Genus 597. Theopera,[1] Haeckel, 1881, Prodromus, p. 436.
Definition.—Theoperida (vel Tricyrtida triradiata clausa) with three lateral wings, beginning from the sides of the thorax and prolonged into the sides of the abdomen.
The genus Theopera differs from the two preceding genera in the greater extension of the three lateral wings, which are prolonged from their original base, the thorax, into the inversely conical abdomen. It has therefore an intermediate position between the preceding and the following genera. It differs from the similar Pterocanium and Theopodium in the closure of the constricted and fenestrated mouth.
1. Theopera prismatica, n. sp. (Pl. 67, fig. 7).
Shell three-sided prismatic, with three broad and long hyaline wings, which are prolonged from the collar stricture almost to the basal end, with three parallel edges. Length of the three joints = 2 : 8 : 10, breadth = 3 : 9 : 8. Cephalis hemispherical, with a conical horn of the same length. Thorax subspherical; abdomen inversely ovate; pores of both small, regular, circular, of equal size.
Dimensions.—Length of the three joints, a 0.02, b 0.08, c 0.1; breadth, a 0.03, b 0.09, c 0.08.
Habitat.—South Atlantic, Station 332. depth 2200 fathoms.
2. Theopera pyramis, Haeckel.
Shell three-sided pyramidal, with three broad and long hyaline wings, which are prolonged from the collar stricture almost to the basal end, with three diverging edges. Length of the three joints = 3 : 8 : 11, breadth = 4 : 8 : 9. Cephalis subspherical, with a conical horn of the same length. Thorax hemispherical; abdomen inversely campanulate. Pores in the abdomen twice to three times as broad as in the thorax, subregular, circular. Differs from the preceding species mainly in the broader pyramidal form and the divergence of the wings.
Dimensions.—Length of the three joints, a 0.03, b 0.08, c 0.11; breadth, a 0.04, b 0.08, c 0.09.
Habitat.—Fossil in Barbados.
3. Theopera fusiformis (Pl. 67, fig. 5).
Shell nearly spindle-shaped, rough, with two slight strictures. Length of the three joints = 2 : 3 : 6, breadth = 2 : 5 : 4. Cephalis hemispherical, large, with an oblique conical horn of the same length. Thorax hemispherical; abdomen inversely conical. Pores irregular, roundish, of very
- ↑ Theopera = Divine pouch; θεός, πήρα.
