The genus Rhodospyris differs from the preceding Patagospyris in the development of three coryphal horns (one odd middle apical horn, and two paired frontal horns on each of its sides), and therefore bears the same relation to the latter that the similar Anthospyris does to Petalospyris. When the numerous basal feet of Anthospyris become connected by lattice-work, Rhodospyris arises.
1. Rhodospyris tricornis, n. sp. (Pl. 83, fig. 13).
Cephalis nut-shaped, with deep sagittal stricture, and three short apical horns of half its length; the middle odd horn is straight, the two paired lateral horns are curved outwards. Thorax somewhat larger than the cephalis, dilated around the wide open mouth, with a coronet of twenty-five to thirty slender basal feet, which are slightly curved and convergent, about as long as the thorax. Pores small, numerous and circular.
Dimensions.—Cephalis 0.05 long, 0.07 broad; thorax 0.06 long, 0.08 broad; horns 0.02 long, feet 0.06 long.
Habitat.—Indian Ocean, Madagascar (Rabbe), surface.
2. Rhodospyris triceros, n. sp.
Cephalis nut-shaped, with deep sagittal and deep collar stricture, and with three stout divergent horns of nearly equal length. Thorax cylindrical, twice as long as the cephalis, and of the same breadth, with a coronet of twelve to sixteen broad, lamellar, rectangular, perpendicular feet around the mouth, about as long as the cephalis. Pores rather large, subregular, circular.
Dimensions.—Cephalis 0.06 long, 0.08 broad; thorax 0.12 long, 0.09 broad.
Habitat.—Indian Ocean, Singapore (Trebing), surface.
Genus 478. Desmospyris,[1] Haeckel, 1881, Prodromus, p. 443.
Definition.—Phormospyrida with numerous basal feet (nine to twelve or more), without a coryphal horn.
The genus Desmospyris differs from the two preceding polypodal genera in the complete absence of horns on the coryphal face of the cephalis. It therefore corresponds to Gorgospyris among the Zygocyrtida, and arises when the numerous basal feet of the latter become connected by lattice-work.
1. Desmospyris mammillata, n. sp. (Pl. 83, fig. 14).
Shell mammillate, with deep sagittal and slight collar constriction. Pores irregular, roundish. Cephalis nut-shaped, larger than the inversely conical thorax, and twice as broad as the constricted
- ↑ Desmospyris = Basket with a band or string; δεσμός, σπυρίς.
