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Show 1876.] ARACHNIDA FROM KERGUELEN'S LAND. 259 all of them are remarkable ; all appear to be new to science ; and one, indeed, at present seems to me incapable of inclusion in any hitherto recognized order of Arachnids. The whole collection consisted but of five species ; one of Araneidea and three of Acaridea, the fifth being that upon which I propose to found a new genus, family, and order. At first sight this delicate little Arachnid gave me the idea of a Che-lifer deprived of its forcipated palpi; but a subsequent examination with a stronger lens showed me that it possessed palpi of an entirely different character from those of the pseudo-Scorpiones ; and a final scrutiny under a still higher power led to the detection of the eyes: in the number and position of these there is a remarkable similarity to the Solpugidea, while there are not wanting some general indications of affinity to the Araneidea. Its small size and general appearance when alive would probably induce one to place it among the Acaridea ; but the structure of the mouth-parts, the distinct cephalothorax and abdomen, and especially the character of the eyes seemed to preclude this allocation. It is possible, however, that when the Acaridea have been more thoroughly worked out by some future arachnologist, the present anomalous little creature may become the type of a suborder, or perhaps only of a family of that order. Meanwhile in forming a distinct order for its reception, I desire to obtain the free criticism and opinion of arachnologists more conversant than myself with some obscure groups of Acaridea, as to its true systematic position. Order ACARIDEA. Fam. ACARIDES. Gen. nov. TORYNOPHORA. Body oval; a slightly indented transverse line towards the fore part on the upperside appears to mark the junction of the cephalothorax and abdomen. Mouth-parts almost soldered together, leaving only the short palpi and the extremities of the falces traceable. Legs 8, slender, in 4 pairs (1-2 and 3-4 on each side), 5-jointed, and terminating with two somewhat S-curved claws springing from a small supernumerary or heel-joint. Eyes four, in two pairs, one pair on either side of the caput. Falces armed on the underside with serrated opposed edges. Palpi short, strong, 4-jointed, with a single strong curved jaw-like claw springing from its base on the upperside. TORYNOPHORA SERRATA, sp. n. (Plate XIX. fig. 1.) Length \ line. This minute Acarid is of an oval form, tolerably convex above, and of a uniform pale luteous colour. From the fore part of the cephalothorax four pointed processes project, each one terminating with a very small joint, from which springs a curious clavate or spoon-shaped bristle or tag; a few with a somewhat similar tag are dispersed thinly over the upper surface of the body, which is closely wrinkled, 17* |
