| reute planter eye Pape baphe ene Te oe dept sate: Lapeer es ciate : rte tr bite < yey pe ee 2, i - Firs) n ~ “ bet eee Lippi et esas Wed eae aes SEY Se garlands ae ee = : (Eimrfuaand ceed "4 | % | come! ae Pe bins aoe a pevervenrettt a oe ‘ yin area Teietcaped ! in ae eres i it} rear eraeoee es ‘ f ThA Cea ce oom elena tiene pane ee pane = : : : pom te Oy a : 3 y es 2 Fr eee ep apes” eAe ieee at : : : Hes rin od apiaein aed “a -: - ; viet ye areata crepe : ! : i Sal — ° ~ a 7 be a We! ‘y - 7, “ i ¥ - . Shes wre nares - val x ¢: . . i 4 nt - : ; ar 4 ‘ et : : sets < ‘ = pair maeacs ee Slayer oe be = ‘ mae e cepe ies us F r i h oo = = > : meet < srt aenew : : akan! peecticthy apatrene pene ee apres dine? ' eee : ~ Paste aerete aes : oe - 7 : he ager ‘ = . sie pt ome, etre * + mi ; fees hele > ~ a mh soe : a : ees ee — ag ara Yebetsnes - 2 hae me J peg ore Cakes ea aang in ; "7 5 inh ¢ Abend oars eae bes - ss : pone Sor = a ee igs ; ms - \ : et at oye oes man re tae : ba “2 : r = ¢ ¥ . : _ “+ ; feetdoeu Pes - Elytra spinous at apex. Fore tibie scarcely with three pine, Oh dediishatas Fate B.—Fore tibie externally tri- teeth on the outside. dentate. in) Elytra spinous at apex. Fore tibie with three distinct Asiatic, teeth. 3 Elytra not spinous at the apex. Type, C. histrio, Fab. : oC he ste Gree ea cennntly bis | 4 a pe eee! sides. Clypeus quadrate, scarcely } emarginate in front. dentate. 5 foe C. erifera, M‘L. or 47 Laype, C. alboguttata, Vigors. J inate ) _, - African. | 5 Elytra narrower at apex. Clypeus elongate, acuminate pape CO. hemor iuidalis, Fab. \ with emarginate apex. 86. Of the three first sub-sections, we have no species brought by Dr. Smith, as they are typically Asiatic. I shall merely therefore take the opportunity of mentioning that M. Schénnherr is wrong in stating C. acuminata to be a native of the Cape, and that MM. Gory and Percheron are equally wrong in stating C. maculata to be a Cape species. The former inhabits India, and the latter the Mauritius. Many insects are said to be natives of the Cape of Good Hope, merely because they have been brought from thence. 87. Of the fourth sub-section of Cetonie Cremastocheilidee, we have several Cape species in the collection ; such as, Sp. 37. (Cetoninus) Cetonia numismatica, 7. s. Descr. Cetonia clypeo anticé rotundato, capite thoraceque violaceo-zneis, scutello elytrisque eneis fusco-maculatis, his striis punctorum tribus inter tres vittas leeves elevatas impressis, corpore subtus nigro villoso, abdomine pedibusque fulvo-zeneis, ano nigro maculis cinerascentibus. Lone. 6 lines. Sp. 38. (Cetoninus) Cetonia eerifera, 7. s. Descr. Cetonia clypeo antice rotundato, capite thoraceque violaceo-zeneis, hujus margine postico scutello elytrisque ferrugineis ; his striis geminatis impressis nigro-maculatis, scutello ad basin scapulisque nigris, ano ferrugineo albomaculato, corpore subtus nigro-nitido villoso, femoribus posticis ad tibias rufescentibus. Lone. 54 lines. Sp. 39. (Cetoninus) Cetonia puma, 7. s. Descr. Cefonia antennarum clava elongata, clypeo elongato antice rotundo, capite thoraceque obscuris subzeneis, thoracis vitté laterali albescente macula nigra, scapulis albis, scutello elytrisque ferrugineis, his inter tres lineas elevatas leeves nigro-maculatis, lateribus albomaculatis, corpore subtus eeneo squamis albis obsito pilisque hirsuto, ano rufo albomaculato. Lone 54 lines. Sp. 40. (Cetoninus) Cetonia cinerascens, Fab. Cetonia cinerascens, Fab. Syst. Eleuth. 2. 156. 104. Scarabeeus cinereo-nebulosus, Degeer, vii. 643. tab. 48. fig. 7. Nore. The Cetonia cinerascens of Gory is not that of Fabricius. Degeer’s original name for the present species is too clumsy. 48 ON THE CETONIIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA. 88. Of the fifth sub-section, which is also peculiar to Africa, we have the following species :— Sp. 41. (Cetoninus) Cetonia adspersa, Weber. Cetonia adspersa, Weber. Obs. Ent. p. 71. 8. G.P. p. 297. tab. 57. fig. 7. Sp. 42. (Cetoninus) Cetonia dysenterica, 7. s. Descr. Cetonia clypeo elongato apice angustato recurvo emarginato, capite thorace scapulis scutelloque nigro-nitidis, elytris viridibus nigro-lineatis, corpore subtus pedibusque nigris, ano ferrugineo. Lone. 5 lines. Sp. 43. (Cetoninus) Cetonia hemorrhoidalis, Fad. Cetonia hemorrhoidalis, Fab. Syst. Eleuth. 2. 154. 97. G.P. p. 298. tab. 57. fig. 8. Sp. 44. (Cetoninus) Cetonia ruficollis, Deg. Scarabeus ruficollis, Degeer, vii. 642. tab. 48. fig. 5. Sp. 45. (Cetoninus) Cetonia amethystina, 7. s. Descr. Cetonia thorace supra punctato rufo, margine postico scutello scapulisque nigris, elytris amethystinis nitidis striato-punctatis, corpore subtus nigro, prothorace anoque rufis, pedibus nigris. Lone. 5 lines. Sp. 46. (Cetoninus) Cetonia rubra, Deg. Scarabeus ruber, Degeer, vol. vii. 643. ai 48. fig. 6. Cetonia rubra, G. P. p. 299. tab. 58. fig. 1. 89. Let us now return to that Asiatic sub-section, the type of which is C. histrio of Fabricius. From it we may proceed to that section of the sub-genus Cetonia, which answers nearly, though not exactly, to a groupe which Mr. Kirby has indicated under the name of Polybaphes. If this learned entomologist had attempted to give his Polybaphes a character, he probably would not have joined C. histrio with C. equinoctialis ; but nothing is so easy as to follow the indolent plan invented by M. Dejean of giving to groupes generic names unac- companied by descriptions. I hold in utter contempt that privilege of naming for which naturalists are so much in the habit of squabbling; and, on the contrary, am always grateful to those persons who kindly provide me with an unobjectionable word. Nevertheless, 1 am bound to protest against any name that is published without. a character; since it ought not to be of the slightest authority in the science. It certainly is not the individual placing two Greek words barbarously in juxta-position who deserves the credit of discovering a genus, but he who accurately distinguishes the groupe, to which that barbarous name is given, from all others. With respect, however, to the beautiful groupe which Mr. Kirby has called Poryzpapuss, I am disposed to retain the name, and shall perch, therefore say, in addition, that I am acquainted with three sub-sections of it. A.—Elytra spinose at ae rie Te akc apex. 2 Head sub-quadrate. Clypeus emarginate. ‘Type, C. sanguinolenta, Oliv. African. 3 Head triangular. Clypeus scarcely emarginate. Type, C. discoidea, Fab. B.—Elytra without spines at f 4 ** KOK XR the apex. 5 Head sub-quadrate. Clypeus emarginate. Type, C. marginicollis, G, P. Asiatic. e ON THE CETONIID OF SOUTH AFRICA. 49 The following Cape species belong to the third sub-section :— Sp. 47. (Cetoninus) Cetonia balteata, Degeer. Scarabeus baliteatus, Degeer, vii. 642. tab. 48. fig. 4. Cetonia controversa, G.P. p. 246. tab. 46, fig. 6. Nore. I do not allude here to Schénnherr, because his ‘Synonymia Insectorum” is altogether wrong with respect to the species of this particular section Polybaphee. Sp. 48. (Cetoninus) Cetonia discoidea, Fad. Cetonia discoidea, Fab. Syst. Eleuth. 2. 158. 116. Cetonia velutina, Oliv. tab. 12. fig. 114. G.P. p. 246. tab. 46. fig. 5. Cetonia flammea, Zool. Journ. vol. 2. p. 237. tab. 9. fig. 2. 90. As this last-mentioned section of the sub-genus Cetoninus bears a resemblance in form to Diplognatha, and represents the genus Macrominus, so the section to which we now pass bears a strong resemblance to Lomaptera in the genus Gymnetinus which is here represented. This section I have therefore called GyMNETIDES, and it belongs typically to Madagascar, although found also in New Holland. There are several known sub-sections; but as they present no Cape insects, I need not detail them here. I shall only say, that the Cetonte Gymnetidee, by their beautiful form and polished flat elytra, with serrated sides, by their often cloven clypeus, long maxille, and emarginate mentum, close the circle of the genus Cetoninus by uniting them- selves with the sub-genus Schizorhina, and thus forming the junction between it and the sub- genus Cetonia. 91. By means of Cetonia cincta of Donovan, we arrive at the only remaining section of Cetonia, which I have called Typicm, not because they are typical of the sub-genus, but because they represent the genus Cetoninus, as it were, par excellence. This section is so numerous as to offer sub-sections, which, however, as may be expected, depend on very refined and even evanescent considerations. Perhaps, however, 1 have not yet been able to seize the true characters of distinction ; and, indeed, it is of little consequence, provided I can explain the series of affinity, which appears to me to be as follows :— (1 Black. Type, C. morio, Fab. B.—Typically European. 2 2 Viridizeneous. Type, C. fastuosa, Fab. (3 Viridizneous spotted with white. Type, C. aurata, Lin. ae ree S4 Green with white or Piet lines. Type, C. BUEEE Fab. 5 Yellow or black spotted with yellow. Type, C. sinuata, Fab. 92. As we have no species from the Cape of the three first sub-sections, I shall begin with the one which is here numbered the fifth, and designated “ Nigre flavomaculate vel flave.” To this beautiful African groupe belong the following described species :—1l. Cetonia punctato- marginata, Degeer; C. impressa, G. P.; C. inscripta, G. P.; C. marginata, Fab.; C. postica, G. P.; C. fimbriata, G. P.; C. monacha, G. P.; C. fasciata, Fab. (Savigny, G. P.); C. olivacea, Ol.; C. interrupta, Fab., &c. &c.; and also the following species brought from the Cape by Dr. Smith :— Sp. 49. (Cetoninus) Cetonia sinuata, Oliv. Descr. Cetonia nigrofusca, thoracis elytrorumque margine, thoracis maculis quinque, scutelli duabus, elytrorumque quatuor flavis, thoracis maculis marginalibus elytrorumque duabus nigro-fuscis, corpore subtus nigro. H 30 ON THE CETONIIDZ OF SOUTH AFRICA. Norn. This well known species is subject to very great variation in the discal spots of the thorax, which are all five placed in a triangle thus s; the two reniform middle ones being the largest and most constant, although even they will sometimes disappear. Var. a. Thorax with only the two reniform middle spots. Cetonia sinuata, G.P. p. 182. Nore. I do not here refer to Gory’s figure, because it wants these two thoracic yellow spots, although they are expressly mentioned in his description. Var. f. Thorax without any discal yellow spots. Cetonia sinuata, G. P. tab. 82. fig. 5. Var. y. Thorax wanting the vertical yellow point, but having the four lower. Nore. In this variety the triangular lower yellow spots of the elytra extend so as almost to meet the corresponding enlargement of the marginal vitta, and thus to form as it were a band. Var. 6. Thorax wanting the two lower spots, but having the three vertical ones. Norr. I may here observe that the Scarabeus punctato-marginatus of Degeer, appears, as Schonnherr thought, to be another variety of C. sinuata, Fab. It is in my collection, and may be easily known by having no yellow points either on the thorax or scutellum. I am in possession of a series of specimens, that makes me think the following species communicated by Mr. Hope to MM. Gory and Percheron, may only be another variety ; although it is more in consonance with nature to imagine that all these varieties are formed, like those of certain flowers, by the crossing of two very contiguous species, the two parents of all the intermediate varieties being as it were, O. sinwata, as I have described it, and the C. flaviwentris of MM. Gory and Percheron. Sp. 50. (Cetoninus) Cetonia flaviventris, Hope. Cetonia flaviventris, G. P. p.178. tab. 31. fig. 6. Sp. 51. (Cetoninus) Cetonia leonina, 7. s. Descr. Cetonia supra atro-viridis, thorace elytrisque flavo-marginatis, elytrorum limbo medio dilatato bifurcato maculisque discalibus obliquis subinterruptis flavis, corpore subtus ferrugineo, ano albomaculato. Lone, 94 lines. Nork. This species comes the nearest to Cetonia impressa of Goldfuss and Gory, but differs much in the marking of the elytra. Being in possession of that species also, I have had no difficulty in deter- mining the distinction that exists between the two. Sp. 52. (Cetoninus) Cetonia carmelita, Mab. Cetonia carmelita, G. P. p. 238. tab. 45. fig. 2. Nore. This is the C. badia of Burchell; and most likely Schénnherr is right in considering it to be the Scarabeus rufus of Degeer. It is easily known from other three species that come very close to it, by the two large white anal spots. Sp. 58. (Cetoninus) Cetonia bachypinica, Burchell. Cetonia bachypinica, G. P. p. 287. tab. 45. fig. 1. Nor. The testaceous or yellow colour of this species, passes off in some varieties to green. And I wish to remark here, in general, that the black colour of some African species, such as C. marginata, Fab. for instance, becomes brick red, as in C. carmelita, Fab. and passes off to ochry yellow, as in C. bachypinica, which again passes into green, as in O. aulica, Fab., and so to the viridieeneous colour, such as C. fastwosa, Fab. which returns to black, as in C. morio, Fab. 93. We shall now proceed to the last sub-section we have to allude to among the Cetonie typice, that is, to those species which are generally of a green colour, and are marked with white or yellow lines. Dr. Smith has brought the following :— ON THE CETONIIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA. 51 Sp. 54. (Cetoninus) Cetonia semipunctata, Fab, Cetonia semipunctata, G. P. p. 233. tab. 44. fig. 3. Cetonia Stephensii, Zool. Journ. vol. 2. p. 513. tab, 19. fig. 2. Sp. 55. (Cetoninus) Cetonia chalea, Herbst. Cetonia chalea, G. P. p. 235. tab. 44. fig. 5. Sp. 56. (Cetoninus) Cetonia aulica, Oliv. Cetonia aulica, G. P. p. 286. tab. 44. fig. 6. Nore. This species varies in the number of white spots on the elytra, but may always be known by three that are placed in a transverse oblique line on each elytron, and by the two large triangular white spots on the anal plate. Sp. 57. (Cetoninus) Cetonia nympha, 2. s. Descr. Céetonia viridis, nitida, capite quadrato vix emarginato, vertice ad oculos albo-bimaculato, prothoracis punctati margine laterali, elytrorum vix striato-punctatorum macula humerali longitudinali, aliis quinque marginalibus duabusque discalibus albis, elytris apice triangulari depresso, scapulis macula alba, ano maculis duabus emarginatis albis, corpore subtus piloso, prothorace mesothorace et metathorace subtus albo-bimaculatis, mesosterno viridi, abdominis segmento ultimo bimaculato tribusque penultimis quadrimaculatis maculis albis, pedibus viridibus. Lone. 104 lines. Sp. 58. (Cetoninus) Cetonia fascicularis, Linn. Cetonia fascicularis, G. P. p. 255. tab. 48. fig. 6. Nots. We thus return to Cetonia pubescens, and those other species having the elytra, or at least the body covered with hair, and which form that section of the sub-genus Cetonia which I have termed Trichioideew. Thus, therefore, the circle composed of the five sections of Cetonia is complete. 94, We have now gone through a complete revision of all the sub-genera composing the family of Cetoniide, and which are as follow ; the sub-genera, in italics, being those by which the passage is made from one genus to the other. 1 TRICHINUS. 2 CETONINUS. 3 GYMNETINUS. 4 MAcRoMINUS. 5 CRYPTODINUS. 1 Osmoderma. 1 Schizorhina. 1 Lomaptera. 1 Oplostomus. 1 Genuchus. 2 Valgus. 2 Coryphe. 2 Agestrata. 2 Anoplocheilus. 2 Cyclidius. 3 Trichius. 3 Goliathus. 3 Philistina. 3 Diplognatha. 3 Cremastocheilus. 4 Campulipus. 4 Ischnostoma. 4 Macronota. 4 Gnathocera. 4 Cryptodus. 5 Platygenia. 5 Cetonia. 5 Gymnetis. 5 Macroma. 5 Cymophorus. Were nature to set before our eyes every one of these groupes in a state as complete, for instance, as is that section of Cetonia which I have called Typice, we should, of course, have of the Cetoniide 125 sections and 625 sub-sections, &c. &c. But this is not the case; since, from some unexplained cause, each groupe of the same rank contains a different number of species, and thus throughout the creation we see certain parts of the chain comparatively complete in all their links, and others again offermg nothing but objects which appear to the superficial observer at first sight to be insulated, and, in fact, require deep study on the part of the naturalist before he is enabled to make out their accurate affinities. It is needless to repeat that I, as well as others before me, haye imagined the cause of this imsulation of particular objects to arise from the connecting species having been either lost or undiscovered. 95. The conclusion to which we tend by such an analysis as the foregoing, is, that the lowest H 2 52 ON THE CETONIIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA. groupe in which species combine will be found, provided all the species are known, to return into itself, so as to form, as it were, a circle; and if we could suppose no species to be lost or to remain undiscovered, we should further find five of these lowest groupes to form another circle, and five of these last circular groupes to form another, and so on until we arrived at that grand circular groupe which is called the Animal Kingdom. But setting aside this theoretical use of the foregoing analysis, the practical entomologist will soon discover that in no other way have we ever had the singularly complicated relations, that exist between the different species of the natural family of Cetoniide, so well represented. It must not be supposed, however, that I offer this essay as perfect and complete, or that I absurdly pretend, as some have most unjustly laid to my charge, to have positively arrived at the Watural System. 1 merely publish this paper on Cetoniide, as another, and perhaps closer approximation to that Divine plan, which, every hour I have devoted to nature, whether in tropical forests or in the museums of Europe, has shewn to be the branch of natural history most worthy of being studied by rational beings. But the truth is, that this Divine plan is not one particular branch of natural history, but the study of it necessarily includes the knowledge of every branch. It is the whole, of which each branch of natural history is but a part, and which I shall ever regard with gratitude, as having been the source of many moments of the purest pleasure while my residence was in an unhealthy climate. ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPOD CRUSTACEA. BROUGHT FROM THE CAPE BY DR. SMITH. Tue most interesting observations on Crustaceous animals which have of late years been given to the public are those of Dr. Vaughan Thompson, relating to their metamorphosis. It had been long recorded that many Entomostraca undergo metamorphosis ; but no naturalist before Thompson ever ventured to affirm that crabs, lobsters, and the higher Crustacea generally, pass through certain changes of form after leaving the egg. It is true, that in conse- quence of the publications of Professor Rathke, some persons disputed the truth of Dr. Thompson’s assertions; but so far as my own observations allowed me to form an opinion on the subject, I was ever inclined to think that this gentleman merited well of science, which is far - more than could be said of any of those persons who by crude inferences, but never by direct obser- vation, ventured to attack him.* I have never myself lived sufficiently near the sea-side to enable me conveniently to repeat Dr. Thompson’s experiments ; but looking merely to what I have seen with my own eyes, I think it will eventually be found that the Ptilota of Aristotle may be characterized by their change of form taking place during their last two or three stages of ecdysis; while the metamorphosis of all other Annulosa only occurs during the first or second moult after leaving the ege. When I come to treat of the Macrourous Decapods, I shall return to this subject. At present my attention must be more particularly confined to the classification of the Brachyura, as being the best known groupe of all Crustacea. M. Latreille and Dr. Leach left systems behind them for the arrangement of Crustacea, which were professedly artificial, although the former naturalist made several praiseworthy attempts to arrange these animals naturally. Since the death of these eminent naturalists, two authors have appeared with higher pretensions to acquaintance with the class. The first of these, M. Milne Edwards, having previously made some ingenious observations on the economy and internal anatomy of Crustacea, has lately, in the “ Suites de Buffon,” produced a classification, of which I can only say, that it makes an approach to be a rare exception to the well-known fact, that professed comparative anatomists are the persons, of all others, who in general are the most incapable of using their own observations for purposes of natural arrangement. And indeed this very arrangement of Edwards is not natural, since he unfortu- nately conceives that every groupe he can invent, provided he can furnish it with a character, must be therefore a good one. As, on the contrary, the true definition of a complete natural groupe is, that it must be a series returning into itself, many of the groupes of Milne Edwards, when weighed by this scale, will be found wanting. For instance, of his four grand groupes, Oxyrhynques, Cyclometopes, Catométopes, and Oxystomes, perhaps only his Cyclométopes form a * The credit of confirming Thompson’s observations belongs to my friend Captain Ducane, R.N., who has made at Southampton most interesting observations on the Metamorphosis of Crustacea, which I trust he will soon give to the Public. o4 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. complete natural groupe. Still the “ Histoire Naturelle des Crustacés” is a book full of facts, which ought to be in the hands of every carcinologist. The second naturalist, above alluded to, is Professor Dehaan of Leyden. He has treated the subject in another manner, and deserves to be considered of a more philosophic stamp. What he has published on Crustacea in the Fauna Japonica is a magnificent tribute to science. Milne Edwards rarely takes notice of any of the maxille, except the external or fifth pair; and if any objection can be made to Dehaan’s arrangement, it is that he likewise is not sufficiently eclectic, and appears to make too much use of the organs of manducation. Nevertheless, as he rigorously follows the mode in which these organs vary, and not that by which they might arbitrarily be combined, it is satisfactory to find that the result, generally arrived at, very nearly approaches to the plan of nature. Nothing further has been published on Crustacea of late years, unless we except some interest- ing descriptions of new species by MM. Say, Guerin, Bell and others. As for M. Dehaan’s system, it is not completely worked out ; so that I am obliged to offer the following arrange- ment, provisionally, as being that by which I have been able to express the affinities which exist among the Decapods of my own collection. It will at least serve to unite all those rela- tions, whether of affinity or analogy, which have been recorded by Latreille, Milne Edwards, and Dehaan, and will prove that, by means of a moderate exercise of patience, order may some- times be made to arise out of an apparent chaos. 1. The modern art of describing is too often insufferably long, while human life remains short as ever. I shall endeavour, therefore, as in the former paper, to condense my descriptions as much as possible. Order DECAPODA, Lat. Cribes, Normal Groupe. if Oral orifice broad in front. The afferent canals of the 1 TETRAGONOSTOMA. J branchial cavity opening behind the mouth. Epistome Bracuyura, Lat. a distinct. Abdomen having no appen-< dages attached to the pen- f Oral orifice triangular and narrow in front. The afferent ultimate segment. Internal | 2 TrrGoNnosroma. canals of the branchial cavity opening in front of the antenne lodged in fossule. | e mouth. Epistome in general rudimentary. Abdomen not furnished with false natatory feet. Abdo- minal appendages not forming a natatorial tail. Bran- Aberrant Groupe. 3 Anomura, M.E. chiz lamellate. Peduncle of external antenne not covered by any moveable scale. Macrovura, Lat. 2 3 , | Abdomen furnished with false natatory feet. Abdominal L Abdomen having appendages attached to the penultimate segment. No fossule for the reception of the in- ternal antennz. i 2 4 SAROBRANCHIA. appendages forming a natatorial tail. Branchie peni- cilliform. Peduncle of external antenne with its scale null or rudimentary. Abdomen furnished with false natatory feet. Abdominal appendages forming a natatory tail. Branchie lamel- 5 CaripEA, Lat. late. Peduncle of external antenne covered by a large moveable scale. 2. It is only with the normal groupe that we for the present have to concern ourselves. I shall therefore proceed provisionally to arrange the Brachyura into Stirpes, merely observing, that in ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 53) the following descriptions I shall rarely allude to colour, since experience has taught me that in this respect dried specimens of Crustacea are not to be trusted. I would also observe, that as the groupes of degree next inferior to families—namely, genera—have never been worked out in this class, I have for the present considered almost all the various groupes under families to be sub- genera, although some of them, such as Plagusia, may possibly be a true genus, and others again may prove to be only sections of some sub-genus. I do not think that our collections, as yet, possess a sufficient quantity of species to allow us to decide what are the genera and what are the sub-genera of Decapod Crustacea. Professor Dehaan, however, has offered some valuable hints on the subject, and to those I refer the reader. We appear to enter among the Brachyura by the genus Mycteris, and to leave it by means of the genus Ranina. There are ten Brachyurous stirpes, which may be placed in two columns, so as to shew those analogies which by Milne Edwards and others have too often been taken for affinities. TETRAGONOSTOMA. Analogies, TRIGONOSTOMA. Mycteris .. PINNOTHERINA. Shell orbicular. Dromiina—Ranina. GRAPSINA. Shell quadrilateral. Dortiprina. CANORINA. Shell arcuated with feet often natatory. CorysTINA. PARTHENOPINA. Shell uneven with crested feet. CALAPPINA, INacHINA. Shell sub-triangular and generally spined. LEUCOSINA: 3. The analogy between certain Jnachina, such as Acanthonyz, and certain Leucosina, such as Vursia, is so great as to have induced M. Latreille to imagine that a direct affinity existed between the two groupes. In general, the above analogies appear reversed; but the Tetra- gonostomous stirpes may be characterized as follows :— Trine TETRAGONOSTOMA. HDtirpres, First joint of external antenne very large, forming the greater part of the lower side of the orbit, and always Normal Groupe. 1 InacHina, Triangular Crabs. OxyruyncHa, M.E. soldered to the clypeus. Epistome very large. Cly- i First joint of external antennze small, not soldered to the peus generally advanced in 2 PARTHENUPINA. front. Rocky Crabs. 3 CANCRINA. Arched Crabs. Aberrant Groupe. 4 GRAPSINA. BRACHYRHYNCHA. f Square Crabs. Epistome short. Clypeus rarely advanced in front. . clypeus and not aiding to form the lower side of the {. orbit of the eye. Tigellus of external pedipalps always inserted at the inner angle of their third joint. The scapes of the palpi unidentated on the inside. Shell arched in front. ( Tigellus of external pedipalps inserted at the outer angle, or at the middle of the third joint. The scapes of palpi not dentated. Shell quadrilateral. Tigellus of external pedipalps always inserted at the sum- mit, or at the outer angle of their third joint. The scapes of the palpi not dentated. Shell orbicular. 5 PINNOTHERINA. Parasitical Crabs. 4, By Eurynome we pass from the Inachina to the Parthenopina ; by means of Arthra we pass from the Parthenopina to the Cancrina; from these to the Grapsina by Thelphusa; from the Grapsina to the Pinnotherina by means of Doto; and from the Pinnotherina we return to the Inachina by means of Elamene. The following appear to be the families of Jna- o6 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. china, which, as well as the Parthenopina, have the genital organs of the male hollowed out in the first joint of the hind feet. Stirps INACHINA, or Triancunar Crass. Families. Havondl Grote. Pi inatamen Wert pide bE cee pedipalps inserted at the outer angle of L their third joint. Macroropia, M. E. 5 : ‘ 3 ; f Tigellus of external pedipalps inserted at the inner angle o 2 Euryropipa, M‘L. Bey” Sad / Feet long and slender. their third joint. (3 Eprattipa, M‘L. Eyes not concealable ; no orbitary groove. b tG : a tee (Eyes concealable in an orbitary groove. Clypeus bifur- 4M fi Bre Maza, M. E. Sr i cate in the middle. Feet of the ordinary size. [5 Huewipx, ML. ives geneenlate in an orbitary groove. Clypeus pointed in the middle. 5. Of the two first families I have no species from the Cape to describe. I proceed therefore to the third Fam. EPIALTID, Mihi. Sub-genus. Antinipinia, M‘L. Cephalothorax short, convex, pear-shaped, as broad almost as long, with the sides dentated in front, and the clypeus short, triangular, with a bidentated apex, having a smaller tooth on each side. Orbit without any distinct fossula. Eyes minute, somewhat prominent, but scarcely moveable, and having a very short peduncle. Exterior antenne longer than the clypeus, with their first joint reaching its middle, and being three-sided at the apex, while the second and third joints are cylindrical, and the rest are short and setaceous. Internal antenne inserted at the base of the rostrum, and having their basilar joint obconical and rather three-sided, while their second joint is shorter and cylindrical. External pedipalpi, or fifth pair of maxille, with their outer palpus semifusiform, and the imner palpus having the second joint elongated with parallel sides, the third joint subquadrate, and the tigellus very small, inserted at its inner angle. Feet, first pair twice as long as body, with the chele thick, having subacute digits, which are serrulated on the inside. The hinder pairs of feet are more slender. Abdomen wanting in my specimen, which is a male. This groupe I have called Antilibinia, because it is in the family Epialtide exactly what Libinia is in the family Mithracide. It is only analogous to Libinia, for it has no grooves or orbit for the concealment of the eyes, which besides are neither moveable nor retractile. Lebinia is a groupe peculiar to the New World; but whether it and Anéélibenia are sub-genera, or only sections of sub-genera, remains to be proved. ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. o7 Sp. 1. ( YeAteilhentie Gmithinriate: Pi ites Descr. Antilibinia teste margine laterali anticé tridentato, clypeo bifurcato cornubus intus pilosis. Nore. The shell of this species is without hairs, almost circular, and has the regions in general distinct. The clypeus is bifurcated with a tooth on each side of the base. The anterior lateral margin of the shell has three teeth, of which the foremost is situated behind the eyes ; the second or middle tooth is the greatest, and directed forwards, while the last is little more than a tubercle. The digestive region has an eminence marked on each side. The branchial region has five or more tubercles on each side. The cardial region has a tubercle in the middle behind, and on each side of it there is an oblique portion of the shell scabrose. The horns of the clypeus are pilose on the inside. The digits of the chele have seven or more teeth on the inside. ‘The four pair of hind feet have their third joints thick, and are armed with long curved claws. This crab resembles the Libinia spinosa of Milne Edwards so closely, that at first sight it might be taken for it. Sub-genus. ACANTHONYX, Lat. Sp. 2. ( ) Acanthonyx dentatus, WM. H. Acanthonyx dentatus, Hist. Nat. des Crust. vol. 1. p. 343. NE. de € ) Acanthonyx scutellatus, 7. s. Duscr. Acanthonyx fere duplo longior quam latus, orbitee angulo externo unidentato, clypeo ad basin tuberculis duobus setiferis supra instructo, testee margine laterali bidentato dente posteriori minimo apice subsetifero. Nore. The shell of this fine species, which is more than an inch long, is shaped like an heraldic shield. It is depressed. The two horns of the clypeus are pilose at their apex, and have two setiferous tubercles at their base. On each side of these horns, and at the external angle of the orbits, there is a triangular tooth also pilose at the apex. The anterior lateral margins of the shell are bidentated. The fore teeth on each side are large, triangular, and blunt. From their points the sides of the carapace proceed towards the posterior margin, nearly parallel to each other, until they arrive at the second tooth, which is rudimentary, and reduced to a setiferous tubercle. The posterior margin of the thorax is rounded. Fam. MITHRACIDZ:, Mihi. Sub-genus. Denaantus, M‘L. Cephalothorax subtriangular, with the lateral margins in front dentated, and behind rounded ; the clypeus being quadridentate. Orbit simple, with globose moveable eyes, thicker than their peduncles. Exterior antenne with the basilar joint broad at the base, then narrower and reaching the middle of the clypeus ; while the second joint is shorter and obconical. Internal antenne with the basilar joint subcylindrical, and the second subtriangular. External pedipalpt with the outer palpus falciform, and the inner palpus having its second joint with subparallel sides, the third jomt sub-quadrate, emarginate at the apex, with the tigellus conspicuous, inserted at its inner angle. I 58 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DEGAPODS OF THE CAPR. Feet, first pair thicker than the rest, and having the digits serrulated on the inside; the second pair longer than the first, and, as well as the three posterior pair, it is furnished with a subcheliform penultimate joint, which is truncated at the apex, and unidentated. Abdomen of male has seven segments. This groupe is in the family Mithracide exactly what Acanthonyz is in the family Epial- tide. Both are analogous groupes in contiguous families ; but whether they ought to be con- sidered as sub-genera, or only sections of sub-genera, remains yet to be discovered. Op ) Dehaanius acanthopus, x. s. ie Sp. 4. ( Duscr. Dehaanius testa glabra, margine laterali anticd pitcentates dente medio majore, clypeo fossula inter dentes duos medios majores longitudinali. Nor. Carapace pyriform and without hair, having the digestive, cardiac, and branchial regions distinct. Anterior lateral margin tridentate, the middle tooth being much the largest. Clypeus short, with four triangular divergent teeth, the two in the middle being the largest and farthest advanced. From the middle bifurcation of the clypeus there is a deep groove continued about half its length backwards. The feet are without hairs. The chele of fore- feet are thick, and serrulated on the inside. The other four pair of feet have thick knees, and subcheliform claws. The only specimen brought home by Dr. Smith has lost of the external antenne all but the two first joints. Sub-genus. Mirnrax, Leach. SPs 00. i Drscr. Mithrax cornubus rostri divergentibus ad apicem arcuatis, extus bidentatis dente apicali ) Mithrax quadridentatus, 7. s. multo majore; testa triangulari supra granulosa, haud spinosa, marginibus lateralibus anticis quinquidentatis. Nor. Carapace and feet exactly like those of Mithraz dichotomus, Lat., to which this species comes exceedingly close. The anterior lateral edges of the shell are armed on each side, asin JM. dichotomus, with seven spiniform teeth; but the hinder two of these teeth are evanescent, and are placed more on the back. There are, moreover, no points on the hinder edge of the carapace, as in MZ. dichotomus. The eyes are globular, and larger than the base of the pedicles. The antennary fossa has no tubercle at the posterior edge. The anterior feet are long, having the third and fourth jomts covered with short spines: the fifth jot or hand is slender and smooth, as is also the moveable finger without teeth. The other feet have no tooth at the extremity of the third joint. The size is 14 inch. 6. By means of Hurynome we proceed to the PartaENnoPina ; but of this groupe no species has been brought from the Cape ; so we avail ourselves of Cryptopoda to pass on to Atthra, and so among the Cancrina, of which the families appear to be as follow. All these families are distinguished by having the scapes of the palpi of the fifth maxille unidentated on the outside ; and their males have the genital orifices hollowed out in the first joints of the hind feet. ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 59 Stirps. CANCRINA, or ArcHED Crass. Sanilies, Outer lacinia of third maxille dilated at the apex. Shell i. XANTHIDA, M‘L. Aberrant Groupe. arched in front. Outer lacinia of third maxille narrow at the apex. Shell Canceria#, M. E. <2 Canoripa, M‘L. : : : arched in front. Hind feet with claws. Body | thick. ( Outer lacinia of third maxille narrow at the apex. Shell ‘ 3 alist a oe L quadrilateral, or at least but little arched in front. Normal Groupe. Outer lacinia of third maxille with the inner apex emar- te ginate. Last joint of hind feet more or less round. ( 4 Portunipa&, M‘L. Portunia, M. E. | Hind feet dilated, and formed Outer lacinia of third maxille with the inner apex entire. for swimming. Body de- | 5 Carcinip#, Leach. Last joint of the hind feet more or less acuminate at the pressed. L L apex. I proceed to enumerate the following Cape species, which belong to this Stirps :— Fam. XANTHID/A, Mihi. Sub-genus. ATERGATIS, Dehaan. SP. 6, ( ) Atergatis compressipes, 7. s. Duscr. Atergatis testa rubra levi fulvo-maculataé clypeo vix quadrilobo ; chelis intus com- pressis, digitis supra carinatis extus lineis elevatis duabus instructis, pedibus brevibus latis compressis fulvé-maculatis. Norz. The shell of this crab is about two inches long, and about twice as wide as long, of an oval form, very convex, and having only the branchial regions distinctly marked. The surface is quite smooth, of a dirty orange hue, marked with brick-red spots. Of these, one large spot, of an irregular form, reaches over the genital region almost the whole width of the shell. Another smaller spot marks the cardiac region, and the remainder of the shell is covered with small round spots of the same hue, which are also found on the feet. The seven-jointed abdomen of the female is also marked with small fulvous spots. The margin of the clypeus is sinuated so as almost to show four rudimentary lobes. The chele at their points are blackish ; on the fixed joint there are two elevated lines on the out- side. The other feet are very much compressed and dilated. In other respects the characters are those common to all the species of the groupe named Atergatis by Professor Dehaan. This species is two inches long. Sub-genus. Cutoropivus, Leach. Sp. 7. (——— ) Chlorodius perlatus, 7. s. Descr. Chiorodius testa rugis divisd, supra granulosa granulis albis, marginibus lateralibus anticis quadrilobis ; clypeo quadrilobo manibus pedibusque crassis rugosis verrucosis, chelis apice translucentibus, pedibus brevissimis. Norz. This species comes very near the Chlorodius areolatus of Milne Edwards, but may be 1.2 60 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. distinguished from it by the anterior lateral margin being in this crab scolloped, instead of having four triangular teeth. The whole of the feet also are granulose, which is not the case in C. areolatus. The length is about eight lines. This is not the Chlorodius of Dehaan. Sub-genus. Hatimepe, Dehaan. Sp. 8. ( ) Halimede pisifer, 2. s. Duscr. Halimede testa villosa antice tuberculata postice scabros4, clypeo subacuminato, manibus pedibusque infra glaberrimis levissimis, hirsutie tuberculisque pisiformibus extus opertis, chelis nigris. Nors. This species is only seven lines long. The thorax is convex in the middle, having the anterior lateral margins scolloped by four blunt tubercles. The front is sub-acuminate, with the apex crenated. The chelz are unequal in size, but both large. The abdomen is covered with hairs, except the last joint. This species has affinity to the Polydectus cupulifer of Milne Edwards, agreeing with it, in having three great tubercles surrounding each orbit, one occupying its external angle, and the two others the lower edge of the orbit. 7, Of the family Cancripm we have no species ; we pass on therefore to the following— Fam. ERIPHID, Mihi. Sub-genus. Errpuia, Lat. BEI. it ) Eriphia Smithi, 2. s. Descr. Hriphia test posticé albopunctata regionibus distinctis, lateribus antice tuberculatis, clypeo haud spinoso, lobis duobus mediis quinque-tuberculatis, manibus tuberculosis chelis concoloribus, pedibus hispidis. Norg. This species of Eriphia has its carapace well marked by the regions. The whole of it towards the margin, except behind, is covered with tubercles ; the rest of the surface is granu- lose. The lateral margin is strongly tuberculated, and the two last tubercles behind the orbits are almost spines. The margin of the orbit is tuberculated. The margin of the two middle lobes of the four-lobed clypeus has five tubercles for each. The fore-feet are one larger than the other. The larger being marked above by tubercles sparingly scattered, and the smaller being strongly verrucose above and below. The chele of the former has strong teeth; those of the latter have scarcely any, and cross each other. The feet are spotted with white above, are hispid, but have no tubercles. The length is more than two inches. The abdomen of the male is seven-jointed. SP; 10; af — ) Eriphia Fordi, x. s. Descr. Eriphia test& postice fulvomaculata regionibus distinctis, lateribus anticé sub-sexspinosis, clypeo haud spinoso, lobis duobus mediis 6-tuberculatis, manibus levibus chelis nigris, pedibus hispidis. Nore. This species also, like the Hriphie in general, has the regions well marked out. The fore margin of the carapace is tubercled, but not so much so as in the Eriphia Smithii. The Test of the surface is very finely granulose. The lateral margin has six distinct teeth or spines ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 61 before, and some minute tubercles behind. The margin of the orbit is also tuberculated, four of the tubercles becoming almost teeth. The margin of the two middle lobes of the four-lobed clypeus has six tubercles for each. The fore-feet are one larger than the other. Both are almost smooth, although the smaller presents some vestiges of tubercles. The digits of the chele are black; those of the larger hand have three teeth above and below; those of the lesser hand being almost without teeth. The feet are without spots or tubercles, but are very hispid. The length is two inches. The abdomen of the female has seven joints. The two foregoing species of Eriphia both come close to their congeners, the Gegarcinus hirtipes of Lamarck, and the Eriphia levimana of Milne Edwards. But these last species are natives of the Isle of France. Sub-genus. Curtonotus, Dehaan. ) Curtonotus vestitus, Dehaan. SPvll. ¢ Curtonotus vestitus, Faun. Jap. tab. 5. fig. 3. This last groupe appears to be the same as that which is named Pseudorhombida by Milne Edwards. Fam. PORTUNIDA, Mihi. Sub-genus. AcuELous, Dehaan. Sp. 12. ( Duscr. Achelous testa glabra regionibus distinctis lateribus antice dentatis, clypeo sexdentato, — ) Achelous crassimanus, 7. s. orbitis subtus unidentatis, manibus articulo tertio intus tridentato extus bidentato, quarto supra ad apicem bidentato adque basin unidentato. Nors. This large crab has a shell which is about five inches long by seven wide. The teeth of the cephalothorax are triangular, sharp, and nearly equal. The fore feet are nearly equal in size. The abdomen of male has seven joints. It has been only known, as yet, to occur in deep holes, which it makes in the mud islands near the mouth of the Zwartkops River,—islands that are only visible at low water. Sub-genus. Cuaryspis, Dehaan. Sp. 13. ( ) Charybdis Smithii, n. s. Duscr. Charybdis testa glabra, regionibus indistinctis, lateribus antic sexdentatis, clypeo 8-dentato, orbitis haud dentatis, manibus articulo secundo intus tridentato, quarto supra bidentato intus et extus lineis tribus granulatis longitudinaliter carinato, digitis sulcatis. Nors. Although I have here placed Charybdis as a sub-genus, I suspect that when the family Portunide is worked out, it will be found that the Charybdis of Dehaan is only a section of some sub-genus of the genus Portuninus. M. Dehaan is here splitting very fine ; for between the groupes named by him Oceanus, Charybdis, and Thalamita, the differences are very minute. Our crab comes between Oceanus crucifer of Dehaan and his Charybdis 6-dentatus. The cephalothorax has no transverse granulated lines like the latter, nor are the teeth of the clypeus blunt like those of Oceanus crucifer. The six teeth of the anterior lateral margin are 62 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. equal, the tooth nearest the eye being sharp. So are the teeth of the clypeus, and the four middle of these teeth are scarcely separated from the lateral ones by a deeper incision. The fore-feet are equal in size, having two apical teeth on the upper margin of the fourth joint. The length is about two inches. The abdomen of the female has six joints. Fam. CARCINID, Leach. Sub-genus. Anisopus, Dehaan. Sp. 14. ( ) Anisopus trimaculatus, Dehaan. Anisopus 3-maculatus, Faun. Jap. p. 13. Platyonychus bipustulaius, M. Ei. Hist. Nat. des Crust. vol. i. p. 487. tab. 17. fig. 7. 10. Nore. This crab has a strong relation to the Corystide, which Professor Dehaan has pointed out with his usual acumen. By Anisopus, in fact, we pass off to the Corystina among the Trigonostomous Brachyura. Sub-genus. Xatva, M‘L. Cephalothorax rather depressed, as broad as long, but narrower behind, being broadest in the middle, and having the sides in front arched with a five-toothed margin; the tooth behind the eyes being broad and truncated. The sides behind are entire, rather concave, and with a margin. The shell behind is also entire and margined. The clypeus is triangular, advanced with an acute point, and having the sides undated, while it is furnished above on each side at its base with an orbital tooth. Orbit with two teeth below, the outer one of which is triangular, and larger than the other. External antenne inserted within the orbit, and having their basilar joint short and sub- triangular. External pedipalpi, with the second joint, almost twice as long as the third, which is sub- quadrate, carinated at the base, with the point obliquely truncated, acummated on the outside ; the inner margin having a piece cut out,as it were, above its middle. Feet, first pair with the chele bicarinated above; second, third, and fourth pair with slender nails, while the hind pair has the nails or ungues dilated and pointed as in the genus Carcinus. Abdomen of male has seven segments; but the third, fourth, and fifth appear soldered together. Xaiva is the Spanish name for all crabs which have the posterior feet natatory. This will be seen on referring to the curious work of Parra on the natural history of the Gulf of Mexico. The present sub-genus comes close to Carcinus of Leach; but is easily distinguished by the third joint of the external pedipalpi. Sp. 15. ( ) Xaiva pulchella, 2. s. fe. Tr, Duscr. Xaiva test margine anteriore subreflexo, tuberculis quatuor in regione stomachali, linea utringque elevata in tuberculum lateralem desinente, chelis supra bicarimatis et extus tricarinatis. Nore. The stomachal region in this pretty little crab is marked by four tubercles, which are situated on an elevated ridge, stretching on each side towards a lateral tubercle, which is almost on the middle tooth of the anterior lateral margin of the shell. The genital region is marked by ~~ ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 63 two minute tubercles at the base of a longitudinal carina. An irregular transverse carina stretches out on each side from the last lateral marginal tooth towards the middle of the shell, marking out the upper limit of the branchial region. The chele are marked above with five keels on the fixed digit, and three or four longitudinal furrows on the middle finger. The second, third, and fourth pair of feet, are compressed, having their third and fourth joints bicarinated, and their ungues furrowed. The fifth pair of feet are less bicarinated, and the last joint or claw is like the posterior claw of Carcinus menas, Leach, only more broad. The length is less than an inch. 8. We now return to the aberrant family Evriphide, by means of which we pass to Thelphusa among the Grapsina. It becomes therefore necessary to point out the families of a stirps which is very common in warm climates, and the study of whose manners afforded me much amusement whilst I resided in the West Indies. Dr. Milne Edwards calls them Catamétopes, and says that some of them are “complétement terrestres.” This is an error, however; for all these crabs must lay their eggs in water, must pass their infant state in water, and must, during their future life, return periodically to the vicinity of water. The land-crab par excel- lence, G'egarcinus ruricola, Lat., in this respect, does not differ in economy from other Brachyurous Decapods, nor does it retire many leagues from the sea. In our small West India islands it may be found all over them ; but in Cuba it has its limits, which are confined to a certain distance from the shore. Stirps. GRAPSINA, or Seuare Crass. Families. Ocular peduncles short. Tigellus of external pedipalps 1 TorLpHusip2#, M. E. Aberrant Groupe. Fresh Water Crabs. never inserted at the outer angle of third joint. Scape of the palpi unidentated on the inside. Tigellus of external pedipalps Ocular peduncles long. ‘Tigellus of external pedipalps in- : , 2 GonopLacip#, M. E. never inserted at the mid-< Deens serted at the inner angle of third joint. Scape of the dle of the apex of third eep Shore Crabs. (palpi unidentated on the inside. joint. oe CsA { Ocular peduneleslong. Tigellus of external pedipalps al- L bee ae i ways inserted at the outer angle of third joint. Scape Ae a of the palpi not dentated. f Normal Groupe. 4 Grapsips”, M. E. Shell depressed, and the whole structure such as to render Salt Water Crabs. these crabs unable to retire far from the sea. Grapsi, Dehaan. Tigellus of external pedipalps4 - inserted at the middle of erapen af eee ene 5 Gucarcrnipm, M. E. ee convex in order to contain a certain quantity of water, Palpi never dentated True-Land Crabs- enabling these crabs to travel great distances on land. 9. Dr. Smith has brought specimens of all the above families of Grapsina except of the Gegarcinide. ‘The first family Thelphuside has the genital organs of the male placed nearly as in the last stirps Cancrina, with which it is osculant. But the other families of Grapsina have the genital orifices of the male placed in a transverse groove hollowed out on the sternum. Both the Thelphuside and Gonoplacide being aberrant families, agree with the Cancrina in having the scape of their palpi unidentated on the inside. 64 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. Fam. THELPHUSIDA, M. E. Sub-genus. THELpuusa, Lat. SP. 16. 1 ) Thelphusa perlata, W/. £. Thelphusa perlata, M. EH. Hist. Nat. des Crust. vol. ii. p. 13. Norz. This crab is common in all the rivers of southern Africa, and grows to the size of nearly three inches long. The male has a much more convex shell than the female, and in aspect resembles much a Gegarcinus. The pearly tubercles of the anterior margin of shell are also still more small and evanescent than in the female. I may take this occasion to observe, that in my cabinet I separate those species of Thelphusa, which, like the present, have a transversal crest in front of the shell, and call them Potamonautes. They are easily distinguished from true Thelphuse, of which the type is the European species Thelphusa fluviatilis. — Fam. GONOPLACIDA, M. E. Sub-genus ? Cuzistotom4, Dehaan. Sel]. '( ) Cleistotoma Edwardsii, n. s. Descr. Cleistotoma oculis magnis, testa levi haud pilosa lateribus integris nec granulosis nec postice divergentibus, manibus brevibus; pedum pari tertio longiori, femoribus infra leevibus. Nor. This species comes very near to the Cleistotoma Leachii of Milne Edwards; but differs from it in the surface being altogether smooth. ‘The length is four lines. Fam. OCYPODIDZ:, Leach. Sub-genus. Ocypopx, Fab. SP 13; ) Ocypode cordimana, Lat. Ocypode cordimana, M. EK. Hist. Nat. des Crust. vol. ii. p. 48. Norz. The Ocypode cordimana of Dehaan appears to be a very different species. Sub-genus. CERATOPHTHALMA, Dehaan. SEU ) Ceratophthalma cursor, Herbst. Cancer cursor, Herbst. vol. i. tab. 1. fig. 8 and 9. Sub-genus. GeLasimus, Lat. Sp. 20. ( ) Gelasimus chlorophthalmus, M. E. Gelasimus chlorophthalmus, M. BE. His. Nat. des Crust. vol. ii. p. 54. ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 65 Fam. GRAPSID, M. E. Sub-genus ? Gnatuocuasmus, M‘L. Cephalothorax sub-quadrate, with the back convex, and entire sides which are arched towards the eyes; the clypeus between the eyes is plane, entire, truncated and deflexed. Exterior Antenne produced as far as the middle between the eyes, and having the first joint transverse. External Pedipalpi very distant from each other; with the second joint very oblique at the base, at the point sinuated, and of the same length as the third joint, which is concave in the middle, and has a bearded crest continuous along its inner edge as far as the outer part of the base of the second joint. Feet; first pair with thick and equal chele. Abdomen in both sexes has seven segments. 10. Dehaan has noticed the affinity between the two groupes, which he names Chasmagnathus and Pachysoma. By them he passes from the family Ocypodide to the family Grapside. The sub-genus or sub-section which I have just characterized under the name of Gnathochasmus comes exactly between Chasmagnathus and Pachysoma. It agrees with both in the remark- able elevated crest, which stretches down obliquely from the inner angle of the third jomt of the external pedipalp to the outer angle of the base of its second joint. It has the thorax with arched sides, like those of Chasmagnathus ; but then these sides are entire, like those of Pachysoma. I may here observe, that Dehaan’s name Pachysoma ought to be changed, as it was assigned, long ago, by Mr. Kirby, to a division of the genus Scarabeus. See Hore Entomologice, part 2, p. 507. Spr 2G ) Gnathochasmus barbatus, n. s. (C,2m0 Descr. Gnathochasmus testa levi, utrinque ad oculos deflexa regionibus sub-distinctis, lateribus clypeoque marginatis integris ; manibus leevibus glaberrimis crassis chelis sub-concoloribus latis convexis, pedibus leevibus sub-compressis nigro-punctatis tarsis sulcatis. Nore. This crab is about an inch and a quarter long. Sub-genus. SESARMA, Say. Sp. 22. (——— ) Sesarma reticulata, Say. Grapsus cinereus, Bosc. Hist. Nat. des Crust. vol. i. p. 204. tab. 6. fig. 1. Sesarma reticulata, Say, Trans. Acad. Phil. vol. i. p. 73. tab. 4. fig. 5. Norr. It is singular that I can find no good character whereby to separate this Cape crab from the American species described by Bose and Say. The latter, however, I only know from descrip- tion. It is six lmes long, whereas the Cape crab is more than aninch. Both are distinguished from the Sesarma quadrata by their epistome being covered with granulations, so as to appear finely reticulated. I dare say if we could compare the two crabs together we should be able to discover a specific difference. The Cape crab has not the slightest vestige of granulation on the shell of the cephalothorax. I have found in Cuba the species of Sesarma to live generally under stones on the banks of the muddy mouths of rivers. Say’s name, Sesarma, is adopted K 66 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. by me instead of Pachysoma. It distinguishes a groupe which is the most quadrilateral form of the family Grapside, and easily known from the true Grapsus by its sides deflexed verti- cally, being parallel to each other from the eyes. In the Cape species the clypeus has four lobes, the two middle ones being separated by a deep furrow. Sub-genus. Puaausta, Lat. Sp. 23. ( ) Plagusia tomentosa, M. #. Plagusia tomentosa, M. Ki. Hist. Nat. des Crust. vol. ii. p. 92. Nors. In the younger specimens of this species the feet are wholly tomentose; butin the more adult specimens we find the two ridges of the upper side of the second joints of the feet appear- ing white, from the tomentum being worn off. Sp. 24. ( Drsor. Plagusia testa subtomentosa valde depressa, longiore quam lata, lateribus arcuatis anticé ) Plagusia spinosa, 7. s. quadridentatis, clypeo medio angusto quadridentato dentibus mediis porrectioribus, clypel lateribus bidentatis, manibus brevissimis gracilibus, pedibus articulis secundis extus spinosis, pari secundo longiore. The length of this Plagusia is about three quarters of an inch. It comes very near to the Plagusia clavimana of Desmarest. Sub-genus. Goniorsis, Dehaan. Sp. 25. (——-— ) Goniopsis strigosa, Herbst. Cancer strigosus, Herbst. tab. 47. fig. 7. Sp. 26. ( Descr. Goniopsis testa glaberrima nitida nigrolivida lateribus antice bidentatis, epistomate ) Goniopsis flavipes, n. s. brevissimo cristaé utrinque transversd tuberculaté, manibus sanguineis bicarinatis, pedibus flavis nitidissimis. Norte. This species is nearly three inches long, and very handsome. The manners of the vari- ous species of Goniopsis are very interesting. There are no crabs more active, more vigilant, or more beautiful. The type of this genus is the Grapsus ruricola of Degeer, a crab whose manners are detailed by me in the first volume of the Transactions of the Zoological Society. The name, Grapsus ruricola, Deg., was wrongly altered from my manuscript by some person who superintended the press during my absence at the Havana, and changed the name to Gegarcinus ruricola, Desm. The Grapsus ruricola, Deg., is the Grapsus eruentatus of Latreille, and the true Crabe des Paletuviers of French travellers, although Milne Edwards erroneously makes this to be the Goniopsis picta, a species which on the contrary is always found on reefs, and which is therefore by Parra called “ Cangrejo de Arrecife.” Sub-genus. Nautitocrarsus, M. E. Sp. 27. ( Descr. Nautilograpsus testa depressiuscula longiore quam lata, amticé leevi, lateribus postice ) Nautilograpsus major, m. s. rugis transversis, margine antico pone oculos subemarginato, clypeo lato ultra laterum angulos porrecto. Norz. This species is ten lines long by seven wide ; whereas the true Vautilograpsus minutus, ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 67 the Cancer minutus of Fabricius, of which I have taken abundance in the Atlantic ocean, adhering to the gulf-weed, is only three lines long. Sp. 28. ( Descr. Mautilograpsus testi convexd levi, tam lata quam longa, margine laterali antico pone ) Nautilograpsus Smithii, 7. s. oculos vix emarginato, clypeo lato vix ultra laterum angulos porrecto. Norz. This species is seven lines long, and as broad as long. I believe that many species of this sub-genus are confounded with the Cancer minutus of Fabricius. Vautilograpsus is an excellent groupe, which appears to have escaped the notice of M. Dehaan. It is in general found in the wide ocean, adhering to chelonian reptiles or masses of floating sea-weed. The feet therefore are almost natatorial. Grapsus pusillus of Dehaan appears to be a species of the sub-genus near to Wautilograpsus major above described. Sub-genus. Grapsittus, M‘L. Cephalothorax heart-shaped, depressed, with the back plane and the sides arched, almost form- ing the quadrant of a circle; the clypeus is broad, truncated, and sinuated in front. Orbits placed at the fore angles of the shell, with great depressed eyes. Exterior Antenne placed without the orbit towards the middle of the clypeus. Internal Antenne rather thick. External Pedipalpi with the second and third joints quadrate, almost equal, the third being a little shorter; the third joint also has its inner apex rounded off, the tigellus is thick, and the outer palpus has its sides almost parallel. Feet; first pair almost twice as long as body with very large jomts; the chele being without teeth and the other feet being short with hairy tarsi. Abdomen in males has five segments, in females it has six. 11. This groupe is very distinct from any described one with which I am acquainted. It approaches in many respects to Mautilograpsus, and appears to connect that groupe with Plagusia. It is remarkable for the large size of the fore feet. Sp. 29, ( Descr. Grapsillus testaceus ; thoracis lateribus versus medium vix emarginatis ; clypeo medio ) Grapsillus subinteger, 7. s. emarginato denteque utrinque ad oculos obtuso; manibus articulo secundo intus tridentato, chelis apice purpureis ad marginem unistriatis. Note. This species is about four lines long, and rather broader than long. Sp. 30. ( ) Grapsillus dentatus, n. s. LL TI Duscor. Grapsillus rafo-testaceus ; thoracis lateribus medio unidentatis, dente acuto ; clypeo medio sub-bilobo denteque distincto utrinque ad oculos obtuso; manibus articulo secundo intus septem-dentato, chelis apice sub-purpureis ad marginem unistriatis. Norz. This species is about halfan inch long, and about the same width. — ) Grapsillus maculatus, 2. s. Sp. 31. ( Descr. Grapsillus testaceus supra et infra rufo-maculatus maculis rotundis; thoracis lateribus medio unispinosis, spind brevi acuta; clypeo medio sub-bilobo utrinque ad oculos emarginato ; K 2 68 ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. manibus articulo secundo intus quinque-dentato, chelis apice concoloribus ad marginem haud striatis. } Nors. This beautiful little species is four lines long, by more than five broad. 12. The above great number of Grapsid@ at the Cape shews that the carcinology of South Africa agrees with that of itratropical climates more than it does with that of the temperate zones in general. But we now proceed to the stirps Pinnotherina, and for that purpose we must return to the family Ocypodide. Milne Edwards has shewn that a small crab of the Red Sea, called by him Doto sulcatus, makes the passage from the Ocypodide to the Pinnotherina. Stirps. PINNOTHERINA, Dehaan, or ParasiticaL Crass. 13. This stirps contains so few known species, that I shall not attempt its arrangement at present, more particularly as Dr. Smith has only brought home one species, which has long been known as a native of the Cape of Good Hope. M. Dehaan makes the distinguishing characteristic of this stirps, which he calls Pinnotheridea, to consist in the sixth joint of the fourth pair of maxille being inserted at the base of the fifth jomt. The groupe consists of singular crabs, among which we find the last pair of feet to be sometimes evanescent, as in the genus Hexapus of Dehaan. Fam. HYMENOSOMID. Genus. HY MENOSOMA, Leach. Sub-genus. Leacutum, M. E. Sp. 82. (Hymenosoma) Leachium orbicula: >, Leach, MSS. Hymenosoma orbiculare, Desm. Cons. p. 163. tab. 26. fig. 1. Norz. Milne Edwards has shewn that the Hymenosoma Leachii of Guerin belongs to another sub-genus. 14. Perhaps when the attention of collectors shall have been more directed to these small, though curious crabs, we may discover their natural arrangement. The difficulties pomted out by Milne Edwards, who complains that his genera are so distinct from each other, evidently pro- ceeds from almost every one of his genera belonging to a distinct family. Perhaps indeed, if we consider his arrangement in this light—in other words, that most of his genera represent fami- lies—the table he gives (vol. 2, p. 29) may not be found so far wrong. But however this mary be, I shall now return to the stirps Cancrina and family Carcinide. From these we pass directly to the osculant stirps Corystina, belonging to the interesting tribe of Trigonostomous Brachyura, which may be displayed to view in the following manner :— ON THE BRACHYUROUS DECAPODS OF THE CAPE. 69 Tribe. TRIGONOSTOMA. Stirpes. ff External antenne long. Hind feet of the more usual struc- 1 CorystTINa. t : : ‘ f te ture, and serving for locomotion. Oral orifice triangular. Aberrant Groupe. Nixcuuoune ( External antenne long. Hind feet eats up i < 2 Doriprina.