§^; length of prothorax, to%5 width of prothorax, xo?o 5 length of abdomen, xo'ttj length of antenna?, -^^ ; hind femora, ^g, ; hind tibiae, rruV Female : General structure
* Although the name Dermaptera has some claims to priority for this Order, I have used Orthoptera, as employed by so many writers upon the group.
[75]
Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. . [Insects.
and color like male, except inner bases of tegmina, which are green, and finely reticulated like the rest. Length of tegmina, 1 in. 7 lines ; length of body, 1 in. 1 line.
Reference. — Cat. Derm. Salt., Pt. 2, p. 352.
The PhaneroptercB are the most elegantly slender of all the Gryllidce, not only the small head and narrow body, but the nar- rowness of the anterior pair of wings (or tegmina, or elytra) aiding this characteristic appearance. The distance the hind wings pro- ject behind the tips of the tegmina when at rest, and the great length of the abdominal appendages of the male, are also pecu- liarities. The subanal plate of the male is sometimes double, in other species only bifurcate at tip ; it is usually curved upwards. The shortness of the ovipositors of the female sejDarates the PhaneroptercB at a glance from Locustidce.
Like all the Phaneropterce, the posterior wings when folded extend like a tail beyond the ends of the elytra or anterior wings when at rest, the exposed tips being usually colored like the elytra and of the same consistence, differing in these respects from the transparent membranous rest of the wing.
This species is common on young gum trees near Melbourne, the tint of which it so closely agrees with that it is by no means easy to detect the individuals loudly shirring or chirping on all sides of the observer.
It has not been figured before.
Explanation of Figures. Plate 119. — Fig. 1, male, natural size, in flying position. Fig. la, front view of head, magnified 3 diameters, snowing absence of ocelli and form of front. Fig. lb, labrum, or upper lip, showing its simple rounded edge, magnified 5 diameters. Fig. lc, one of the strong cutting mandibles, magnified 5 diameters. Fig. Id, one of the slender maxilla?, showing the hood over the serrated terminal joint and the maxillary palpi. Fig. le, labium, or under lip, showing its terminations and palpi, magnified 5 diameters. Fig. If, head and thorax viewed from above, magnified 3 diameters, showing the flat oblong disc, with the rectangularly-deflected sides. Fig. Iff, hind leg, magnified 2 diameters. Fig. Ih, anterior leg, showing swelling and drum cavity in base of tibia. Fig. lz, tarsus viewed from below, magnified 3 diameters, to show the bilobed third joint. Fig. Ik, ditto, viewed from the side. Fig. 1/, sternum, to show the bilobed middle and hinder pieces, magnified 3 diameters. Fig. Im, anal plate and appendages of end of abdomen of male, magnified 3 diameters. Fig. In, elytra, magnified two diameters, showing the neuration and large, clear stridulating organs at base. Fig. 2, female, viewed in profile, with the wings at rest, to show the projection of the wings behind the tips of the elytra, and the extension of both far behind the end of the abdomen. Fig. 2a, elytra, or tegmina, magnified 2 diameters, to contrast the neuration with that of the male, and to show the absence in the female of the transparent stridulating spaces at base. Fig. 2b, side view of plates of ovipositor and appendages at end of abdomen of female, magnified 3 diameters. Fig. 3, another specimen, in the walking position, seen from above, to show the overlapping of the left elytron.
Frederick McCoy. [?6]
PI . 120
200L0CY OF VICTORIA
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Zoology.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
Plate 120.
PHANEROPTERA (EPHIPPITYTIIA) TRIGINTIDUO-
GUTTATA (Serv.).
The Thirty-two Spotted Grasshopper.
[Genus PHANEROPTERA (Aud. Serv.). (Sub-kingd. Articulata. Class Insecta. Order Orthoptera. Section Saltatoria. Family Gryllidse.)
Gen. Char. — Head small, narrow, oval, vertical ; antenna? close together at base, longer than the body, setaceous, multiarticular^ ; 1st joint large, elongate; 2nd spheroidal; capillary from the 3rd joint. Eyes small, prominent ; no ocelli ; labrum small, rounded ; mandible moderate, slender; maxillary palpi with last joint twice as long as that of labial palpi, both truncated at tip. Legs long, slender ; posterior femora very long, smooth ; tibia? long ; spines of legs few and small ; anterior tibia? with a basal swelling, having a distinct oval cavity ; tarsi 4-jointed, 3rd joint narrow, bilobed. Elytra long, narrow, extending beyond the abdomen when at rest, and having large stridulating organ on inner base in the males ; wings large, extending beyond the elytra. Prothorax short, flat or concave above, posterior edge sometimes raised ; presternum smooth ; mesosternum and metasternum concave, with raised lateral borders. Abdomen narrow ; subanal plate of male bifurcate at tip, the two branches extending beyond the abdomen ; two upper appendages long, setaceous, pubescent, those of the male a little arched upwards and much larger than in the female ; ovipositor very short, arched upwards from base, rouned at tip ; valves flat, smooth above.
(Sub-genus Ephippitytha) (Serville) — Prothorax saddle-shaped, hollowed transversely, narrow and convex in front above, abruptly widening into a rounded dilated portion raised behind. Thighs and legs strongly spinous. Front with one tubercle.]
Description. — Female : Body yellow ochre, glossy ; top of head blackish- brown ; a rusty yellow spot under each eye. Frontal tubercle small, conical ; point not reaching- front of basal joint of antennae. Prothorax saddle-shaped, hollowed on the deflected sides ; upper surface contracted in front, widening- abruptly behind ; obliquely inclined upwards from the anterior to the posterior margin, with a median, triangular, reddish-brown spot ; sides green, bent down, long, rounded ; posterior portion brown, elevated, flat, rounded at the base of the elytra; sides of this plate with a black, polished, semilunate spot, wider in front. Elytra rather opaque, ex- tending nearly an inch beyond the end of the abdomen, dull yellowish-green ; anterior border wide, sinuous, narrowed towards the tip, which is rounded and of a duller color; the reticulate neuration of this margin coarse, irregular; each elytron with 8 to 10 oblong black spots in a longitudinal line on a paler streak, touching the posterior or inner margin of great marginal vein ; 8 to 13 other similar spots form- ing an irregularly placed row on the inner margin of the elytra. Stridulating organ opaque, with reticulate neuration like that of anterior margin ; hind wings trans- parent, with slightly-opaque green tips. Legs green, with transverse brown spots ; hind thighs with 2 rows of moderate spines below ; hind tarsi with 2 rows of moderately large spines above, 2 anterior pairs of legs, nearly smooth ; 2 hinder joints of sternum green, with the deflected edges yellow. Base of anterior tibia? swollen, with a large, oval, talc-like, glossy plate covering the cavity on both the outer and inner sides. Antennae slender, setaceous, of very numerous, indistinct, cylindrical joints beyond the basal and 2nd joints, which are enlarged, the basal joint slightly exceeding the frontal tubercle in length. Length of body, 1 in. 4 lines ; length of each of the tegmina, 2 ins. 1 line; greatest width of same, 5 lines ; length of
[ 77]
Zoplogy.] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects.
hind wing", 2 ins. 2 lines ; greatest width of same, 1 in. ; length of antennae, 1 in. 8 lines ; length of hind thigh, 1 in. 4 lines ; length of hind tibia, 1 in. 4 lines ; length of hind tarsi, 2 lines ; length of ovipositor, 2 lines. Male : Coloring as in female. Length from frontal tubercle to end of anal plate, 1 in. 1 line ; length of tegmina, 1 in. 11 lines j greatest width of same, 6 lines ; length of hinder wings, 2 ins. 1 line ; greatest width of same, 10 lines; length of antennae, 2 ins. 10 lines; length of hind thigh, 1 in. 2 lines ; length of hind tibia, 1 in. 4 lines ; length of hind tarsi, 3 lines. Anal plate compressed, upturned, bifid at extremity, half its length beyond end of abdomen. Two upper appendages of end of abdomen conical, 1^ lines long ; length of anal plate, 2 lines.
Reference. — Aud. Serville, Hist. Nat. des Insect. Orthopt., p. 422 = E. macu- lata, Evans, Trans. Ent. Soc, v. iv., p. 303, t. 21, fig./, c.
The black spots not only vary in number on the usual part of the elytra, but some have a few small ones on the anterior part of the elytra, and one near the green tip of the wing, as shown in our figures of two varieties, differing in those respects. It is one of the rarest of our Grasshoppers, one of the two examples in the Museum having been found in May 1876 at Emu Plains, near Benalla, by Mr. A. F. Bradshaw, to whom we are indebted for it. Not figured of the colors of life before.
Explanation of Figures.
Plate 120. — Fig. 1, female in flying positic-D, natural size. Fig. la, top of head and disc of thorax, to show the saddle-shaped, narrow, keeled, anterior portion and wide flattened posterior part of disc, magnified 3 diameters. Fig. 16, sternum, magnified 3 diameters. Fig. \c, side view of end of ahdomen, showing ovipositor and appendages, magnified 3 diameters. Fig. Id, the same, viewed from above. Fig. 2, male, flying, natural size, of variety, showing small spots on anterior margin of elytra, and one larger spot near tip of each hind wing.
Frederick McCoy.
[78]
CONTENTS OF DECADES.
N.B.— The originals of all the Figures are in the National Museum, Melbourne.
DECADE I.
Plate 1. — The Black Snake (Pseudechys porphyriacus, Shaw sp.).
Plate 2. — The Copper-head Snake (Hoplocephalus superbus,. Giinth.).
Plate 3. — The Tiger Snake (Hoplocephalus curtus, Schl. sp.).
Plate 4. — The Australian Bream (Chrysophrys Australis, Giinth.).
Plate 5. — The Spiny-sided Butterfly-Gurnard (Lepidotrigla Vanessa, Rich. sp.).
Plate 6. — The Kuniu Gurnard (Trigla Kumu, Lesson and Garn.).
Plate 7. — The Australian Giant Earth-worm (Megascolides Australis, McCoy).
Plate 8. — Lewin's Day-moth (Agarista Lewini, Boisd.).
The Loranthus Day-moth (Agarista Casuarinae, Scott).
The Vine Day-moth (Agarista Glycine, Lewin sp.). Plate 9. — Pieris (Thyca) Harpalyce (Don. sp.). Plate 10. — Pieris (Thyca) Aganippe (Don. sp.).
DECADE II.
Plate 11.— The Little Whip Snake (Hoplocephalus flagellum, McCoy). The White-lipped Snake
(Hoplocephalus coronoides, Giinth.). Plate 12. — The Death Adder (Acanthophis Antarctica, Shaw sp.). Plate 13. — The Carpet Snake (Morelia variegata, Gray). Plate 14. — The Gippsland Perch (Lates colonorum, Giinth.). Plate 15. — The Murray Lobster (Astacoides serratus, Shaw sp.). Plate 16. — The Salmon Arripis (Arripis truttaceus, Cuv. sp.). Adult. Plate 17. — Ditto of the younger forms and coloring. Plate 18. — The Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus, Lin. sp.). Plate 19. — The Small-scaled Rock Cod (Lotella callarias, Giinth.). Plate 20. — The Australian Rock Cod (Pseudophysis barbatus, Giinth.).
DECADE III.
Plate 21.— The Sea-Leopard Seal (Stenorhynchus leptonyx, de Blainv. sp.).
Plate 22. — The Yellow-sided Dolphin (Delphinus Novae Zealandise, Quoy and Gaiin.).
Plate 23. — The Common Brown Snake (Diemenia superciliosa, Fisch.).
The Small-scaled Brown Snake (Diemenia microlepidota, McCoy). The Shield-fronted Brown Snake (Diemenia aspidorhyncha, McCoy).
Plate 24.— Catenicella margaritacea (Busk). — C. plagiostoma (Busk). — C. ventricosa (Busk). — C. hastata(Busk.)— C. rufa (McG.).— C. cribraria (Busk).— C. alata (Wyv. Thomson).— C. lorica (Busk).— C. formosa (Busk).— C. elegans (Busk).— C. perforata (Busk).— C. Buskii (Wyv. Thomson).— C. Hannafordi (McG.).— C. crystallina (Wyv. Thomson). — C. carinata (Busk).— C. aurita (Busk).— C. geminata (Wyv. Thomson).— C. cornuta (Busk).— C intermedia (McG.)
Plate 25.— Membranipora membranacea (Linn, sp.).— M. perforata (McG.).— M. ciliata (McG.). — M. mamillaris (McG.).— M. umbonata (Busk).— M. pilosa (Linn, sp.).— M. cervicornis (Busk).
Plate 26.— Membranipora dispar (McG.).— M. Woodsii (McG.).— M. lineata (Linn, sp.).— M. Rossehi (Audouin sp.). — M. Lacroixii (Savigny sp.).
Plate 27. — The Australian Rockling (Genypterus Australis, Cast.). The Yarra Blackfish (Gadopsis gracilis, McCoy).
Plate 28. — The Southern Mackerel (Scomber pneumatophorus, De la Roche).
Plate 29. — The Yabber Crayfish (Astacoides bicarinatus, Gray sp.).
Plate 30.— The Large Wattle Goat-Moth (Zeuzera Eucalypti, Boisd. Herr.-Schaef.).
CONTENTS OF DECADES.
DECADE IV.
Plate 31. — The Australian Sea-Bear or Fur-Seal (Euotaria cinerea, Peron sp.).
Plate 32. — The Two-hooded Furina-Snake, Furina bicucullata (McCoy).
Plate 33. — The Banded Red Gurnet- Perch (Sebastes percoides, Solander sp.).
Plate 34. — The Angel-fish (Rhina squatina, Lin. sp.).
Plate 35. — Lepralia circinata (McG.). — L. Cecilii (Aud.). — L. diaphana (McG.). — L. marsupiuni
(McG.). — L. subimmersa (McG.). — L. anceps (McG.). — L. Maplestonei (McG.). Plate 36. — Lepralia vittata (McG.). — Membranipora perforata. Lepralia Brogniartii (Aud.). —
L. elegans (McG.). — L. pertusa (Esper. sp.). — L. Malusii (Aud. sp.). — L. lunata (McG.). Plate 37. — Lepralia ciliata (Linn. sp.). — L. trifolium (McG.). — L. cheilodon (McG.). — L. canaliculata
(McG.). — L. larvalis (McG.).— L. diadema (McG.). — L. papillifera (McG.). — L. Ellerii
(McG.). Plate 38. — Lepralia monoceros (Busk). — L. excavata (McG.). — L. vitrea (McG.). — L. megasoma
(McG.). — L. Schizostoma (McG.). — L. Botryoides (McG.).— L. ferox (McG.). — L. pellu-
cida (McG.). Plate 39. — Crisia Edwardsiana (D'Orb. sp.). — C. biciliata (McG.).