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TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
VOLUME VIII
Printed from the
W. W. Whitney Publication Endowment
•N>
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
1934-1938
awn
f^r Zoo'ogv »*;
NOV 29 1938 '
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
L. M. Klauber Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
CONTENTS OF VOLUME VIII
1. A New Subspecies of Pocket Gopher from Sonora, Mexico. By
Laurence M. Huey. Published August 10, 1934 1-2
2. A New Puff-Bird from El Salvador. By A. J. van Rossem. Pub-
lished August 10, 1934 3-4
3. Notes on the Races of Claravis mondetoura. By A. J. van Rossem.
Published August 10, 1934 5-8
4. Notes on Some Races of Ceophloeus lineatus (Linnaeus) . By A. J.
van Rossem. Published August 10, 1934 9-12
5. Three New Species of Pinnixa from the Gulf of California. By
Steve A. Glassell. Published March 21, 1935 13-14
6. New Marine Mollusca from West Mexico, Together with a List of
Shells Collected at Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico. By Herbert
N. Lowe. Published March 21, 1935 15-34
7. New Species of Mollusks of the Genus Triphora. By Fred Baker
and V. D. P. Spicer. Published March 21, 1935 35-46
8. New Trilobite Species from the Anthracolithic of Northern Cali-
fornia, and Griffithides conwayensis, a New Name for a Trilo-
bite Species from the Atoka Formation of Arkansas. By Harry
E. Wheeler. Published March 21, 1935 47-58
9. Revision of Some California Species of Astrodapsis. By George L.
Richards, Jr. Published March 21, 1935 59-66
10. The Mangrove Warbler of Northwestern Mexico. By A. J. van
Rossem. Published August 24, 1935 67-68
11. A New Race of Brown Towhee from the Inyo Region of California.
By A. J. van Rossem. Published August 24, 1935 69-72
12. A New Silky Pocket Mouse from Sonora, Mexico. By Laurence
M. Huey. Published August 24, 1935 73-74
13. A New Subspecies of Crotalus confluentus, the Prairie Rattlesnake.
By Laurence M. Klauber. Published August 24, 1935 75-90
14. New or Little Known Crabs from the Pacific Coast of Northern
Mexico. By Steve A. Glassell. Published August 24, 1935 91-106
15. A New Genus and Species of Pigmy Goose from the McKittrick
Pleistocene. By Roland Case Ross. Published August 24, 1935.107-114
16. Description of a Race of Myiarchus cinerascens from El Salvador.
By A. J. van Rossem. Published March 12, 1936 115-118
17. A New Pelecypod Genus of the Family Cardiidae. By A. Myra
Keen. Published March 12, 1936 119-120
IV
San Diego Society of Natural History
18. Notes on Birds in Relation to the Faunal Areas of South-Central
Arizona. By A. J. van Rossem. Published May 29, 1936 121-148
19. Crotalus mitchellii, the Speckled Rattlesnake. By Laurence M.
Klauber. Published May 29, 1936 149-184
20. A Key to the Rattlesnakes With Summary of Characteristics. By
Laurence M. Klauber. Published December 7, 1936 185-276
21. New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids from Tropical North Ameri-
can Waters. By Steve A. Glassell. Published December 7, 1936..277-304
22. West American Species of the Genus Phos. By A. M. Strong and
H. N. Lowe. Published December 1, 1936 305-320
23. A Further Report on Birds of Sonora, Mexico, with Descriptions
of Two New Races. By A. J. van Rossem and The Marquess
Hachisuka. Published June 15, 1937 321-336
24. Paleontology of the Pleistocene of Point Loma, San Diego County,
California. By Robert W. Webb. Published June 15, 1937 337-348
25. Descriptions of New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
By Laurence M. Huey. Published June 15, 1937 349-360
26. A Northwestern Race of the Mexican Black Hawk. By A. J. van
Rossem and The Marquess Hachisuka. Published June 15, 1937-361-362
27. A New Snake of the Genus Sonora from Mexico. By Laurence M.
Klauber. Published December 15, 1937 363-366
28. A New Sea-Urchin from the "Oligocene" of Oregon. By Hubert
Lyman Clark. Published December 15, 1937 367-374
29. An Extinct Puffin from the Pliocene of San Diego, California.
By Loye Miller. Published December 15, 1937 375-378
30. An Upper Pleistocene Fauna from the Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles
County, California. By George Will ett. Published December 15,
1937 379-406
31. A New Hummingbird of the Genus Saucerottia from Sonora, Mex-
ico. By A. J. van Rossem and The Marquess Hachisuka. Pub-
lished January 18, 1938 407-408
32. A New Muskrat from Utah. By Laurence M. Huey. Published
January 18. 1938 409-410
33. New and Obscure Decapod Crustacea from the West American
Coasts. By Steve A. Glassell. Published May 31, 1938 411-454
34. A Study of the Skull of the Pleistocene Stork, Ciconia maltha,
Miller. By Loye Miller. Published May 31, 1938 455-462
<^n
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TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 1, pp. 1-2 August 10, 1934
A NEW SUBSPECIES OF POCKET GOPHER
FROM SONORA, MEXICO
BY
Laurence M. Huey
Curator of Birds and Mammals, San Diego Society of Natural History
During February, 1934, a party representing the San Diego Society
of Natural History made collections in the vicinity of Punta Penascosa,
on the northeast coast of the Gulf of California, Sonora, Mexico. Among
the limited number of mammals obtained is a series of 12 Thomomys
which represents an uradescribed form of the wide-ranging bottae group.
This race may be know« as :
Thomomys bottae vanrossemi subsp. nov.
Punta Penascosa Pocket Gopher
Type. — From Punta Penascosa, Sonora, Mexico; no. 10922, collection of
the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult male; collected by Laurence
M. Huey, February 15, 1934.
Characters. — In color vanrossemi is almost identical with its nearest relative,
Thomomys bottae phasma from southwestern Arizona, but cranially some
characters showing constant difference are present. The skull is relatively nar-
rower than that of phasma with less widely spreading zygomatic arches, narrower
rostrum and more fully inflated bullae, that bulge farther below the basioccipital.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 215; tail, 72; hind foot, 28; ear, 4.
Skull (type) : Greatest length, 38.5; spread of maxillary arches, 24.0; length of
nasals, 13.5; interorbital constriction, 6.5; alveolar length of upper molar series,
7.5.
Range. — So far as known, the vicinity of Punta Penascosa, Sonora, Mexico,
2 San Diego Society of Natural History
where it was found living at almost tide level on the land side of a series of large
sand dunes that bordered the sea beach.
Remarks-— Since Nelson and Goldman have recently described a number
of forms of Thomomys from Sonora (Journ. Mam., Vol. 15, no. 2, May, 1934,
pp. 105-124), the writer forwarded this series of specimens to Washington,
where it was compared with topotypical material by Major Goldman and the
differences confirmed. For this aid the writer's thanks are here expressed.
Specimens examined by the writer. — Thomomys bottae phasma: 5 from
Tinajas Altas and 13 from 4 miles south of Gadsden, Yuma County, Arizona;
Thomomys bottae vanrossemi: 12 from Punta Pehascosa, Sonora, Mexico [type
locality] .
This race is dedicated to Mr. A. J. van Rossem of the California
Institute of Technology, a life-long friend of the author and co-worker in
the field of natural science.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 2, pp. 3-4 August 10, 1934
A NEW PUFF-BIRD FROM EL SALVADOR
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
California Institute of Technology
In view of Ridgway's remarks (Birds of North and Middle America,
6, 1914, 377, footnote) concerning the individual variation found in
Dyson's Puff-Bird, the eight specimens of this species which I collected
in El Salvador in 1925, 1926, and 1927 had been referred to Notharchns
hyperrhyncbus dysoni, purely on assumption. Last fall when at the Mu-
seum of Comparative Zoology, I chanced to see a large series of dysoni
which were so very different from my recollection of the Salvador birds
that I asked Mr. Peters to forward a good selection in order to make
possible a direct comparison. Further specimens were borrowed from the
Bureau of Biological Survey and the Smithsonian Institution. The total
series of dysoni examined at this time numbers 28 specimens from prac-
tically the entire Central American range save for the Pacific coast of
Nicaragua and Guatemala.
The Salvador birds represent a strongly characterized race which
evidently occupies a limited territory on the Pacific coast of Central
America. This race is here named
Notharchus hyperrhynchus cryptoleucus subsp. nov.
Type. — Male adult, no. 18714 Dickey collection; Barra de Santiago, Dept.
of Ahuachapan, El Salvador, April 3, 1927, altitude sea level; collected by A. J.
van Rossem, original number 11580.
Subspecific characters.— Compared with Notharchus hyperrhynchus dysoni:
feathers of lower rump and upper tail -coverts with one or two concealed grayish-
white bars, instead of being immaculate proximal to the terminal tipping; dark
4 San Diego Society of Natural History
portions of the plumage everywhere, save on the crown, paler, duller, and more
slaty, and with the white margins notably wider; rump and upper tail-coverts
"mouse gray" instead of "dark mouse gray" or "blackish mouse gray"; flanks
with dr.rk area much restricted and narrowly barred with brownish slate and
white in about equal widths instead of being black with narrow white bars.
Range. — Coastal plain of El Salvador and, probably, closely adjacent areas
in western Guatemala and western Nicaragua.
Remarks. — The concealed barring is a feature which is apparently totally
absent in dysoni and always present in cryptoleucus. Aside from this, cryptoleucus
is easily distinguished by general pallor of coloration and wide white tipping and
margins.
Sclater's type of Bucco dysoni came from "Honduras" and was collected
by Dyson. This necessarily restricts the type locality to northwestern Honduras,
since the chief purpose of Dyson's visit was to secure live specimens of the
Ocellated Turkey for the aviary of Lord Derby.
Specimens of dysoni have been examined from Honduras (Santa Ana);
British Honduras (Toledo District) ; Guatemala (Gualan) ; Costa Rica (Pigres;
Boruca) ; Panama (Loma del Leon; Panama City; Almirante; Fruitdale) ; Chia-
pas (San Benito). I can make out no variation in this extensive range, that is
other than individual or seasonal in character. The margins to the dark parts of
the plumage are naturally wider when the feathers are fresh and gradually disap-
pear with wear.
The fact that dysoni occurs in typical form at the Chiapas-Guatemala boun-
dary on the Pacific coast, and as far north as Pigres on the Gulf of Nicoya in
Costa Rica, argues a relatively limited range for cryptoleucus. However, since
cryptoleucus was found to inhabit the full length of the coastal plain of El Salva-
dor, it would be remarkable if it did not extend for some slight distance into the
adjoining portions of Guatemala and Nicaragua.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 3, pp. 5-8 August 10, 1934
NOTES ON THE RACES OF
CLARAVIS MONDETOURA
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
California Institute of Technology
Ludlow Griscom (Occ. Pap. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 5, June 14,
1930, pp. 287-292) has recently recognized four races of this little dove,
though he was able to assemble little more than a dozen specimens from
American collections. In the interval since Griscom's paper appeared I
have had the opportunity to examine most of his material and also some
twenty additional skins in Europe and England. As might be expected
the foreign material modifies, somewhat, the characters of the four races
defined by Griscom. This comment is given below and, in addition, two
more races are described, respectively from the southern and northern
extremes of the range of the species.
Claravis mondetoura mondetoura (Bonaparte)
As first noted by Count Salvadori (Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., 21, 1893, 495)
and later by Ridgway and Griscom, South American specimens are sharply dis-
tinguished from those of Central America and Mexico by the reddish intermix-
ture in the slate color of the under wing-coverts and axillars of the males.
The typical race, mondetoura, is distinguished from all the others, both north
and south, by the longer wing. Seven fully adult males measure: wing, 117-121;
tail, 85-91 mm. Five fully adult females measure: wing, 115-118; tail, 74-82 mm.
Bonaparte's types (male and female) from Caracas, Venezuela, were examined
in the Paris Museum. They are typical of the northern South America sub-
species.
Sixteen specimens of both sexes and representing adult and immature indi-
viduals have been examined from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. Age for
6 San Diego Society of Natural History
age, I am unable to see any differences between birds from these three countries
and believe that the characters noted by Griscom for some Colombia females
were due to age. Old females are very much grayer than immatures.
Claravis mondetoura inca subsp. nov.
Type. — Male adult, no. 89.4.20.365 British Museum; Huasampilla, Peru,
March 18, 1872; collected by H. Whitley.
Subspecific characters. — Adult male with under wing-coverts and axillars
much more extensively rufous than in typical mondetoura, in fact with rufous in
excess of slate; flanks paler gray, and posterior median underparts more exten-
sively white than in any other race. Wing shorter than in mondetoura. The type,
which is apparently the only known specimen, measures: wing, 111; tail, 76;
exposed culmen, 13.5; tarsus, 24.0; middle toe minus claw, 21.5 mm.
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Remarks. — Colors of soft parts as recorded by the collector are: "Bill black;
eye pink; legs and toes lead colour." This is not at all in agreement with the
colors given by Salvin and Godman in the 'Biologia' for an adult male of salvini
from Guatemala.
Claravis mondetoura pulchra Griscom
Claravis mondetoura umbrina Griscom
Western Panama and Costa Rica specimens appear to be non-existent in
European collections. Therefore, I have nothing to add to the diagnosis of either
of these races. I have examined the same specimens used by Griscom, however,
and believe that they are both valid subspecies.
Claravis mondetoura salvini Griscom
This race, though described on the basis of a single adult male, is verified
through two males and a female from Volcan de Fuego in the British Museum.
Males are indistinguishable from mondetoura dorsally. They show more white
ventrally, but this may be due to the "make" of the skins. The supposed
character of a more extensively black tail does not prove constant. In other
words the males of saWnu may be distinguished from mondetoura by the posses-
sion of uniform slaty (instead of mixed slaty and rufous) under wing-coverts
and axillars; and shorter wing with proportionally longer tail.
A single female (also from Volcan de Fuego), is very close to mondetoura,
but differs in having a slightly darker and less reddish rump and upper tail-coverts,
more slaty (less reddish) under wing-coverts, and shorter wing.
Two adult males measure: wing, 110-114; tail, 79-83 mm. One adult female
measures: wing, 110; tail, 79 mm.
Though Volume 21 of the 'Catalogue of Birds' cites one male and two
females from Volcan de Fuego, this is in error for there are two males and one
female from that locality in the British Museum collection at this time. One of
the males was recorded by Salvin and Godman as having the colors of the soft
parts as follows: "Iris reddish-orange; bill black; tarsi and toes dull red; claws
black."
van Rossem — Races of Claravis Mondetura
Claravis mondetoura ochoterena subsp. nov.
Type. — Male adult no. 89.4.20.366 British Museum; Jalapa, Vera Cruz,
Mexico, 1872; collected by [Rafael Montes] de Oca.
Subspecific characters. — Adult males similar to Claravis mondetoura salvini
of Guatemala, but dorsal coloration darker and more fuscous (less grayish)
slate; underparts darker everywhere and with the red of the pectoral region ex-
tending back laterally to tinge the slate color of the flanks. Female unknown.
Range. — Mountains of the State of Vera Cruz, Mexico.
Remarks.— Ridgway (Birds of No. and Mid. Amer., Pt. 7, 1916, 436,
footnote) , has remarked on the characters shown by the two subadult males in
the United States National Museum, but he suspected that the peculiarities
might be due to age. The fully adult male in the British Museum shows that such
is not the case. The Mexican race is easily distinguished by being the darkest
of the known subspecies.
Three males, two of them subadult, but which possess the primaries and
rectrices of maturity, measure: wing, 107-113; tail, 72-83 mm.
I take pleasure in naming this dove for Professor Isaac Ochoterena,
Director of the Biological Institute of Mexico, not only in recognition of
his own work but in appreciation of his assistance in furthering my own
activities in northwestern Mexico.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 4, pp. 9-12 August 10, 1934
NOTES ON SOME RACES OF CEOPHLOEUS
LINEATUS (LINNAEUS)
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
California Institute of Technology
A few years ago J. L. Peters briefly reviewed1 the races of this species,
but in certain instances he was handicapped either by lack of material or
because type specimens were not available for critical examination. It has
been my good fortune to be able to study, during the summer of 1933,
types of some of the races described by European ornithologists, and it is
now possible to settle some, at least, of the questions concerning which
Peters was obliged to make arbitrary decisions. Notes on these types and
changes in nomenclature (where necessary) are given below.
Ceophloeus mesorhynchus Cabanis and Heine
The three specimens on which this name2 is based are still in the Zoological
Museum in Berlin, where they are numbered 16,292-3 and 4, respectively. They
are all mounted in fair condition though all show some degree of moult.
This name comes dangerously close to being a synonym of Picus similis
Lesson. One of the three cotypes ( 8 no. 16,292) is a white-billed bird from the
Aguacate Mountains, collected by Hoffmann; another, ( $ no. 16,293), col-
lected by von Frantzius in "Costa Rica," has a pale yellowish brown bill and is
also intermediate in other particulars. Only one specimen, ( $ no. 16,294), ful-
fills all requirements and is typical of the race which has so long borne the name
mesorhynchus. Although the original description expressly calls for "Bill bright
bluish-horncolor," the name "mesorhynchus" would seem to indicate recognition
1 Occ. Pap. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., 5, Sept. 2, 1930, pp. 317-22.
2 Mus. Heir.eanum, 4, heft 2, 1863, 86. See also critical comment on these specimens
in Journ. fur Orn., 1862, 176.
10 San Diego Society of Natural History
of the intermediate character of the bill when the three birds as a whole were
considered.
Since the Cabanis and Heine description is a composite, based on two races,
it is proper to designate one of the three cotypes as the type. Therefore I name
number 16,294, as the only course which will permit (for the time at least) reten-
tion of this long-established name for the dark-billed race of the Pileated Wood-
pecker in eastern and southern Costa Rica.
This specimen is a mounted bird, a female, presumably adult, which has
nearly completed the annual moult. It has the following measurements: wing,
181; tail, 122; culmen from base, 35.0; tarsus, 26.7; outer anterior toe minus
claw, 20.5. The bill is dark horn-color on the maxilla and basal two-thirds of the
mandible. The tip of the mandible is dull brown. Though the type locality as
published was simply "Costa Rica," Dr. von Frantzius has given a good indica-
tion of the locality in which his two specimens were collected. In his paper on the
distribution of birds in Costa Rica he states, under the name of Dryocopus
scapularis? that the species is relatively rare and is known only from the Aguacate
Mountains and on the Sarapiqui. The Aguacate record was made by Hoffmann,
and therefore the locality from whence came Dr. von Frantzius' two specimens
must necessarily be the Sarapiqui River. This is a region of intergradation between
mesorhyncbus and similis. It may be that the male, which is an intermediate
(though nearer similis) , was taken at a point further down stream and closer to
the Honduras Boundary than was the female, which is typical of the southern
race.
There is still the possibility that a good series of specimens from even the
headwaters of the Sarapiqui would show a mass average considerably closer to
similis, and in that case the name mesorhyncbus will have to become a synonym
of the former race. It is significant that Ridgway4 has considered a specimen
from the Rio Revantazon, a point considerably to the south of the Sarapiqui, as
being an intermediate, which is closer to similis than to mesorhyncbus. I have
tried to make out a case which will permit the retention of an old name rather
than to scrap it for a new one, though until adequate material from the type
locality is collected there is no certainty that even the arbitrary selection of a type
finally disposes of the matter.
Campephilus leucorhamphus "Licht." Reichenbach
Peters is entirely correct in considering this name a synonym of Picus siniilis
Lesson, for two of the three specimens which were the basis of Lichtenstein's
manuscript name5 are still present in the collection of the Zoological Museum in
Berlin. Both are females (the male possibly went to Reichenbach, though I could
not find it at Dresden), and are normal representatives of similis. They were
collected by Ferdinand Deppe; no. 10375 at "Cosmalvapan" | =Cosamaloapam],
and no. 10376 at Alvarado. Both of these localities are in southern Vera Cruz.
3 Joum. fur Orn., 1869, 364.
4 Birds of No. 6C Mid. Amer., pt. 6, 1914, 151, footnote.
5 Nom. Aves. Mus. Berol., 1854, 75.
van Rossem — Races of Ceophloeus Lineatus 1 1
The wing measurement of these two cotypes, which are mounted and in fair
condition, are 174 and 167 mm., respectively.
Campephilus lineatus Var.? C. leucopterylus Reichenbach
Reichenbach's type of leucopterylus6 is in the Dresden Museum. It is an
adult male, a skin in good condition and bears the following label "Geophloeus
[sic] lineatus (L.) /7487/ Siid-Amerika." This relatively new label has the old,
badly torn, original pasted on the reverse. All that is left is the single word
"'Leucopterylus" and the terminal letter (n) of a word which once was written
on the now missing lower left hand corner of the label. Dr. Wilhelm Meise, the
curator of birds at the Dresden Museum, told me that this skin (formerly
mounted) is a part of the old collection of Reichenbach's regime. So far as Dr.
Meise could determine there never was a female leucopterylus in the collection
and he thinks it possible that the figure of the female was pictured by the analogy
of the color characters of allied species.
This specimen belongs to none of the northern races but is one of those rare
individuals of Ceophloeus erythrops which show traces of a white scapular
stripe! It fits the colored plate and accompanying description perfectly, even to
the light spots on the tips of the alula and primaries, and my own measurement
of the wing, 191 mm., is exactly the length given by Reichenbach (7" 4"' using
the Rhineland foot) .
The missing corner of the label, which presumably bore the locality, may
have been torn off even prior to the time leucopterylus was described, and Reich-
enbach evidently guessed at the source when he ascribed his bird to "Mexiko." In
the Berlin Museum there is another example of erythrops which shows the same
type of coloration. It was collected by Euler at Cantagallo, Province of Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, and it is not impossible that Reichenbach's bird has the same
origin. Dr. Meise could give me no definite information as to why the "Siid-
Amerika" had been put on the newer label.
Whether traces of white scapular stripes in occasional specimens of erythrops
indicate intergradation with lineatus or whether the character is a sporadic one
which appears in a limited number of individuals, regardless of locality, I do not
know. At any rate it is doubtful if erythrops is entitled to more than subspecific
rank as a race of lineatus.
The large race of lineatus in north-eastern Mexico, Ceophloeus lineatus
leucopterylus Peters (nee. Reichenbach), is here named as
Ceophloeus lineatus petersi subsp. nov.
with the type an adult male, no. 31,833 Dickey collection at the California Insti-
tute of Technology; Cuidad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, March 3, 1908; col-
lected by F. B. Armstrong. Measurements of the type are: wing, 190; tail, 116;
exposed culmen, 38.0; tarsus, 32.6; outer anterior toe, 26.5.
Picus scapularis Vigors
Peters had only two birds which he considered to be referable to scapularis,
a male and female taken at Alamos, Sonora.
6 Handb. Scans. Picinae, 1854, 392, pi. 647, figs. 4319-4320.
12 San Diego Society of Natural History
The type locality of Picus scapularis is San Bias, in what is now the state
of Nayarit, western Mexico. Although Vigors' types of this race are stated to
have gone to the Zoological Society, they are not now in the collection at the
British Museum and were probably long ago destroyed. However, I have ex-
amined two specimens of this race from the type locality (in the collections of the
British Museum and U. S. Biological Survey) as well as eleven others from
various points in Guerrero, Jalisco and southern Sinaloa north to Mazatlan. The
race scapularis as represented by specimens from the above states is not markedly
different in color from similis, the race which occurs over most of Central America
north to central Vera Cruz on the Atlantic coast and to central Oaxaca on the
Pacific. The only color differences which I can observe are that scapularis is
slightly less buffy below as an average character, and the white sub-ocular streak
is narrower and is often broken up by the intrusion of black streaks from the
surrounding areas. These characters are fairly uniform over the entire area out-
lined above, though Guerrero specimens are, naturally, very close to similis. In
northern Sinaloa and southern Sonora there is" an abrupt color change, in that
the sub-ocular streak becomes practically obsolete, the ground color of the under-
pays is whitish rather than buffy, and the wing lining is cream-colored instead
of distinctly yellow. On a color basis, therefore, scapularis, though uniform over
a large area, is an intermediate between similis and birds of the Alamos district
of Sonora and northern Sinaloa.
In size, however, scapularis is small, decidedly smaller than similis and
slightly smaller than the Alamos birds. The largest male out of five from Ma-
zatlan, the northernmost point from which I have seen specimens of scapularis,
has a wing and tail length of 167 and 105 mm. respectively. Ridgway gives essen-
tially the same figures as the average for the race, but I suspect that central
Sinaloa specimens are included.
Specimens from the Alamos Faunal Area represent the pale extreme reached
by Ceophloeus lineatus in North America. The race is here described as
Ceophloeus lineatus obsoletus subsp. nov.
Type.— Adult male, no. 224,294, Mus. Comp. Zobl.; Alamos, southern
Sonora, Mexico; March 16, 1888; collected by M. A. Frazar.
Subspecific characters. — Nearest to Ceophloeus lineatus scapularis (Vigors)
of central western Mexico, but ground color of underparts pale buffy white or
grayish white instead of pale buff; wing lining cream-color instead of light yellow;
sub-ocular and sub-auricular streak nearly obsolete; wing and tail slightly longer.
Range. — The Alamos District in southern Sonora, northern Sinaloa and
probably the adjacent portions of Chihuahua.
Remarks. — Seven specimens of this race have been examined from Alamos,
Sonora, and from Rosario and La Guasimas in extreme north-eastern Sinaloa.
Two, from Rosario and La Guasimas, respectively, are young birds. Five adults
of obsoletus average (sex ignored): wing, 172.3; tail, 110.5. The characters as
given by Peters for "scapularis" apply, of course, to obsoletus.
In addition to the institutions mentioned above I am indebted to
Robert T. Moore for the loan of specimens from northern Sinaloa.
2* Y?7
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 5, pp. 13-14 March 21, 1935
THREE NEW SPECIES OF PINNIXA FROM THE
GULF OF CALIFORNIA
BY
Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
The crabs here described were collected at the upper end of the
Gulf of California, near the village of San Felipe, in Lower California,
Mexico, by the author. Fuller descriptions and plates of the following
species will appear in a forthcoming partial revision of the genus Pjnnixa
by the writer.
Family PINNOTHERIDAE
Pinnixa abbotti, sp. nov.
Type. — Female, San Diego Society of Natural History, Cat. No. 208; San
Felipe, Lower California, June 10, 1933. Allied to P. floridana.1 Carapace a little
wider than twice the length. Antero-lateral margin rounded, marked with a dis-
tinct punctate ridge, extending from the cervical groove and meeting the concave
postero-lateral margin at an acute angle. Entire carapace coarsely punctate;
pubescent near outer angles; a transverse groove between gastro-cardiac regions;
a median sulcus. Front truncate, slightly concave, entire. Mesogastric region
depressed. Chelipeds weak, hairy, pubescent; carpus punctate; chela tapering dis-
tally; inside of hand smooth; fingers feebly denticulate, nearly horizontal, not
gaping, tips hooked. Length of carapace 2.95, width 6.5 mm.
Pinnixa fusca, sp. nov.
Type. — Female, San Diego Society of Natural History, Cat. No. 209; San
Felipe, Lower California, May 29, 1934. Allied to P. longipes.2 Carapace slightly
1 Bull. 97, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1918, pi. 30, figs. 4-7.
2 Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 2, vol. 4, 1894, p. 573, pi. 20, figs. 19-20.
14 San Diego Society of Natural History
more than three times the length, and rounding down to margins, smooth; regions
poorly denned. Front truncate, slightly convex, not extending beyond carapace;
posterior margin concave. Chelipeds equal; upper distal end of merus extends
over carpus; carpus and hands smooth; hands rounded, tapering distally; fingers
slightly gaping, one large central tooth; pollex slightly deflexed, tip hooked.
First and second ambulatory legs, slight, third and fourth, heavy; fourth reaches
nearly to middle of propodus of third; dactyls of first and second legs long and
slim, curved third and fourth, long and heavy, curved at tip, upper crest of tip
of third dactyl, tri-dentate, fourth smooth. Abdomen covers sternum. Length of
carapace 3.7, width 11.5 mm.
Pinnixa felipensis, sp. nov.
Type.— Female, San Diego Society of Natural History, Cat. No. 210; San
Felipe, Lower California, June 1, 1934. Carapace slightly more than 21/2 times
the length, and rounding down to margins in front, smooth, depressed in central
portions; regions defined; an unbroken, straight, transverse cardiac ridge, extend-
ing across the carapace; front very broadly triangular, concave toward orbits;
posterior margin straight. Chelipeds unequal, dissimilar; merus long, increasing
in breadth with length, carpus narrow, long, overhanging the manus, smooth;
hands crested, wide, smooth; pollex of larger hand, short, horizontal, thick; of
smaller hand, longer, lighter and pointed; fingers, greatly curved, gaping, a tuft
of dense pubescence in the gape. First and second ambulatory legs, slight, dactyls
long, tapering, bi-curved; dactyls of third and fourth legs, long, lanceolate,
straight; dactyl of fourth leg reaches carpus of third leg. Abdomen nearly covers
sternum. Length of carapace 3.2, width 8.3 mm.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 6, pp. 15-34, plates 1-4 March 21, 1935
NEW MARINE MOLLUSCA FROM WEST MEX-
ICO, TOGETHER WITH A LIST OF
SHELLS COLLECTED AT PUNTA
PENASCO,1 SONORA, MEXICO
BY
Herbert N. Lowe
San Diego Society of Natural History
The following undescribed species of mollusks were taken by the
author on the west mainland coast of Mexico in 1930 and 1931, at various
points in the Gulf of California in 1932, at San Felipe, Lower California,
in May, 1933, and at Punta Penasco, Sonora, in February, 1934. Descrip-
tive accounts of the various collecting trips will be found in "The Nau-
tilus" as follows: Mazatlan-Guaymas-Topolobampo, Vol. XLIII, pp.
135-138; Tres Marias-Manzanillo-Acapulco, Vol. XLIV, pp. 24-27;
Gulf of California and its islands, Vol. XLVI, pp. 73-76, 109-115; San
Felipe, at the head of the Gulf, Vol. XLVII, pp. 45-47; Punta Penasco,
on the northern Sonora coast, Vol. XLVIII, pp. 1-4, 43-46.
I am indebted to Mr. J. R. Pemberton of Los Angeles for the privilege
of being included in the party of scientists which cruised in the Gulf
of California during the early part of 1932. I also wish to thank the offi-
cials of the San Diego Society of Natural History for facilities provided
on the co-operative expedition to Punta Penasco, Sonora, in February,
1934. The splendid research library of Dr. U. S. Grant at the University
of California at Los Angeles was of great assistance in the preparation
1 Also known as Punta Penascosa.
16 San Diego Society of Natural History
of the paper. Finally, the fullest credit is due to Mr. Ernest H. Quayle
of the Department of Geology, University of California at Los Angeles,
for the excellent pen and ink drawings here reproduced.
Bivalves
Area gordita, new species. Plate 1, fig. 1.
Acapulco. 20 fathoms (1931). Type 11387, Lowe collection; paratype,
Lowe collection, Guaymas, 20 fathoms, (1932).
Shell irregularly ovoid, solid; anterior end roundly sloping downward and
backward, posterior end roundly, obliquely produced; color flesh-white; about
27 radiating ribs with somewhat wider interspaces; dorsal margin nearly straight,
ventral margin much rounded; greatest altitude of shell in almost vertical line
with umbones; anterior wing more sharply produced than the posterior.
Diameter 30 mm., altitude 19.1 mm.
This shell has about nine less ribs than A. aviadoides Rve., and is a thicker
and heavier shell for the same size.
This species and the two following, A. delgada and A. reinharti, have
subsequently turned up in the dredgings of the Templeton Crocker Expedition
off West Mexico, (August, 1933) .
Area delgada, new species. Plate 1, fig. 2.
Manzanillo, 20 fathoms (1930). Type 11388, Lowe collection.
Shell very obliquely ovoid, rather solid; anterior end roundly sloping down-
ward and backward; posterior end roundly obliquely produced; color gray white;
about thirty delicately nodulous ribs, growing smaller and closer together toward
the anterior end. Between the longest four ribs are delicate riblets. The shell is
rather flat s"ided and the ligamental area about normal.
Diameter 12.3 mm., altitude 8 mm.
Area (Anadara) reinharti, new species. Plate 1, figs. 3a, 3b, 3c.
Guaymas, 20 fathoms (1932). Type 11389, Lowe collection.
Shell ivory white, covered with a brown, horny epidermis; obliquely rhom-
boid, solid, equivalve; edges of valves thick; anterior end rounded, posterior end
angularly extended downward; about 25 radiating ribs, with narrow inter-
spaces; the ribs toward the anterior end are strongly nodulous. The shell some-
what resembles a miniature specimen of A. multicostata Sby., but is much more
oblique, has about ten less ribs, and has a ligamental area (in specimens of equal
size) of three times the diameter. In young A. multicostata the left valve over-
laps the right.
In young A. multicostata the edges of the valves are quite thin, while those
of the species under discussion are abnormally thickened; the grooves on the
inner margin of the valves extend almost four times as far within the shell.
To compare the new species with one of almost the same size of A. multi-
costata the following measurements are given:
Area reinharti — diameter 27.7 mm., altitude 22.1 mm., thickness 24.5 mm.
Lowe — Mollusc a from West Mexico 17
A. multicostata (young) — diameter 29 mm., altitude 27.5 mm., thickness 20 mm.
The species is named in honor of Philip W. Reinhart, of Stanford Uni-
versity, who has done most excellent work in West Coast Paleontology, especially
in the Arcidae.
Phacoides (Pleurolucina) leucocymoides, new species. Plate 1, fig. 4.
Tres Marias (1930). Type 11386, Lowe collection; paratypes, San Diego
Society of Natural History, Carmen Island, Gulf of California, 20 fathoms
(1932) and Lowe collection, Angel de la Guardia Island, Gulf of California,
20 fathoms (1932).
Shell convex, thin, white; entire surface covered with sharply reflexed con-
centric lirae, which are much stronger and further apart than mPhacoides undatus
Cpr. Instead of three radiating costae with four narrow interstices on each valve,
as in Carpenter's species, there is but a single wide costa with a channeled groove
on either side. The shell is higher and narrower than P. undatus and somewhat
resembles P. leucocyma Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Muse., vol. 12, p. 263, pi. 14,
figs. 6-7, 1889) from the Atlantic coast. The interior marginal crenations and
cardinal teeth are more prominent than in P. undatus Cpr., while the subumbonal
pit is not so deep as in that species.
Diameter 10.7 mm., altitude 11.1 mm.
Lithophaga abbotti, new species. Plate 1, fig. 5.
Kino Bay, Sonora, tidal zone (1932). Type 11390, Lowe collection; para-
types, San Diego Society of Natural History and Academy of Natural Sciences
of Philadelphia.
Shell cylindrical, thin, posteriorly obtusely rounded, anteriorly tending to
subangulation above, evenly rounded below; growth lines are plainly visible
under the shining light brown epidermis. The whole shell is covered with a lime
incrustation somewhat ruffled in the central portion of both valves. The anterior
end is less attenuated than either L. attenuata Desh. or L. aristata Hanley.
Diameter 62.5 mm., altitude 19.5 mm.
The type and several additional specimens were obtained in a mass of worm
tubes, coralline growths and lime incrustations on a tidal bar a mile or more
back in the estuary at Kino Bay, January, 1932. A single specimen was taken in
1933 at San Felipe on the western side of the Gulf of California.
In the U. S. National Museum is a single specimen (#381411) of the
above species marked from San Lucas Island, Costa Rica, which measures as
follows: length 40.4 mm., width 12.5 mm.
This largest of our West Coast Lithophaga is named in honor of Clinton
G. Abbott, Director of the Natural History Museum, San Diego, California.
Solen pazensis, new species. Plate 1, fig. 6.
La Paz, Lower California, tidal zone (1929). Type 11391, Lowe collec-
tion; paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia.
Shell transversely oblong, with anterior terminal beaks; anterior extremity
18 San Diego Society of Natural History
obliquely truncated; posterior extremity rather squarish; dorsal and ventral edges
very slightly curved; hinge and ligament similar to S. sicarius Gld. Epidermis
shining horn color, with a darker blotch on the anterior ends and a darker
triangle formed by a line from anterior dorsal end to posterior ventral end, in-
stead of the rosy suffusion as in S. rosaceus Cpr. Where the epidermis is removed
near the beaks, a somewhat darker color is seen in parallel lines corresponding
to the lines of growth.
Diameter 57.5 mm., altitude 11.5 mm.
Comparative dimensions are as follows:
Solen sicarius Gld.: diameter 55.5 mm., altitude 14.5 mm.
Solen rosaceus Cpr.: diameter 57.5 mm., altitude 13.5 mm.
So/en mexicanus Dall: diameter 60 mm., altitude 8.5 mm.
Psammosolen guaymasensis, new species. Plate 1, fig. 7.
Guaymas, 20 fathoms (1932). Type 11392, Lowe collection; paratype,
Lowe collection, off Angel de la Guardia Island, Gulf of California, 20 fathoms.
Shell oblong-oval, rather thin, convex; extremities equally rounded; dorsal
and ventral markings nearly parallel. Beaks not prominent, much nearer the
anterior end. Color white; unequal striae of growth crossed by numerous diagonal
incised lines. Pallia! sinus wide and three-fourths length of shell.
Type: diameter 48.5 mm., altitude 20.3 mm.
Paratype: diameter 18 mm., altitude 8.5 mm.
Both type and paratype are right valves.
Leda (Adrana) penascoensis, new species. Plate 1, fig. 8.
Punta Penasco, Sonora, dredged 10 fathoms (1934). Type 11393, Lowe
collection.
Shell white, with a straw-colored glossy periostracum; strongly compressed
beaks much nearer the anterior end. Dorsal line nearly straight, ventral margin
curved, anterior and posterior ends about equally angular. Dorsal edges of both
valves slightly crenate the entire length. Sculpture of fine concentric lines of
growth over the entire surface of both valves, except a narrow portion bordering
the posterior dorsal margin, which is entirely smooth.
Diameter 37.5 mm., altitude 9.4 mm.
This shell differs considerably in sculpture and shape from the three other
forms described in this group from West America.
Venus kellettii, Fbs. Plate 2, fig. 1.
Carmen Island, Gulf of California, 20 fathoms (1932) .
Venus mariae Orb. Plate 2, fig. 2.
Santa Maria Bay, Lower California, 20 fathoms (1931).
Plate 2, figure 1, shows the young stage of Venus kellettii Fbs. At this
period of its growth, it more resembles Venus mariae Orb., figured in Plate 2,
figure 2, than the adult form, which is well illustrated in Reeve, Conch. Icon.,
vol. 14, pi. 18, fig. 82, but which shows none of the exquisite earlier sculpture.
Had I not an adult specimen of this species, I should have unhesitatingly con-
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico 19
sidered it a new species in a group with Venus mariae Orb., which it resembles
both in form, size, and sculpture. For this reason it seems well to figure the two
species for comparison.
Measurements of the Venus kellettii Fbs. figured are diameter 16.7 mm.,
altitude 1 1.3 mm.; of the Venus mariae Orb., diameter 15.4 mm., altitude 12 mm.
Univalves
Calliostoma marshalli, new species. Plate 2, fig. 3
San Felipe, Gulf of California (1933). Type 11380, Lowe collection; para-
types, San Diego Society of Natural History, U. S. National Museum and
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
Shell conic, elevated, rather thin; imperforate, light cinnamon brown, with,
on the body whorl, about 14 sagittate flames of darker brown, bordered by a
white anterior zone, running from suture to umbilicus. Five rounded whorls
besides 2 nuclear; sutures distinct; on the penultimate whorl thirteen fine but
sharply crenate spiral threads, on the preceding whorl seven, and on the others
three. Base slightly convex with about 20 flat spiral threads with narrower inter-
spaces, the fourth, eighth, and twelfth showing regular square dots of dark
brown. Columella excurved, pearly white; umbilical callus slightly depressed.
Aperture rounded, irridescent within; outer lip thin, with faint lirations within.
Diameter 13.5 mm., altitude 14.1 mm.
I take pleasure in naming this species for Mr. W .H. Marshall, who has
given so many years of valuable service to the U. S. National Museum in the
Department of Mollusks.
Calliostoma gemmuloides, new species. Plate 2, fig. 4.
Tepopa Bay, Sonora (1932). Type 11382, Lowe collection.
The description of this beautiful species may most clearly be given by com-
parison with the well known C. gemmulatum Cpr. It is a narrower shell; being
a full millimeter less in diameter than a gemmulatum of equal height. The sutures
are well defined but lack the deep channeling of gemmulatum, whorls more slop-
ing, less angular. The beaded spiral lines are not so prominent as in gemmulatum
and more in number. On the base are two extra spirals; above the periphery of
body whorl are three extra spirals; on the penultimate one extra. Color dark
reddish brown with nine radial flames of a lighter color. Six whorls exclusive
of the two nuclear.
Diameter 12 mm., altitude 13.5 mm.
Calliostoma angelenum, new species. Plate 2, fig. 5.
Angeles Bay, Lower California (1932). Type 11381. Lowe collection.
Shell conic elevated, thin, imperforate, color reddish brown, with a few
white dots around periphery of body whorl; whorls rather flat, six in number
besides the two smooth nuclear; sutures distinct; base rounded; columella ex-
curved, pearly white; umbilical callus slightly depressed. Aperture rounded,
irridescent within; outer lip thin, with faint lirations within. There are on the
base 16 strap-like spirals with equal interspaces, three nearest the umbilical callus
20 San Diego Society of Natural History
stronger; on the body whorl above the periphery are 13 regularly beaded spirals
and on the penultimate whorl seven, antepenultimate five.
Diameter 13 mm., altitude 14.5 mm.
Tritonalia carmen, new species. Plate 2, fig. 6.
Angel de la Guardia Island, Gulf of California, 20 fathoms (1932). Type
11378, Lowe collection; paratype, San Diego Society of Natural History.
Shell solid turreted, of four angular whorls and three rounded nuclear and
post-nuclear whorls, suture distinct, each whorl with sloping shoulders, the lower
four prominently angular at the periphery. Below the periphery on the body
whorl is a lesser spiral angulosity and a smaller spiral cord below that. Outer lip
thin, inner lip covered with a white callous, canal short, moderately wide, and
slightly bent to the left. Faint incremental lines are visible over the entire surface.
Color of shell a light cream with a few light brown flecks on upper portion of
each whorl.
Diameter 5 mm., altitude 9 mm.
The paratype specimen was dredged off Carmen Island in 20 fathoms.
Under catalogue number 96326, the U. S. National Museum has three examples
of this species dredged in 9 fathoms off La Paz. They had been tentatively
identified as young of Murex squamulatus Cpr.
Mitrella granti, new species. Plate 2, fig. 7.
San Felipe, Gulf of California (1933). Type 11383, Lowe collection;
paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia.
Shell smooth, solid, with seven slightly convex whorls; sutures distinct;
axial sculpture entirely absent except inconspicuous lines of growth; the body
whorl and the two preceding whorls are covered with regularly spaced spiral
grooves with wider interspaces. Color dark brown, somewhat suffused with pale
yellow. Aperture rather wide; outer lip slightly undulate; a well marked callus
on the straight columella.
Diameter 3.4 mm., altitude 9.4 mm.
This interesting species has been dedicated to Dr. U. S. Grant, of the
Department of Geology, University of California at Los Angeles.
Anachis sanfelipensis, new species. Plate 2, fig. 8.
San Felipe, Gulf of California, lower tidal zone (1933). Type 11384,
Lowe collection; paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and Academy
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
Shell solid, turreted, of eight rather flat whorls exclusive of the lost nucleus.
Sutures distinct, about thirteen strong axial ribs to the whorl. Entire shell covered
with fine microscopic spiral threads. On the back of the columella and base are
about eleven strong spiral cords with equal interspaces; above these on the base
are about the same number of lighter spiral threads. Body of shell of warm flesh
color, with longitudinal blotches of light brown between the axial ribs, and, on
the base, wavy longitudinal lines of same color.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico 21
Diameter 6.5 mm., altitude 17 mm.
This shell belongs in the same group as Anachis vexilhim Sby. and A. julva
Sby. The former species, which comes from Mazatlan, is a somewhat stouter
shell, of much darker color and fewer axial ribs and spiral cords. A. julva Sby.,
which comes from the Panamic region, is also a broader shell with fewer axial
ribs and is of an even light brown color.
Strombina carmencita, new species. Plate 3, fig. 1.
Carmen Island, Gulf of California, dredged 20 fathoms (1932). Type
11375, Lowe collection.
The shell has ten rounded, rapidly enlarging whorls, including two smooth
nuclear; the four early whorls almost smooth; on the fifth whorl four spiral cords
appear just below the suture, which grow stronger on the body of the last whorl;
on the last three whorls are fourteen axial ribs which are obsolete below the
periphery of body whorl; entire body whorl covered with wavy spiral threads
with about equal interspaces. Color white, slightly mottled with brown, a little
darker on the ribs of body whorl. Aperture rather narrowly oblique, with heavily
calloused inner and outer lips; canal short and recurved.
Diameter 1 1 mm., altitude 29.7 mm.
Strombina subangularis, new species. Plate 3, fig. 2.
Carmen Island, Gulf of California, dredged 20 fathoms (1932). Type
11374, Lowe collection.
Shell with acuminate spire, oblong, pyramidal; pale, variegated with brown;
eight flattish whorls exclusive of the lost nucleus, ten rather sharp axial ribs, with
much wider interspaces, to the whorl; middle of the last whorl gibbously angled,
reflected at base; aperture somewhat square, canal long, slightly recurved, lip
much thickened, slightly ribbed inside.
Diameter 11.7 mm., altitude 32.2 mm.
This species was subsequently taken in two locations off the Mexican West
Coast by the 1933 Crocker Expedition.
The most nearly comparable representative in the group is S. angularis
Rve. (Conch. Icon., vol. 11, pi. 1, figs, la, lb, 1859), which has four more ribs
to the whorl and a much shorter canal.
Turbonilla (Ptycheulimella) penascoensis, new species. Plate 3, fig. 3.
Punta Penasco, Sonora, dredged 10 fathoms (1934). Type 11588, Lowe
collection.
Shell elongate conic, of a warm flesh color, with two yellowish brown spiral
bands, the one a little below the suture over twice as wide as the one on the
periphery. Nuclear and all post nuclear whorls lacking all axial or spiral sculp-
ture, except the last three, which show very faint microscopic spiral threads visible
under a high power lens. There are seventeen rather flat whorls including the
nucleus; sutures well appressed, base and aperture well rounded.
Diameter 1.5 mm., altitude 10.4 mm.
22 San Diego Society of Natural History
Pyramidella (Triptychus) hermosa, new species. Plate 3, fig. 4.
San Felipe, Gulf of California (1933). Type 11376, Lowe collection;
cotype, California Academy of Sciences.
Shell small, semiopaque, ivory white. Eight moderately rounded whorls,
including the smooth nuclear. Rather strongly tabulated at the shoulders.
Sculptured by three strong rounded spiral cords, of which the second and third
are stronger than the one just below the suture. In addition to the spiral cords,
the whorls are marked by axial ribs which are of about equal strength over the
entire shell. Their junction with the spiral cords forms prominent tubercles, which
are the outstanding part of the sculpture pattern. There are about thirty-two of
these axial ribs on the body whorl. Base moderately rounded, marked with a
single spiral cord. Outer lip a little thickened and slightly reflexed. Columella
covered with a heavy white callus.
Diameter 2.4 mm., altitude 6.7 mm.
This very interesting species differs considerably in sculpture from Tripty-
chus olssoni Bartsch from Santa Elena Bay, Ecuador (Proc. U. S. Nat. Muse.,
vol. 69, pi. 1, fig. 11, 1926), which seems to be the only other species in this
group described from this coast except Odostomia pedroana Dall and Bartsch,
which was provisionally placed in their new subgenus Ividella.
Simnia quaylei, new species. Plate 3, fig. 5.
San Felipe, Gulf of California (1933). Type 11379, Lowe collection;
paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History, University of California at
Los Angeles and Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
Shell thin, fusiform, swollen at the middle; color a bright shrimp pink; sur-
face polished and glossy; under a lens are seen many fine longitudinal striations;
the low spiral cords at either end of the shell appear wavy where crossed by
these striations. The callus on the outer lip is not very heavy; aperture rather
wide, especially toward the base. There is no trace of an angulated callus on
the body whorl side of the aperture, as in S. aequalis Sby. and other species.
Diameter 7.8 mm., altitude 23.2 mm.
I have named this finest of all West Coast species of Simnia in honor of
Mr. E. H. Quayle, who accompanied me on my trip to San Felipe in May, 1933,
and who has executed the very excellent drawings for this paper.
Clavus pembertoni, new species. Plate 3, fig. 6.
Angeles Bay, Lower California (1932). Type 11377, Lowe collection;
paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia.
Shell heavy, turreted, with eleven rounded, strongly nodulous whorls, ex-
clusive of two smooth nuclear whorls. About thirteen nodes on the penultimate
whorl, a heavy callosity on back of body whorl. A few strong spiral incised lines
are below the periphery of each whorl and on the body whorl extend to the canal.
Anal fasciole large, marked with numerous fine incremental lines. Anal sinus
very deep; siphonal sinus short and wide. Outer lip slightly thickened and undu-
Lowe— Mollusca from West Mexico 23
lated. Columella pillar rather straight, covered with a strong glistening callus.
Shell of a deep cream color with a light brown blotch on each node.
Diameter 17.3 mm., altitude 49 mm.
In Dr. R. E. C. Stearns' paper on the shells of the Gulf of California (Proc.
U. S. Nat. Muse., vol. 17, p. 172, 1894), he lists a specimen (No. 55239 U. S.
N. M.) under the name Pleurotoma unimaculata Sby. and compares it with
P. echinata Lam. and P. gibbosa Kiener. I have examined this specimen in the
U. S. National Museum and find it to be identical with my specimens of Clavus
pembertoni. It is quite different from the glistening porcelain white shell of
P. unimaculata Sby. in color, size and texture.
I take pleasure in dedicating this species to Mr. J. R. Pemberton, owner of
the yacht "Petrel" and sponsor of the cruise in 1932 in the Gulf of California.
Elaeocyma acapulcana, new species. Plate 4, fig. 1.
Acapulco, dredged 20 fathoms (1930). Type 11587, Lowe collection.
Shell turreted, acute, smooth, of a delicate flesh color with a pinkish spot
on each axial rib at the periphery. There are ten whorls including the smooth
nucleus. Suture distinct, slightly undulated by the ribs of preceding whorl; spiral
sculpture of sharp, narrow grooves, with much wider, flat, smooth interspaces;
there are about twenty of the grooves on the body whorl anterior to the siphonal
fasciole; the wide anal fasciole is faintly spirally striate under a high power lens;
axial sculpture of about ten straight sharp-edged ribs, with wider interspaces, on
the body whorl. Aperture rather wide and short, with a deep, rounded anal
sulcus and prominent subsutural callosity; outer lip subvaricose, sharp-edged,
smooth within; inner lip with thick layer of enamel; pillar short, straight; canal
deep, short, wide, slightly recurved.
Diameter 7 mm., altitude 17 mm.
This shell differs from Elaeocyma aerope Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Muse.,
vol. 56, pi. 1, fig. 3, 1920), in having about twice as many spiral grooves on the
body whorl, and in the prominently colored peripheral spots on the axial ribs.
Clathrodrillia pilsbryi, new species. Plate 4, fig. 2.
Punta Pefiasco, Sonora, dredged 10 fathoms (1934). Type 11587, Lowe
collection; paratype, San Diego Society of Natural History.
Shell pale horn-color, with sienna brown blotches between the whitish ribs.
There are three smooth nuclear whorls, with nine succeeding whorls; axial sculp-
ture of seven prominent ribs to the whorl, which undulate the well-defined suture.
The ribs are obsolete on the base and the wide anal fasciole. The spiral sculpture
consists of four or five flat strap-like cords, with wider interspaces, which pass
over the periphery and continue over the base. Anal sulcus deep, and prominent
anal fasciole smooth, except for strong growth striae; a strong subsutural callus.
Outer lip moderately thickened, crenulated by spiral sculpture of the body
whorl. Siphonal sinus short, of medium width; columella pillar straight.
Diameter 7.3 mm., altitude 23.5 mm.
This fine species is one of the most interestingly colored and sculptured in
the genus, and so far as is now known seems to be confined to the upper end of
24 San Diego Society of Natural History
the Gulf of California. It has not turned up in any of the numerous dredgings
south to Panama.
It is named for Dr. H. A. Pilsbry, of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia, in appreciation of his kindly assistance through many years.
(?) Homalopoma concepcionensis, new species. Plate 4, fig. 3.
Concepcion Bay, Lower California, 15 fathoms (1932). Type 11593, Lowe
collection.
Shell small, pure white, solid, globose, suture strongly appressed; five whorls,
including the smooth nucleus, strongly tabulated by a peripheral keel. On the
penultimate whorl is a strong sutural keel and two almost equally strong just
below it; on the flat shoulder just anterior to the major keel are three secondary
flat spiral cords with wide interspaces. On the body whorl, just below the suture,
are two major spiral cords with a secondary spiral thread between; next three of
the strong cords with four spiral threads anterior to each; posterior to the last
are thirteen flattened spiral cords of about equal strength and equal interspaces. .
The entire surface between the spiral sculpture is covered with microscopic,
diagonally radial striae. Aperture circular, outer lip thin; heavy callus on the
columella, back of which is a large, flattened chink with four radial threads on
its flat surface.
Diameter 5.6 mm., altitude 5.6 mm.
As there was no sign of an operculum attached to the animal, I am in doubt
whether to place the species in Homalopoma or Liotia. In DalPs paper on the
Florida Fossils (Trans. Wagner Free Inst. Sci., vol. 3, Aug., 1890) is a species
which is certainly congeneric — very similar in form and sculpture, and even in
having the same umbilical chink with four radial threads. Dall has placed the
shell with a question in Gibbula, as G. americana Dall (Plate 22, fig. 32) .
Hemitonia hermosa, new species. Plate 4, fig. 4.
Carmen Island, Gulf of California, 20 fathoms (1932). Type 11385, Lowe
collection.
Shell small, thin, oblong oval, much elevated, narrowest anteriorly; apex
posterior, prominent and somewhat recurved; outline in front of apex slightly
convex, from apex to the posterior margin slightly excavated, sides descending
nearly straight; sinus moderate, situated at the extremity of a prominent, strongly
nodulous rib. Three slightly less prominent, but nodulous ribs on either side,
with weaker ribs between, giving the margin of the shell a crenulated appearance.
Inside of the shell is a glossy horn color, outside chalky of a lighter shade.
Diameter 7.3 mm., breadth 5 mm., altitude 4.7 mm.
Fusinus fredbakeri, new species. Plate 4, fig. 5.
San Felipe, Gulf of California (1933). Type 11590, Lowe collection;
paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and California Academy of
Sciences.
Shell with six well-rounded, strongly sculptured whorls exclusive of the
nuclear whorls. Axial sculpture, on the penultimate whorl, of twelve rounded
Lo\XE MOLLUSCA FROM WEST MEXICO
Plate 1
1. Area gordita n. sp.
2. Area delgada n. sp.
3a, b, c. Area (Anadara) reinharti n. sp.
4. Phacoides (Pleurolucina)
leucocymoides n. sp.
5. Lithophaga abbotti n. sp.
6. Solen pazensis n. sp.
7. Psammosolen guaymasensis n. sp.
8. Leda (Adrana) penascoensis n. sp.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico
Plate 2
1. Venus kcllettii Fbs.
2. Venus mariae Orb.
3. Calliostoma marshalli n. sp.
4. Calliostoma gemmuloides n. sp.
5. Calliostoma angelenum n. sp.
6. Tritonalia carmen n. sp.
7. Mitrella granti n. sp.
8. Anachis sanfelipensis n. sp.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico
Plate 3
1. Strombina carmencita n. sp.
2. Strombina subangularis n. sp.
3. Turbonilla (Ptycheulimella)
penascoensis n. sp.
4. Pyramidella (Triptychus) hermosa n. sp.
5. Si mn 1. 1 quaylei n. sp.
6. Clavus pembertoni n. sp.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico
Plate 4
1. Elaeocyma acapulcana n. sp. 4. Hemitonia hermosa n. sp.
2. Clathrodrillia pilsbryi n. sp. 5. Fusinus fredbakeri n. sp.
3. (?) Homalopoma concepcionensis n. sp. 6. Fusinus felipensis n. sp.
7. Fusinus hertleini n. sp.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico 25
ribs, with about equal interspaces, most prominent on the periphery. There are
eight or nine spiral cords of unequal strength on the penultimate whorl. The
type specimen is of a deep cream color, on other specimens shaded to a warm
sienna brown. Canal straight, narrow and of medium length, aperture broadly
rounded; outer lip thin, crenulated by the spiral sculpture, which shows through
on the inside.
Diameter 15.5 mm., altitude 38 mm., 7 whorls, 12 varices.
In all stages of growth this shell is much broader than F. ambustus Gld.,
measurements of which are diameter 13.3 mm., altitude 38 mm., 8 whorls, 10
varices. It also has more, although less prominent, axial ribs. It is named in
honor of my good friend Dr. Fred Baker, of San Diego, who has done so much
valuable work in West Coast Conchology and whose kindly assistance and advice
to me have been of great help.
Fusinus felipensis, new species. Plate 4, fig. 6.
San Felipe, Gulf of California (1933). Type 11589, Lowe collection;
paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and California Academy of
Sciences.
Shell small, purplish brown, nearly the same size as the average Fusinus
luteopictus Dall of the upper California coast. There are seven rounded whorls,
including the smooth white nucleus. There are eleven axial ribs with somewhat
wider interspaces on the penultimate and ten on the antepenultimate whorl,
which are continuous from suture to suture; they gradually fade out on the body
whorl. There are four or five strong, spiral cords to the whorl, with a weaker
spiral thread between, which render the axial ribs nodulous. Aperture oval, of a
purplish color; outer lip thin, slightly crenulated by the spiral sculpture; inside
smooth; canal straight, of medium length and width.
Diameter 7.7 mm., altitude 19.2 mm.
Fusinus hertleini, new species. Plate 4, fig. 7.
Concepcion Bay, Lower California (1932). Type 11592, Lowe collection;
paratypes, San Diego Society of Natural History and California Academy of
Sciences.
Shell elegantly and regularly fusiform, of six or seven well rounded whorls.
On the body whorl are eleven or twelve rounded axial costae, which become
obsolete below the periphery, crossed by three strong, spiral cords and several
lesser spiral threads; canal straight and narrow; aperture suboval; outer lip
slightly crenate at the margin. Color sienna brown with cream-colored costae.
Diameter 15.1 mm., altitude 41.1 mm.
At Sargent's Point on the Sonora coast, off the north end of Tiburon Island,
I collected a form entirely cream-colored, except two or three post-nuclear whorls
which show the brown blotches between the costae. This may take the name of
variety albescens.
At the same locality I collected another form with wide white subperipheral
band on body whorl and a narrow dark brown band just below. This may be
known as variety bruneocincta.
26 San Diego Society of Natural History
The new species has more prominent axial ribs than Fusinus ambus tus Gld.,
which has sharper spiral sculpture. It also has two more axial ribs to the whorl
than F. ambus tus.
The shell is named in honor of Dr. L. G. Hertlein, of the California
Academy of sciences, who has been studying the West Mexican molluscan
faunas for a number of years.
Fusinus cinereus (Reeve) and varieties
Specimens of a Fusinus collected by me at La Paz and also at Guaymas
match the figure given by Reeve for his Turbinella cinerea2 so closely that I do
not hesitate to identify them as typical examples of his species. Since Reeve's
cinerea was described under the genus Turbinella and Say's earlier Fusus cinereus3
under Fusus (a group generally known as Fusinus, though Say's cinereus is really
a Urosalpinx) , it does not seem advisable to consider Reeve's specific name a
homonym. The two species bear the same specific name, but were described under
different genera and actually are not congeneric or even members of the same
family.
The present species, Fusinus cinereus Reeve (olim Turbinella id.) is prob-
ably the species which Dall4 once identified as F. taylorianus Reeve,5 but in all
my collecting I have never encountered a west coast shell which I could identify
unquestionably as taylorianus, and I believe that Dall must have overlooked
Reeve's cinereus because it was included in Turbinella.
On the Coronado Island in the Gulf of California I collected a smaller,
lighter colored form of Fusinus cinereus Reeve with white axial ribs. This may
take the varietal name of coronadoensis.
On the Sonora coast, north from Guaymas to Sargent's Point (opposite the
north end of Tiburon Island) , I collected in several localities an almost black
form, with only the first three whorls showing white on the axial ribs. This color
form may be known as variety sonoraensis.
2 Conch. Icon., vol. 4, Turbinella, pi. 13, fig. 68, 1847.
3 Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Journ., vol. 2, p. 236, 1822.
4 Nautilus, vol. 29, no. 5, p. 55, 1915.
5 Conch. Icon., vol. 4, Fusus, pi. 20, fig. 85, 1848, (unknown habitat).
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico 27
AN ANNOTATED LIST OF SHELLS COLLECTED
AT PUNTA PENASCO, SONORA, MEXICO,
IN FEBRUARY, 1934
BY
Herbert N. Lowe
Sim Diego Society of Natural History
Bivalves
Solemya panamensis Dall — 10 fathoms, dredged.
valvulus Cpr. — a single example of each dredged in 10 fathoms; gray mud.
Nucula declivis Hds. — many valves taken at 10 fathoms.
Leda impar Pils. and Lowe — a few pairs and many valves at 10 fathoms.
leviradius Pils. and Lowe — four pairs only at 10 fathoms.
(Adrana) penascoensis Lowe — the type and a damaged paratype at 10 fathoms;
mud.
Glycimeris maculata Brod. — a large colony at low tide near Punta La Cholla in
coarse gravely sand. Many valves found in Indian kitchen middens near by.
gigantea Rve. — a single beach valve only.
multicostata Sby. — many young valves brought up in dredge at 10 fathoms.
Area alternata Sby. — valves only taken in dredge at 10 fathoms.
gradata B. and S. — valves only taken with preceding species.
illota Sby. — living examples not rare under rocks.
pacifica Sby. — one pair only, although plentiful in kitchen middens.
reeveana Orb. — three pairs taken under rocks.
reinharti Lowe — valves only at 10 fathoms.
solida B. and S. — common living under rocks.
Pinna rugosa Sby. — several very young pairs on beach.
maura Sby. — several very young pairs on beach.
Pteria peruviana Rve. — three young pairs washed in attached to sea fans. Many large
valves in kitchen middens.
Melina (Pedalion) chemnitziana Orb. — common under rocks.
(Pedalion) anomioides Rve. (=janus Cpr.) — not rare under rocks.
Ostrea chilensis Phil. — a few attached to rocks at half tide.
palmula Cpr. — fairly plentiful with preceding species.
dalli Lamy (=serra Dall) — a few valves brought up in dredge at 10 fathoms.
Pecten circularis Sby. — beach valves and a few very young brought up in dredge.
Lima pacifica Orb. — a few living pairs under rocks, extreme tide.
orbignyi Lamy — a few beach valves only.
Anomia peruviana Gray — two beach valves only.
Mytilus adamsianus Dkr. — not common.
multiformis Cpr. — abundant in rock crevices at half tide, though not in such
profusion as at San Felipe.
Modiolus capax Conr. — a few good pairs washed up.
guyanensis Lam. (=braziliensis Chem.) — plentiful living in sandy mud flats.
Gregariella denticulata Dall — a few good pairs.
Lithophagus attenuata Desh. — boring in ledges of fossiliferous sandstone.
aristata Dill. — with preceding species, but more abundant.
Crenella divaricata Orb. — a few valves in dredge.
Thracia curta Conr. — a few perfect pairs.
squamosa Cpr. — one young pair dredged at 10 fathoms.
28 San Diego Society of Natural History
Pandora claviculata Cpr. — several fragments dredged.
Lyonsia inflata Conr. — on reefs with ascidians.
sp. ? — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Cuspidaria didyma Hds. — a few pairs dredged.
dulcis Pils. and Lowe — six valves only dredged.
Crassatellites gibbosus Rve. — odd valves and a few very young examples dredged.
Cardita aihnis var. californica Desh. — very large and abundant under rocks at half
tide.
Chama buddiana C. B. Ads. — one pair only; common in the Indian kitchen middens.
echinata Brod. — beach valves; abundant in kitchen middens.
Diplodonta subquadrata Cpr. — a few valves.
Felaniella serricata Rve. — not common.
Divaricella eburnea Rve. — valves brought up in dredge.
Codakia distinguenda Tryon — beach specimens not rare.
mexicana Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
chiquita Dall — odd valves plentiful with foregoing species.
Phacoides cancellaris Phil. — odd valves in dredge.
mazatlanicus Cpr. — odd valves in dredge.
nuttallii var. centrifugus Dall — odd valves in dredge.
(Cavilucina) lamprus Dall — a few beach valves.
Cardium (Papyridea) aspersum Sby. — beach valves only.
(Fragum) biangulatum Sby. — a few pairs brought up in dredge.
(Laevicardium) elatum Sby. — - young shells in dredge and a few full grown
valves on beach.
(Laevicardium) elenensis Sby. — a few in dredge.
(Trigonicardia) graniferum B. and S. — many valves in dredge.
(Bingicardium) procerum B. and S. — good pairs on tide flats.
Dosinia dunkeri Phil. — a few fresh pairs.
ponderosa Gray — single valves abundant on beach.
Tivela delesserti Desh. — rare living on sand flats at low tide.
Chione fluctifraga Val. — living on mud flats.
succincta Val. — with preceding species.
purpurascens Dall — one beach valve only.
mariae Orb. — odd valves plentiful in dredge.
Macrocallista squalida Sby. — a few beach pairs.
Pitar concinna Sby. — a few valves in dredge.
newcombiana Gabb — valves only in dredge.
Paphia grata Sby. — plentiful in sand between small stones near mouth of estuary.
Cyclinella singleyi Dall — one pair and a few valves in dredge.
Petricola denticulata Sby. — not rare in fossiliferous limestone reefs.
robusta Sby. — seemingly a rare species; only two pairs taken with preceding
species.
Metis excavata Sby. ■ — one beach valve only.
Tellidora burneti B. and S. — valves only in dredge.
Tellina crystallina Chem. — valves only in dredge.
Macoma panamensis Dall — valves in dredge.
(Cymatoica) undulata Hanlcy (=occidentalis Dall) — many valves at 10
fathoms.
indentata Conr. ■ — many pairs on mud flats.
Tellina simulans C. B. Ads. — odd valves on beach.
(Moerella) meropsis Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
(Moerella) reclusa Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
(Angulus) amianta Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico 29
Semele flavescens Gld. — three beach specimens.
guaymasensis Pils. and Lowe — a few pairs in dredge.
pacifica Dall — odd valves only in dredge.
sp. ? — one valve only in dredgings.
Donax gracilis Hanley — living on sand flats.
navicula Hanley — living on sand flats.
Heterodonax bimaculatus Orb. — beach valves.
Tagelus affinis C. B. Ads. — plentiful on mud flats.
Psammosolen guaymasensis Lowe — two valves dredged at 10 fathoms in mud.
Solen rosaceus Cpr. — two pairs only on sand flats.
Mactra dolabriformis Conr. — a single beach valve.
californica Conr. — valves in dredge.
Sphenia fragilis Cpr. — two pairs only.
Corbula marmorata Hds. — a few in dredge.
nasuta Sby. — plentiful in dredgings. _
bicarinata Sby. — a single pair under a rock.
sp. ? — odd valves in dredge.
Solecardia eburnea Conr. — one valve in dredge.
Crassinella varians Cpr. — valves plentiful in dredge.
Univalves
Dentalium inversum Desh. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
fisheri Stearns — dredged at 10 fathoms.
splendidum Sby. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
numerosum Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Cadulus panamensis Sby. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Retusa paziana Dall dredged at 10 fathoms.
gonzagensis Baker and Hanna — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Volvulella californica Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Acteocina infrequens C. B. Ads. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Bulla gouldiana Pils. — several taken living in sand pockets in reefs.
Haminea virescens Sby. — one specimen.
Terebra bridgesi Dall — a few in dredge at 10 fathoms.
larvaeformis Hds. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
sp. ? — dredged at 10 fathoms.
sp. ? — dredged at 10 fathoms.
sp. ? — dredged at 10 fathoms.
sp. ? — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Turritella goniostoma Val. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
tigrina Kiener — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Conus interruptus Brod. — a fine colony of extra large specimens taken in gravely
sand with Glycimeris metadata.
puncticulatus Hws. — a few in dredge.
regularis Sby. — a few live ones on mud flats.
Turris olivacea Sby. — a number taken living on reef.
tuberculifera Brod. and Sby. — two beach specimens only taken of this very
rare form.
Crassispira bottae Val. — two living specimens taken on reef, in sand pockets; an
exceedingly rare species.
nymphia Pils. and Lowe — four taken on reef.
nigerrima Sby. — a few in the 10 fathom dredgings.
pluto Pils. and Lowe — abundant living on moss-covered rocks of reef.
30 San Diego Society of Natural History
Clathrodrillia halis Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms; not rare.
alcestis Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
thestia Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
callianira Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
rosea Sby. — one fine specimen in dredgings.
pilsbryi Lowe — a few in dredgings.
Elaeocyma unimaculata Sby. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
aeolia Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
ianthe Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
palmeri Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
sp. ? — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Glyphostoma adria Dall — a few choice specimens.
Cytharella phaethusa Dall — a single shell dredged.
Mangelia arteaga roperi Dall — a few dredged at 10 fathoms.
antipyrgus Pils. and Lowe — a few dredged at 10 fathoms.
cymatias Pils. and Lowe — a few dredged at 10 fathoms.
Cancellaria cassidiformis Sby. — a few beach specimens.
obesa Sby. — two beach specimens.
funiculata Hds. — one dredged living at 10 fathoms.
Oliva incrassata Sol. (=angulata Lam.) — fine large ones living with Conns inferrup-
fits at low tide.
polpasta Duclos — dredged; this species seems to live only in deep water.
Olivella dama Gray — abundant in sand pockets in reefs.
zonata Duclos — very rare on beach; living.
gracilis B. and S. — taken in dredge.
Agaronia testacea Lam. — many fine specimens taken living on sand beach at half tide.
Marginella californica Tomlin — not rare, under stones.
Mitra attenuata Rve. — a few fine specimens dredged.
dolorosa Dall — a single example taken on reef.
Latirus lugubris C. B. Ads. — three specimens from reef.
Galeodes patula Brod. — beach specimens.
Hanetia pallida Brod. and Sby. — abundant on reef.
Fusinus dupetithouarsi Petit — a number of young specimens in dredge.
felipensis Lowe — several live specimens under rocks.
Nassa iodes Dall — many living in sand flats.
leucops Pils. and Lowe — abundant in sandy mud.
tiarula Kiener — a few taken on sand flats.
pagoda Rve. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
versicolor C. B. Ads. — taken alive in sand pockets in reef.
versicolor striatula C. B. Ads. — with preceding species.
angulicostis Pils. and Lowe — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Anachis coronata Sby. — living specimens under rocks.
hilli Pils. and Lowe — four living specimens under rocks.
vexillum Rve. — four living specimens under rocks.
varia Sby. — four living specimens under rocks.
Columbella fuscata Sby. — ■ common under rocks.
major Sby. — not common.
Mitrella diminuta C. B. Ads. — a few of this tiny species.
ocellata var. guttata Sby. — common under rocks.
Strombina dorsata Sby. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
gibberula Sby. — ■ dredged at 10 fathoms.
maculosa Sby. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Parametaria dupontii Kiener — a few living under rocks.
Lowe — Mollusca from West Mexico 3 1
Cosmioconcha palmeri Dall — two specimens in dredge.
Phos veraguensis Hds. — two young in dredge.
mexicanus Dall — a number of fine specimens in dredge.
Murex elenensis Dall (=plicatus Sby.) — beach shells only.
Phyllonotus bicolor Val. — many fine specimens feeding on bivalves on sand beach at
very low tide.
nigritus Meusch. ■ — abundant on reefs feeding on Ceritbium stercus-muscarum.
Acanthina angelica Oldroyd — very abundant living on exposed wave-beaten rocks.
muricata Brod. — very good examples taken on reefs.
Thais triserialis Blv. — a few taken on reef.
Muricopsis erynaceoides Val. — a few taken in dredge.
Eupleura muriciformis Brod. — some good specimens taken with dredge.
triquetra Rve. — not rare on reefs feeding on Ceritbium; a few were yellow
and some almost white.
Epitonium crenimarginata Dall — three beach specimens.
crenatoides Cpr. — one dredged.
(Asperoscala) canna Dall — two dredged.
bialatum Dall — two dredged.
sp. ? - — two dredged.
Melanella mexicana Dall — dredged at 10 fathoms.
rutila Cpr. — one dredged at 10 fathoms.
Strombiformis lapazana Bartsch — four dredged at 10 fathoms.
townsendi Bartsch — ■ one dredged at 10 fathoms.
Niso excolpa Bartsch — a few fine examples dredged.
Turbonilla ceralva Dall and Bartsch — dredged at 10 fathoms; 3 specimens.
may ana Baker, Hanna and Strong — dredged at 10 fathoms.
calvini Dall and Bartsch — dredged at 10 fathoms.
sanctorum Dall and Bartsch — dredged at 10 fathoms.
pazana Dall and Bartsch — dredged at 10 fathoms.
penascoensis Lowe — dredged at 10 fathoms.
azteca Baker, Hanna and Strong — several dredged at 10 fathoms.
subangulata Cpr. — three specimens dredged.
macbridei Dall and Bartsch — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Pyramidella mazatlanica Dall and Bartsch — a few dredged at 10 fathoms.
bicolor Dall and Bartsch — a few dredged at 10 fathoms.
Odostomia telescopium Cpr. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
convexa Cpr. — six specimens dredged.
gabrielensis Baker, Hanna and Strong — two specimens dredged.
effusa Cpr. — several dredged.
Cypraea annettae Dall (=sowerbyi Kiener) — some fine living specimens under rocks.
Trivia solandri Gray — many specimens taken feeding on upper side of moss-covered
rocks.
californica Gray — a few taken with preceding species.
Cymatium adairensis Dall — a few taken alive in crevices of rocks; a rare form.
Nearly topotypes, as Adair Bay is only a few miles north of Punta Penasco.
Cerithiopsis sp. ? — ■ three specimens in dredge..
Alabina diomedeae Bartsch — common in dredgings.
Seila assimillata C. B. Ads. — several taken living on under side of old valves of
Dosinia pondcrosa on reef.
Cerithium maculosum Kiener — living in sand pockets in reefs.
incisum Sby. — common living under rocks.
stercus-muscarum Val. — thousands living on reefs at half tide.
Cerithidea mazatlanica Cpr. — abundant on mud flats.
32 San Diego Society of Natural History
Caecum firmatum Cpr. — common in dredgings.
liratocinctum Cpr. — common in dredgings.
Vermetus pellucidus Brod. — a few under rocks.
tripsycha Pils. and Lowe — one beach specimen.
Rissoina barthelowi Bartsch — four crab specimens dredged at 10 fathoms.
mexicana Bartsch — four specimens dredged at 10 fathoms.
Hipponyx barbatus Sby. — extra fine specimens with lower plate developed into a deep
concave valve; taken on outer reefs.
serratus Cpr. — under rocks at low tide.
Calyptraea mamillaris Brod. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
conica Brod. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Crucibulum spinosum Sby. — a few in dredge.
Crepidula arenosa Brod. — half grown specimens in dredge.
onyx Sby. — one beach specimen.
nivea Gld. — one beach specimen.
Natica marochiensis Gmel. — two living specimens on mud flats.
Polinices bifasciatus Gray — extra large specimens taken in sandy gravel with Gly-
cimeris maculata.
uber Val. — living specimens taken on sand flats.
recluzianus" Petit — young specimens in dredge.
Lamellaria diegensis Dall — a number taken alive with ascidians on beach after storm.
Acmaea mesoleuca Menke — abundant on rocks at half tide.
mitella Menke — not common; almost at high tide; a very tiny species.
Turbo fluctuosus Wood — plentiful under rocks.
Leptothyra concepcionensis Lowe — one specimen dredged.
Liotia carinata Cpr. — several in dredgings at 10 fathoms.
Tegula globulus Cpr. — abundant under stones in same zone as A. mesoleuca.
rugosa A. Ads. — extra large specimens taken on upper side of rocks.
mariana Dall — a few good living specimens taken under rocks at low tide.
Calliostoma palmeri Dall — a few in dredgings.
marshalli Lowe — a single example dredged.
Circulus annulatus Cpr. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
tricarinatus C. B. Ads. — dredged at 10 fathoms.
Neritina picta Sby. — plentiful on rocks at mouth of estuary.
Nerita scabricosta Lam. — on rocks near high tide.
bernhardi Reel. — on rocks near high tide.
Strombus galeatus Sby. — half grown specimens on mud flats.
Diadora alta C. B. Ads. — four specimens taken under rocks at low tide.
inaequalis Sby. — not rare under rocks.
Ficus decussatus Wood — three fair beach specimens.
Cassis abbreviatus Lam. — several beach specimens.
Heliacus radiatus Mke. — two crab specimens under rocks.
Aplysia sp. ? — the animal looks much like our californicus.
Chiton virgulatus Sby. — abundant under rocks.
Ischnochiton acrior Cpr. — plentiful under rocks.
clathratus Rve. — plentiful under rocks.
(Stenoplax) limaciformis Sby. — five specimens on reef.
Callistochiton infortunatus Pils. — not common under rocks,
sp. ? — a beautiful color series taken on reef.
Sp_ } — a few taken on reef; both this and preceding species were taken in 193 3
at San Felipe.
Acanthochites diegensis Pils. — three specimens on reef.
Dendrochiton sp. ? — three specimens on reef; similar to D. thamnophora Berry.
Nuttallina sp. ? — a very small species; taken on outer rocks.
3L%K1f
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
193
Vol. VIII, No. 7, pp. 35-46, plate 5 March 21, 1935
NEW SPECIES OF MOLLUSKS OF THE
GENUS TRIPHORA
BY
Fred Baker and V. D. P. Spicer
San Diego Society of Natural History
This report covers seven species of the genus Triphora which seem
to be new. Five species were collected in 1927 by Mr. Wray Harris, of the
U. S. Navy, on the outer edge of the coral reefs surrounding the Island
of Ofu of the American Samoan Group at low tide levels and where
they were subject to the full force of the wave movement. The other two
species were collected in 1896 by the late Capt. Geo. D. Porter for the
late Miss Jeannette M. Cooke of San Diego, who maintained a small
collecting vessel on the coast of Lower California and in the Gulf of
California under command of Capt. Porter for many years. These shells
were taken during Capt. Porter's final disastrous trip, when he and his
companion were murdered on Tiburon Island by the Seri Indians. The
specimens were labeled as from the Gulf of California, but, as Capt.
Porter made most of his collections of minute shells from Espiritu Santo
Island near the southern end of the Gulf, it is extremely probable that
they came from that locality.
Our sincere thanks are due to Mr. Wray Harris for kindly allowing
us to describe and figure the Samoan species, and to Mr. E. M. Thorp
of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at La Jolla for making the
microphotographs illustrating the paper.
TRIPHORA (Deshayes) Blainville, 1828
In the discussion of this genus, Tryon (Man. Conch., IX, 121 )
says 'An anomaly of the shell is the occasional preservation of a second
36 San Diego Society of Natural History
canal upon the back of the body whorl, showing the termination of a for-
mer aperture. This is present in the fossil species upon which Deshayes
established his genus,1 and which is named from this character. * * *
Having examined several species with three apertures I incline to the
opinion that the posterior canal is only accidentally preserved in some
cases by reason of its deflection, which causes its tube to be surrounded
with shelly matter during the growth of the shell, and that it bears no
relation to the economy of the animal. This view is fortified by the con-
sideration that neither in this group nor in any other group of the
mollusca are we acquainted with any organ which might occupy or occa-
sion this tube for the purpose of its economy. Moreover, in one of the
species before me two individuals possess the third opening, whilst two
others have it not."
In a large suite of Triphora violacea Quoy taken on Ofu by Mr.
Harris, most of the specimens show the third opening or meatus noted
above. In a few specimens it is missing and all of these are immature. The
series shows the posterior canal in the usual position within the aperture,
open as is common in most species of univalves; partially enclosed and,
finally, as a completed tube. It is evident that when the shell is within
half a turn of maturity, the animal proceeds to change the open canal to
the tubular form which, with the advancement of the outer lip through
additions, is left further and further from the outer lip until it reaches
a position opposite the aperture, where it remains permanently. Such
specimens show no sign of the open posterior canal within the aperture.
The series shows every stage of this process up to the point where, having
taken its permanent place, the animal proceeds to build the outer lip and
aperture into final shape. Some species show this process to have taken
place in nearly all, or all, mature specimens, while in other species of
which we have large suites, the process does not take place at all. No
specimen of T. abbotti or of T. granti of this paper shows any sign of the
tubulation of the posterior canal.
While the question cannot be settled finally until careful examina-
tions of living animals can be made, the writers differ radically from
Tryon's dictum and believe that the third opening, when present, has a
very decided "relation to the economy of the animal." We believe it will
be shown that, as the posterior canal is thus left behind, the excretory
1 A reference to a description in 1825 under a vernacular name without validity under
the Code.
Baker & Spicer — New Triphora 37
siphon also remains stationary within the canal while a half turn is added
to the shell, so that the third opening does service for the rest of the life
of the animal as an excretory meatus. We wonder that Tryon forgot
that a similar process takes place in Haliotis, in which the notch on the
edge of the shell is finally sealed as a round hole. This hole and the en-
closed excretory siphon remain stationary as additions are made to the
edge of the shell and new holes are added. Finally, from being the newest
hole it is left to the oldest and, later, is closed by the deposition of new
shell material and the corresponding excretory siphon atrophies.
As to the same species showing specimens with and without the third
opening as noted by Tryon, it seems most probable that two specimens
were immature, not having begun the formation of the body whorl, in
which case the posterior canal would be open and within the aperture.
The other two specimens were evidently mature, showing the posterior
canal in its normal position opposite the aperture, in which case there
would be no sign of a posterior canal within the aperture.
Triphora harrisi Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, figs. 1-2
Shell sinistral, of medium size, spindle-shaped; nuclear whorls four, straw-
yellow, the first nearly smooth, rounded and shining, rhe others bearing a single
prominent, spiral subcarinate cord, slightly concave below the carina, the carina
doubled on the final nuclear whorl, crossed by numerous, prominent vertical
ribs forming deep pits at the sides of the carinae and in the space formed by the
doubling of the carina of the fourth whorl; postnuclear whorls eleven, white,
polished and shining; transition of color and sculpturing abrupt to two low
spiral cords, each bearing a row of nearly round tubercles, the anterior cord more
prominent up to the last turn, where the posterior cord becomes more prominent;
sutural channel narrow, slightly sinuous; median channel smooth except for in-
cremental lines, not crossed by vertical riblets, rendered sinuous by the place-
ment of the upper tubercles opposite the lower interspaces; tubercles appearing
as two parallel rows of shining beads immersed in the shell structure rather than
as if formed by the intersections of axial ribs and spiral cords; median channels of
the lower whorls slightly tinted with brown; a weak, nodular peripheral keel
margining the aperture; base irregularly convex, faintly brown, bearing two
tuberculate cords, the posterior about equalling the peripheral cord, the anterior
weaker and smoother, continuing for about half a turn and ending abruptly
behind the outer lip; aperture round, tubular, extending radially beyond the
periphery of the shell, smooth and pearly within, wrinkled and lined externally;
anterior canal short, tubular, nearly straight, projecting in the axis of the shell; a
third meatus opposite the aperture projecting as a round tube about 0.25 mm.
beyond the periphery of the shell; no posterior canal showing within the aperture.
38 San Diego Society of Natural History
Length, 5.5 mm.; diameter, 1.75 mm.
Holotoype: No. 23761, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, and ten paratypes; collected by Mr. Wray Harris on the coral reefs
of Ofu, Samoa. Paratypes in the U. S. National Museum and in the collections
of Mr. Harris, for whom the species is named, and of the authors. The
species seems to be new and distinct from any other species of the region except
the succeeding one.
Triphora ofuensis Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, fig. 3
Shell sinistral, minute, spindle-shaped; nuclear whorls five, light brown,
postnuclear whorls seven, white; first nuclear whorl papilliform, nearly smooth
above, exserted; all nuclear whorls bearing a sharp, well-developed carina, nearer
the anterior than the posterior suture, crossed by numerous, very fine, sharply-
defined, retractive vertical ribs, 20 appearing on the lower part of the first, 24
entirely crossing the second, 26 on the third, fourth and fifth; postnuclear whorls
increasing rapidly in diameter, the last decreasing slightly through the diminish-
ing size of the last anterior spiral cord; transition from the nuclear portion very
abrupt, the color becoming a clear, shining white, and the sculpture changing to
two well marked spiral cords, the posterior smaller on the first two whorls, larger
on the last and nearly equal on all the others; spiral cords continuing to the
border of the aperture and bearing throughout prominent, roundish tubercles;
axial ribs distinctly, but irregularly, protractive; sutural channels not sinuous,
very sharply incised, deep and much narrower than the median channel, truncat-
ing the tubercles of the spiral cords; median channels rendered sinuous by the
placement of the upper tubercles opposite the interspaces of the lower cord;
peripheral keel double, arising at the juncture of the suture with the margin of
the aperture, the two parts slowly diverging, nodose, the posterior portion being
slightly stronger; basal keels two, nodose, beginning beneath the rather heavy
parietal callus; base convex, stained with yellow; aperture circular, outer lip
thin; a third meatus or posterior canal opposite the aperture on the last whorl;
no sign of a posterior canal at the margin of the aperture; anterior canal long,
completely enclosed, opening nearly round, the extremity squarely truncate.
Length, 3 mm.; diameter, 1 mm.
Holotoype: No. 23762, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, and sixteen paratypes; collected by Mr. Harris on Ofu, Samoa. Para-
types in the U. S. National Museum and in the collections of Mr. Harris and
the authors.
The species is similar to T. harrisi Baker and Spicer of this paper in color
and general appearance, but the number of nuclear whorls and their sculpturing
differ widely, the postnuclear whorls are fewer on the mature shell, and the
tubercles of the spiral cords are sharply truncated by the sutures, a characteristic
not present in T. harrisi. All the specimens taken show the third meatus charac-
teristic of the genus, but it is far less prominent than in T. harrisi.
Baker & Spicer — New Triphora 39
Triphora abbotti Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, fig. 4
Shell sinistral, elongate-conic, rather stout, large for the genus, dove-gray;
early nuclear whorls decollated, the one remaining bearing two prominent, shin-
ing, obsoletely tuberculate spiral cords separated by a deep, pitted channel nearly
equalling the cords in width; postnuclear whorls eleven; transition to postnuclear
sculpture rather abrupt, the nearly equal spiral cords quickly losing their indis-
tinct tuberculation and becoming polished and shining, the intercostal channel
showing numerous very fine, sinuous, incised spiral lines, deepest in the middle
and rising nearly to the edges of the spiral cords; sutures channeled and showing
the same sculpture as the intercostal channel, the one above the initial postnu-
clear whorl nearly equalling the intercostal channel in width; intercostal channel
widening much more rapidly on the later whorls; a fine spiral cord beginning on
the sixth whorl almost midway between the other two and gradually increasing
until nearly, but not quite equalling the other two on the penultimate turn;
median cord dividing the median channel into nearly equal parts, each part
about equal to the suture in width; last whorl and base showing a fine, transverse
wrinkling, becoming close-set, rugose, and nearly equalling the spiral sculpture on
the last quarter turn; aperture broadly pear-shaped, showing the external sculp-
ture within; color the same as the exterior but darker beneath the spiral cords;
posterior canal a deep, narrow notch; outer lip effuse and abruptly expanding at
the margin, wrinkled, thin; parietal wall with a thin callus, free at the outer edge
and continuous with the outer lip above; anterior canal long, reflexed, tubular
for one-half its length; periphery subangulated by an obscurely tuberculate peri-
pheral keel nearly as large as the anterior cord and slightly nearer to it than the
middle cord; base moderately convex, marked by two smaller keels beginning
under the parietal callus, the first obsoletely tuberculate and placed wholly on
the base, the anterior smaller, smooth, and circling the tubular anterior canal;
columella not well marked, showing a distinct callus.
Length, 8.5 mm.; diameter, 2.5 mm.
Holotype: No. 23763, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, and fifty paratypes; collected by Mr. Harris on Ofu, Samoa. Para-
types are in the U. S. National Museum and in the collections of Mr. Harris and
the authors.
The shell is like a sinistral Seila. It somewhat resembles T. incisa Pease, as
far as can be judged from the inadequate description and poor figure of Tryon,
(Man. Conch., IX, 190) and the fuller description of Hedley (Shells of
Funafuti), but the coloration is quite distinct, the anterior and posterior post-
nuclear cords are nearly equal in size and prominence and nowhere show a ten-
dency "to divide into beads." Hedley's specimen evidently represented a smaller
species. Of the large number of specimens taken, most of which seem mature,
all lack the third meatus and show the posterior canal in its ordinary position
within the aperture.
The species is named for Mr. Clinton G. Abbott, Director of the San
Diego Society of Natural History.
40 San Diego Society of Natural History
Triphora granti Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, fig. 5
Shell sinistral, rather large for the genus, elongate-conic, white, profusely
flamed with chestnut except on the spiral cords and tubercles; nuclear whorls
decollated; postnuclear whorls fourteen, with a superior, sinuous, non-tuberculate
spiral cord near the suture, a wide median channel filled with fine, sharply in-
cised spiral striae and numerous minute, slightly protractive incremental lines,
about equal to the spiral striae, not crossing the spiral cords, followed by a
similar, weaker median cord and a second median channel of the same width,
and sculptured the same as the preceding one, followed by a very prominent,
strongly tuberculate inferior cord; tubercles large, rather distant, spirally elon-
gate, four or five times as long as broad, polished white on the summits, twelve
to fourteen appearing on each whorl; a narrow, sinuous spiral cord between the
row of tubercles and the suture, white, articulated with brown, producing a false
appearance of tuberculation, and sculptured with fine spiral striae; sculpture
and coloration of all the whorls very similar, but becoming less distinct and less
distinctly marked on the upper whorls; periphery marked by a narrow channel
separating the last spiral cord from a nearly equal, smooth basal keel, followed
by a second basal keel bearing small, close-set tubercles; balance of base smooth
except for fine, incised spiral striae and incremental lines; suture narrow, sinuous,
sharply incised, but not as deep as the peripheral channel; aperture roughly
quadrilateral; anterior canal short, moderately retracted, closed for about one-
fourth its length; posterior canal a shallow groove within the aperture; parietal
callus heavy, with a lobe descending and partially occluding the anterior canal;
outer lip thin, translucent, smooth inside, showing the external colors and
sculpture within.
Length, 10 mm.; diameter, 3 mm.
Holotype: No. 23764, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, and forty-three paratypes; collected by Mr. Harris on Ofu, Samoa.
Paratypes in the U. S. National Museum and in the collections of Mr. Harris
and the authors.
The shell resembles T. crenulata Deshayes, but differs in the extreme size
of the tubercles of the anterior cord, while the secondary cords are of much
smaller size.
The species is named for Dr. U. S. Grant, IV, professor of Paleontology
in the University of California at Los Angeles.
Triphora peleae Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, fig. 6
Shell sinistral, dull white, minute, spindle-shaped, the upper part of the
spire slightly concave; nuclear whorls two, the first the larger, rounded and
exserted, giving a club-shaped appearance to the nucleus; smaller nuclear whorl
spirally carinated, smooth; postnuclear whorls nine, bearing two equal tubercu-
late spiral cords, about fourteen tubercles appearing on each whorl; the tubercles
Baker & Spicer — New Triphora 41
slightly elongated spirally and increasing in size on each succeeding whorl; median
channel sinuous, wider and shallower than the suture; suture fine, not well-
defined, lying at the bottom of a channel separating the two rows of tubercles;
base bearing four equal, wavy keels starting from the parietal callus and diverg-
ing gradually, the lower two extending on the tube of the anterior canal; parietal
callus prominent, semilunar, extending onto the anterior canal; aperture nearly
circular, interior white, smooth, outer lip projecting; anterior canal tubular,
tapering, projecting from the base at an angle of about thirty degrees from the
line of the axis of the shell; third meatus round, enclosed, immediately adjacent
to the posterior angle of the aperture.
Length, 5.5 mm.; diameter, 1.75 mm.
Holotype: No. 23765, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, and four paratypes; collected by Mr. Harris on Ofu, Samoa. Paratypes
in the U. S. National Museum and in the collections of Mr. Harris and the
authors.
The species seems to be new and distinct from all the Triphoras of the
region. It is named for Miss Pele Spicer who was born in Samoa.
Triphora cookeana Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, fig. 7
Shell sinistral, minute, elongate-conic; nuclear whorls four, smooth, shining,
dingy-white, the first papilliform, the others moderately convex, increasing in
size very gradually, with well-defined sutures marked vertically by regular, fine,
incised lines, about thirty appearing between the third and fourth whorl; postnu-
clear whorls eight and a half, very slightly convex, ashen-brown, increasing in
diameter rather more rapidly than the nuclear whorls to about the sixth, the
remaining whorls being about equal; postnuclear sculpture consisting of nearly
vertical ribs, about 12 appearing on the first turn; 14 on the second, 16 on the
third, 20 on the fourth and fifth and 22 on the remaining turns, crossed by three
spiral cords, the middle slightly nearer the posterior than the anterior and
slightly stronger on the first five turns, all becoming nearly equal on the remain-
ing whorls; intersections of the ribs and cords marked by nearly round tubercles,
sloping a bit more abruptly posteriorly than anteriorly; sutures well-defined but
not channeled; periphery marked by a rather strong keel commencing at the
upper curve of the outer lip, definitely tuberculate for about a third of a turn,
then becoming narrow, sharp and distinctly wavy, the waves correlated with the
tubercles of the vertical cords, this keel continuing in all the sutures and defining
the sutures anteriorly; base showing no continuation of the vertical ribs but
marked by a single wavy, spiral keel separating from the peripheral keel above
the aperture and diverging widely to a termination on the columella; aperture
rounded, anterior canal open, straight, very short; posterior canal a broad notch
within the aperture, not well-defined; outer lip fractured, thin, showing the ex-
ternal sculpture within; columella darker than any other portion of the shell,
short, stout, obliquely truncated anteriorly.
Length, 3.5 mm.; diameter, 1 mm.
42 San Diego Society of Natural History
Holotype: No. 23766, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, a unique specimen; collected by Capt. Geo. D. Porter in the Gulf of
California, Mexico.
The shell is very distinct from all other species from this Coast, but falls
into the very small class of T. callipyrga Bartsch in that the three spiral cords
are continuous on all the postnuclear whorls. The species is named for Miss
Jeannette M. Cooke.
Triphora stephensi Baker and Spicer, new species
Plate 5, figs. 8-9
Shell sinistral, of medium size, stout, spindle-shaped; nuclear whorls decol-
lated; postnuclear whorls seven and a half, scarcely convex, tuberculate at the
intersections of the vertical ribs and spiral cords; the first and second bearing
two nearly equal tuberculate spiral cords, quite close together but separating on
the third turn; a faint median cord beginning on the fourth turn, increasing
very gradually and equalling the other two on the last whorl; first whorl having
about 14 axial ribs, the second 16, the third 17, the fourth 18 and the last three
about 20; peripheral keel about two-thirds the width of the others, sinuous and
scarcely tuberculate; sutures moderately channeled and showing an extension
of the peripheral cord about six turns; axial ribs slightly, but irregularly protec-
tive, the upper ribs on each whorl ending opposite the interspaces of the succeed-
ing whorl, producing a sinuous suture; base rather evenly rounded, carrying two
fairly developed, sinuous keels, beginning close together beneath the parietal
callus, but spreading until about equally separated from each other and from
the peripheral keel; spiral cords of the first four whorls pale ashen-brown, the
posterior slightly lighter, the intervening channels and sutures darker; median
cord of the same color as the sutures, becoming pale ashen-brown on the last
turn; axial ribs weaker and more widely spaced than the spiral cords, producing
a slight spiral elongation of the enclosed pits; parietal callus well-developed,
extending on the columella; aperture irregularly subquadrangular; anterior canal
short, open, very moderately twisted; posterior canal a broad notch within the
aperture; columella rather stout, obliquely truncate below.
Length, 4 mm.; diameter, 1.75 mm.
Holotype: No. 23767, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, and a less mature paratype, also in the same collection; collected by
Capt. Porter in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Three worn specimens in the
collections of the authors are probably of this species.
The paratype retains all but a fraction of the nucleus consisting of nearly
three nuclear whorls which can be described as follows: Nuclear whorls nearly
three, changing very gradually to postnuclear sculpture, the first slightly frac-
tured above, consisting of a very convex, light yellow spiral cord, separated from
a similar cord on the second nuclear whorl by a broad, dark brown, flat-bottomed
suture, cord and suture being everywhere marked by very minute tubercles;
second nuclear whorl similar to the first in color but beginning to show the start
of postnuclear sculpture; remaining nuclear whorl similar in color but with
Baker & Spicer — New Triphora 43
rather distinct axial ribs, while the nuclear spiral cord becomes tubercular and
gradually merges into the anterior spiral cord of the first postnuclear whorl.
The species somewhat resembles T. oweni Fred Baker, but the color is dif-
ferent, the shell is stouter, with smaller tubercles, and the broken lines of the
axial riblets, with earlier incidence of the median spiral cord, constitute a very
marked distinction.
The species is named for Mr. Frank Stephens, Curator Emeritus, San
Diego Society of Natural History.
44 San Diego Society of Natural History
PLATE 5
Fig. 1. Triphora harrisi Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt. 5.5 mm.
Fig. 2. Same, lateral view, showing aperture and both canals.
Fig. 3. Triphora ofuensis Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt. 3 mm.
Fig. 4. Triphora abbotti Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt. 8.5 mm.
Fig. 5. Triphora granti Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt. 10 mm.
Fig. 6. Triphora peleae Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt. 5.5 mm.
Fig. 7. Triphora cookeana Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt 3.5 mm.
Fig. 8. Triphora stephensi Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Holotype. Alt. 4 mm.
Fig. 9. Triphora stephensi Baker and Spicer, sp. nov. Paratype, immature
specimen showing nucleus.
Baker 8c Spicer — New Triphora
Plate 5
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 8, pp. 47-53, plate 6
NEW TRILOBITE SPECIES FROM THE ANTHRA-
COLITHIC OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
AND
GRIFFITHIDES CONWAYENSIS, A NEW NAME
FOR A TRILOBITE SPECIES FROM THE
ATOKA FORMATION OF ARKANSAS
BY
Harry E. Wheeler
Stanford University, California
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
March 21, 1935
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
NEW TRILOBITE SPECIES FROM THE ANTHRA-
COLITHIC OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA1
BY
Harry E. Wheeler
Stanford University, California
The first recorded trilobites from the late Paleozoic of California
were collected in 1892 by H. W. Fairbanks2 from the Baird formation
near the U. S. Government Fish Hatchery on the McCloud River. His
two fragmentary specimens were referred by A. W. Vogdes to Proetus
ellipticus Meek and Worthen, a species from the Kinderhook group of
Illinois.
Unfortunately, Fairbanks' specimens are no longer available for
study. Nevertheless, several pygidia collected by J. P. Smith4 the follow-
ing year, and referred by him to the same species, are still in the Stanford
collection. These, together with a specimen which Professor Muller and
I collected in 1931, form the basis for the present description of the
Baird species.
The Nosoni formation (Permian) has yielded the other trilobite
species described in the following paper.
Genus PROETUS Steininger, 1830
Genotype: Proetus curieri Steininger, 1830
Proetus bairdensis Wheeler, new species
Plate 6, figs. 1-3
1892. ?Proetus ellipticus Meek and Worthen, Vogdes, A. W., "Proceedings
1 Read before the Paleontological Society of America, Pacific Coast Branch, Berkeley
meeting, April 14, 1934.
2 Fairbanks, H. W., "Geology and Mineralogy of Shasta County," 1 1th Rep. Calif.
State Mineral., p. 39, 1893.
"Notes on some Localities of Mesozoic and Paleozoic in Shasta County, California,"
Amer. Geol., vol. 14, no. 1, p. 29, 1894.
3 Zoe, vol. 3, p. 274, 1892. Under the heading of "Proceedings of the Societies, Cali-
fornia Academy of Science, Oct. 17, 1892," appears the following quotation: "The secretary
read an announcement of the discovery by H. W. Fairbanks of Proetus ellipticus Meek, a
trilobite from the Waverly Group, in Shasta County, California, identified by Captain
A. W. Vogdes."
4 Smith, J. P., "The Metamorphic Series of Shasta County, California," Jour. Geol.,
vol. 2, no. 6,' p. 595, 1894.
50 San Diego Society of Natural History
of the Societies, California Academy of Science [meeting] , Oct. 17,
1892," Zoe, vol. 3, p. 274.
1894. ?Proetus ellipticus Meek and Worthen, Fairbanks, H. W., "Notes on
some Localities of Mesozoic and Paleozic in Shasta County, Califor-
nia," Amer. Geol., vol. 14, no. 1, p. 29.
1894. Proetus ellipticus Meek and Worthen, Smith, J. P., "The Metamor-
phic Series of Shasta County, California," Jour. Geol., vol. 2, no. 6,
p. 595.
Not Proetus ellipticus Meek and Worthen, Geol. Surv. Illinois, vol.
3, p. 460, pi. 14, fig. 3, 1868.
Description. — The specimens of this species now available for study are
imperfectly preserved fragments of pygidia, an external mold of one individual
showing the pygidium, thorax and part of the glabella, and a free cheek (prob-
ably of the same individual) .
Although the anterior border of the cephalon is unknown, the remaining
outline suggests the general form of an elongate ellipse.
The cephalon is straight at the sides, the genal angles being drawn out into
slender spines which extend backward to about the fifth thoracic segment. The
lateral borders (and probably the anterior as well) are folded upward to form a
raised border which is separated from the cheeks by a deep furrow. The occipital
ring is about twice as wide as a thoracic segment, and is raised above the level of
the highest part of the glabella. These two structures are separated by a distinct
groove which extends laterally across the cheeks to the marginal furrow, which it
intersects perpendicularly. The posterior-lateral lobes of the glabella stand in low
relief, and are bordered anteriorly by shallow lateral furrows which extend
obliquely backward to intersect the neck furrow.
The thorax is about one-third wider than long, and consists of nine seg-
ments. The moderately arched axis is about equal in width to the lateral lobes,
from which it is separated by well-defined dorsal furrows. The lateral lobes are
depressed below the axis, are somewhat flattened near the dorsal groove, bend
downward at the fulcral point, and are flattened again from there to the margin.
Each of the pleurae is marked by a median groove inside the fulcral point.
The pygidium is sub-semicircular, is nearly twice as wide as long, and is of
moderately high convexity. It bears about thirteen axial, and eight or nine pleural
segments. The axial lobe is prominent, its anterior width being a little greater
than that of the lateral lobes. The top of the axis is flattened, and the sides slope
steeply to the furrows. The pygidium is entirely surrounded by a smooth mar-
ginal border of approximately the same width at all points.
Comparisons and affinities. — This species is in many respects similar to
Proetus ellipticus Meek and Worthen from the Kinderhook of Illinois, to which
it was referred by both Vogdes and Smith. However the Baird species possesses
a greater number of segments in the thorax and in both the axial and pleural lobes
of the pygidium. Furthermore, both the pygidial axis and the entire pygidium
are relatively wider in Proetus bairdensis than in the Kinderhook species.
Wheeler — Trilobite Species 5 1
Holotype. — Stanford Univ. Paleo. Type Coll., catalogue no. 777-a.
Paratype.— Stanford Univ. Paleo. Type Coll., catalogue no. 777-b.
Plastotype. — San Diego Society of Natural History Trilobite Coll., cata-
logue no. 272.
Type locality.— L. S. J. U. loc. 1041, Redding Quadrangle, Shasta County,
California. Highly indurated buff colored shale on crest of spur in the S. W. ]/4
of the S. E. 14, sec. 14, T. 34 N., R. 4 W. Elevation 1000 feet.
Formation and age. — Baird formation. The age of the strata at this locality
has not as yet been precisely determined. I have shown elsewhere5 that the
Gigantella-bearing strata of the Baird formation (which apparently lie strati-
graphically below the beds at the Proetus bairdensis locality) are of latest
Dinantian age. On the basis of stratigraphic position, therefore, it is probable
that the strata at the type locality of P. bairdensis belong to the Lower Moscovian
stage.
Collectors.— S. W. Muller and H. E. Wheeler, 1931.
Genus GRIFFITHIDES Portlock, 1843
Genotype: Griff ithides longiceps Portlock, 1843
Griffithides nosoniensis Wheeler, new species
Plate 6, figs. 6 and 7
Description. — Although the posterior portion of the pygidium is unknown,
the outline of the remainder of the specimen suggests an elongate ellipse as the
general form. The greatest width is probably about eight-thirteenths of the length.
Measured along the axis, the length of the cephalon is nearly equal to the length
of the thorax.
The outline of the cephalon (including the spines) forms slightly more than
half of an ellipse. The spines extend backward to about the sixth thoracic seg-
ment. The glabella, which is of low convexity, is pyriform, and is especially ex-
panded anteriorly. It is marked by two pairs of obsolete lateral furrows which
extend inward from the forward portion of the broad and deep grooves which
lie in front of the basal lobes. The occipital ring, whose width is about one-
third greater than that of a thoracic segment, is marked anteriorly by a broad fur-
row. The surface of the eyes has been removed, and, in consequence, their exact
form is unknown.
The thorax consists of nine segments. The axis, which is moderately arched,
is slightly wider than the lateral lobes, and is separated from them by deep dorsal
furrows. The pleurae are also moderately arched, their crests being at the fulcral
points, where they bend rather abruptly downward and slightly backward.
The pygidium, which is known only in part, is of fairly low convexity, bears
5 Wheeler, H. E., "The Carboniferous-Permian Dilemma," Jour. Geol., vol. 42, no. 1,
p. 68, 1934.
52 San Diego Society of Natural History
a greater number of axial than lateral segments (as judged from the forward
portion) , and possesses, at least anteriorly, a narrow and smooth border.
Comparisons and affinities. — Among the known trilobites, Griffithides
nosoniensis most closely resembles G. acanthiceps Woodward from the Carboni-
ferous limestone of England. The Nosoni species differs from G. acanthiceps
in the greater anterior expansion of its glabella, its proportionally shorter cepha-
lon, its wider and more anteriorly arched occipital ring, and its obsolete lateral
grooves on the glabella.
Holotype. — Stanford Univ. Paleo. Type Coll., catalogue no. 778.
Plastotype. — San Diego Society of Natural History Trilobite Coll., cata-
logue no. 272.
Type locality.- — L. S. J. U. loc. 1034, Redding Quadrangle, Shasta County,
California. Dark shale on the south side of the ridge south of Potter Creek,
about 250 feet stratigraphically above the McCloud-Nosoni contact. Elevation
1800 feet. N. E. ]/4 of the S. W. l/4, sec. 24, T. 34 N., R. 4 W.
Formation and age. — Nosoni formation, Permian (Kungurian?) .
Collectors.— S. W. Muller and H. E. Wheeler, 1931.
GRIFFITHIDES CONWAYENSIS, A NEW NAME
FOR A TRILOBITE SPECIES FROM THE
ATOKA FORMATION OF ARKANSAS
BY
Harry E. Wheeler
Stanford University, California
An endeavor to locate comparative material representing the genera
Griffithides and Phillipsia has brought to my attention a specimen from
the Stanford University Paleontological Collection, which carries the
label, "Phillipsia (Griffithides) ornatus Vogdes, Lower Coal Measures,
Conway County, Arkansas. Original Type Specimen." A comparison
of this specimen with Vogdes' original description1 and J. P. Smith's
republication of that description reveals that both the description and
figure of this species are inadequate. Furthermore, a nomenclatural study
shows that the specific name is a homonym, and must accordingly be re-
jected. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to rename, redescribe and re-
figure this Anthracolithic trilobite species.
Genus GRIFFITHIDES Portlock, 1843
Genotype : Griffithides longiceps Portlock, 1843
Griffithides conwayensis Wheeler, new name
Plate 6, figs. 4 and 5
1895. Griffithides ornata Vogdes, "Notes on Paleozoic Crustacea No. 4. —
On a New Trilobite from Arkansas Lower Coal Measures," Proc.
Cal. Acad. Sci., ser. 2, vol. 4, pp. 589-591, text fig.
1895. Griffithides ornata Vogdes, "A Supplement to the Bibliography of
Paleozoic Crustacea," Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., ser. 2, vol. 5, p. 73,
(1896).
1897. Phillipsia (Griffithides) ornata (Vogdes), Smith, J. P., "Marine Fos-
sils from the Coal Measures of Arkansas," Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc,
vol. 35, no. 152, pp. 61-63, pi. 22, fig. 6.
Not Phillipsia ornata Portlock, "Report on the Geology of the County
of Londonderry and Parts of Tyrone and Fermanaugh," p. 307, fig.
2, Dublin, 1843.
Not Phillipsia? (Brachymetopus?) ornata Hall, "Illustrations of De-
vonian Fossils," New York Geol. Surv., pi. 21, fig. 1, 1876.
1 See synonymy for citation of references not footnoted.
54 San Diego Society of Natural History
1898. Griffithides ornatus Vogdes, Weller, S., "A Bibliographic Index of
North American Carboniferous Invertebrates," U. S. Geol. Surv.,
Bull. 153, p. 302.
1933. Griffithides ornatus Vogdes, Williams, J. S., "A New Pennsylvanian
Trilobite from Missouri," Jour. Washington Acad. Sci., vol. 23, no. 9,
pp. 431-432.
Description. — The general form is sub-ovate, with the greatest width being
about two-thirds that of the length. Measured along the axis, the cephalon, thorax
and pygidium are all of about equal length.
The outline of the cephalon (excluding the spines) forms about half of a
near circle. The head-shield is bounded by a marginal border which extends
backward from the posterior-lateral angles, in the form of genal spines, to at least
the fourth or fifth thoracic segment. The cephalic border and spines bear about
eight very fine parallel costae. The glabella is pyriform and gibbous in front.
Its basal lobes are small, but well marked by deep furrows, whose anterior ends
are connected by a shallow groove across the glabella. From the center of this
groove, a faint furrow extends backward, thus defining two small rounded nodes
near the posterior margin of the glabella. The occipital ring is broad and well
defined, its width being nearly twice that of a thoracic segment. The eyes are
large, smooth and quarto-spherical.
The thorax consists of nine segments. Its axis is strongly arched, and bears
a series of about ten small tubercles across the center of each segment. The pos-
terior border of each pleural segment, beyond the fulcral point, bears a row of
extremely fine tubercles.
The pygidium is very convex, and is surrounded by a marginal border
which widens anteriorly. Its strongly arched axis consists of eleven segments,
each bearing, along its flattened crest, a row of six nodes which are slightly larger
than those of the thorax. Segmentation on the sides of the axis is but faintly
defined. The lateral lobes of the pygidium consist of seven segments with a ves-
tige of an eighth. These segments are divided by deep furrows, and each bears a
node at its fulcral point, from whence it is abruptly truncated.
Comparisons and affinities. — Vogdes compared this trilobite with Griffi-
thides scitula Meek and Worthen from the "Illinois Coal Measures." However,
as pointed out by Williams,2 any comparison with G. scihda is of little value,
since the type is apparently no longer available for study, and since Meek and
Worthen were the only authors known to have examined the type.
G. conwayensis compares favorably in many respects to G. olsoni Williams3
from the Cherokee shale (Lower Pennsylvanian) of Missouri. G. conwayensis
differs from G. olsoni, however, in its more conspicuous basal glabellar lobes, its
greater number of pleural segments of the pygidium, and in the noded character
of its axis.
2 Williams, J. S., Jour. Washington Acad. Sci., vol. 23, no. 9, p. 431, 1933.
3 Ibid., pp. 429-435.
Wheeler — Trilobite Species 55
G. conwayensis appears to be more closely allied to G. parvulus Girty4
from the Wewoka formation of Oklahoma. The Arkansas species differs from
G. parvulus in its much smaller width-length ratio, its narrower neck ring, its less
distinctly defined transverse glabellar furrow, the absence of any indication of a
second such furrow, and the presence of a longitudinal groove dividing the basal
glabellar lobe.
Discussion.— In 1895 Vogdes described and figured this species under the
heading "Griffithides ornata sp. nov." At the time of its proposal,
the validity of that name depended entirely upon the taxonomic rank of
Griffithides, as interpreted from Vogdes' paper. If it be construed that he re-
garded Griffithides as a subgenus of Phillipsia, his specific name becomes a
homonym of Phillipsia ornata Portlock, 1843. In his description, Vogdes makes
no mention of the genus Phillipsia, from which we may interpret that he treated
Griffithides as being of full generic rank. On the other hand, under the sub-
heading of "Affinities and differences," he cites alternately Phillipsia {Griffi-
thides) scitula and Griffithides scitula, thus, apparently sanctioning the sub-
generic usage of Griffithides. Furthermore, it should be noted that the name
Griffithides is masculine, while the specific name ornata is feminine. This dis-
cordance might be cited as additional evidence for Vogdes' intention to employ
Griffithides as a subgenus of Phillipsia (feminine) ; otherwise, the name should
have been ornatus. One might construe, therefore, either that Vogdes did or
did not regard Griffithides as a subgenus of Phillipsia. J. P. Smith, however, in
his republication ot Vogdes' description, leaves no doubt as to the status of the
name in question. Under the heading of "Genus Phillipsia, Portlock," he
cites the species as Phillipsia (Griffithides) ornata A. W. Vogdes. Through this
action, Vogdes species unquestionably becomes a homonym of Phillipsia ornata
Portlock; and it must accordingly be rejected and supplanted by a new name. I
therefore propose the name Griffithides conwayensis for this species.
Holotype.— Stanford Univ. Paleo. Type Coll., catalogue no. 5077. The
holotype of Griffithides conwayensis is the same specimen upon which Vogdes
based his species "ornata."
Plastotype. — San Diego Society of Natural History Trilobite Coll., cata-
logue no. 274.
Type locality.— L. S. J. U. loc. 1040, Morrillton Quadrangle, Conway
County, Arkansas. Near the center of the N. W. T/A, sec. 17, T. 5 N., R. 16 W.
Formation and age. — Atoka5 formation, Lower Moscovian (Lower Penn-
sylvanian) .
Collectors. — Arkansas Geological Survey.
4 Girty, G. H., New York Acad. Sci. Annals, vol. 21, p. 154, 1911; Bull. U. S. Geol.
Surv., no. 544, pp. 268-270, pi. 18, figs. 14-15, 1915.
5 Carey Croneis shows ("Geology of the Arkansas Paleozoic Area," Ark. Geol. Surv.,
Bull. 3, 1930, structural map in fold) that the locality of Griffithides conwayensis lies very
close to the axis of the Redemption anticline; and on page 265 of the same paper, he
states that the surface rocks of that structure belong to the Atoka formation. A personal
communication from Dr. Croneis (Feb., 1934) gives reassurance that this locality is under-
lain by the Atoka formation.
56 San Diego Society of Natural History
PLATE 6
Fig. 1. Proetus bairdensis Wheeler, new species. Rock surface containing the
holotype (incomplete external mold of cephalon, thorax and pygi-
dium), and paratype (free cheek). Holotype, Stanford Univ. Paleo.
Type Coll., no. 777-a, paratype, no. 777-b. L. S. J. U. loc. 1041,
Baird formation, Redding Quadrangle, Shasta County, California,
x 1.9.
Fig. 2. Proetus bairdensis Wheeler, new species. Paratype; same specimen as
in upper left corner of fig. 1. x 1.9.
Fig. 3. Proetus bairdensis Wheeler, new species. A clay cast impressed from
the external mold (holotype) shown in fig. 1. x 1.9.
Fig. 4. Griffithides conwayensis Wheeler, new name. Holotoype, Stanford
Univ. Paleo. Type Coll., no. 5077. L. S. J. U. loc. 1040, Atoka
formation, Lower Moscovian, Morrillton Quadrangle, Conway
County, Arkansas, x 2.1.
Fig. 5. Griffithides conwayensis Wheeler, new name. A line drawing traced
from a photograph of the specimen shown in fig. 4.
Fig. 6. Griffithides nosoniensis Wheeler, new species. Holotype, Stanford
Univ. Paleo. Type Coll., no. 778. L. S. J. U. loc. 1034, lower No-
soni formation, Permian, Redding Quadrangle, Shasta County, Cali-
fornia, x 2.1. The dark areas on either side of the anterior half of the
specimen represent the cavities remaining after the dissolution of the
marginal border and genal spines of the cephalon.
Fig. 7. Griffithides nosoniensis Wheeler, new species. A line drawing of the
cephalon traced from a photograph of the specimen shown in fig. 6.
Gl, glabella; L, basal glabellar lobe; OR, occipital ring; S, suture;
GS, genal spine.
Wheeler — Trilobite Species
Plate 6
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 9, pp. 59-66, plate 7
REVISION OF SOME CALIFORNIA SPECIES
OF ASTROD APSIS
BY
George L. Richards, Jr..
Stanford University, California
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
March 21, 1935
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
REVISION OF SOME CALIFORNIA SPECIES
OF ASTRODAPSIS
BY
George L. Richards, Jr.
Stanford University, California
Extensive field work throughout the central Coast Ranges of Cali-
fornia during the past two years has shown that various species of the
genus Astrodapsis are of value in establishing the stratigraphic correla-
tion of Upper Miocene and Lower Pliocene formations.
During the paleontological study of these late Tertiary marine
sediments, the valuable works of Clark and Twitchell,1 and Kew,2 were
found to be almost indispensable in the determination and identification
of the various genera and species of the Pacific Coast Echinoidea. How-
ever, a study of the original description and figure of the type of Astro-
dapsis antiselli Conrad suggested that the workers had misidentified
this species, which is the type of the genus Astrodapsis.
Through correspondence with the Curator, Division of Mollusks,
U. S. National Museum, photographs of specimens were obtained which
confirmed this opinion, and indicated that the specimen figured by
Clark and Twitchell (U. S. National Mus. Cat. No. 165466a) cannot
be regarded by Kew as a type specimen of A. antiselli Conrad. Further-
more, this specimen is not from the original lot, nor even from the type
locality. A photograph of the above mentioned specimen shows it is not
a true Astrodapsis antiselli as originally defined and figured by Conrad.
Unfortunately, Kew followed Clark and Twitchell and recognized this
figured specimen as the holotype. The problem is therefore two-fold:
(l) biologic identification of species, and (2) nomenclatorial. In order
to correct this confusion it is necessary to make several corrections and,
in addition, propose one new name, to wit :
Astrodapsis salinasensis, new name
"Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad," of Clark and Twitchell, 1915, also of Kew, 1920,
but not of Conrad, 1856.
1 Clark, W. B. and Twitchell, M. W. The Mesozoic and Cenozoic Echinodermata
of the United States. U. S. Geological Survey, Monogr. 54, 1915.
2 Kew, W. S. W. Cretaceous and Cenozoic Echinoidea of the Pacific Coast of North
America. Univ. Cal. Pub. Geol., Vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 23-236, 1920.
62 San Diego Society of Natural History
Determinative characters. — Clark and Twitchell, verbatim:3 "Test medium
in size; regularly oval in marginal outline, longer than broad, slightly truncated
at anterior end, slightly pointed at posterior end, with faint notches opposite
ends of petals; margin rounded and very thick, almost as thick as rest of test.
The whole form is considerably depressed, almost equally so from edge to edge,
and therefore subdiscoidal; the upper surface with broad flattened ambulacral
ridges alternating with narrow interambulacral depressions; apex eccentric an-
teriorly, in front of depressed apical system; lower surface slightly concave. Am-
bulacral petals large, broad, tumid, especially near apical system; poriferous
zones narrow, at first diverging, then converging slightly from one-fourth to one-
third the way to margin and again diverging to the wide open ends which are
nearly to the margin. Peristome central; the main ambulacral grooves straight,
well denned, and rather deep from peristome to margin and continuing as faint
lines over margin to near apex, two faint lines are given off about half way to
margin, which continue over margin to near apical system. Periproct small, infra
marginal, almost marginal."
Dimensions. — Specimen B, type, (U. S. National Mus. Cat. No.
165466a) : length, 57 mm.; width, 50 mm.; height, 14 mm.
Localities. — Specimen B (No. 165466a) : "2 miles south of San Lucas,
Monterey County, Cal." (Clark and Twitchell).
Collection.— U. S. National Mus. Cat. No. 165466, Specimen A, cotype.
U. S. National Mus. Cat. No. 165466a, Specimen B. Both the type and the
specimens collected by Ralph Arnold, which include specimens A and B.4
Remarks. — Astrodapsis salinasensis (No. 165466a) misidentified as "Astro-
dapsis antiselli Conrad" by Clark and Twitchell, and by Kew, is herein figured
(Plate 7, figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c) for comparison with the original type of true
Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad (U. S. National Mus. Cat. No. 13337), which is
lebelhjd "Conrad's type," from Estrella, Monterey County, California. (See
Plate 7, figs, la, and lb). A. salinasensis differs from A. antiselli Conrad in the
following characters:
Astrodapsis salinasensis Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad
Test: Discoidal, oval; slightly notched. Pentagonal; markedly notched oppo-
site ends of petals.
Margin: Broadly rounded and thick; almost Sightly rounded; greatest elevation
as thick as rest of test— biscuit adjacent to the depressed apical
shaPed- system.
Apical system:
Moderately depressed. Deeply depressed.
Tubercles: Very prominent. Not prominent.
Petals: Low, broad, and tumid. Elevated, narrow, angular.
Interambulacral areas:
Rounded, shallow grooves. Angular, deep grooves.
3 Op. cit. p. 198.
4 This information from Clark and Twitchell, 1915, p. 199.
Richards — California Species of Astrodapsis 63
Distribution. — Geographically Astrodapsis salinasensis occurs abundantly
in the fine, medium to coarse, white, littoral marine sandstones at the top of the
Santa Margarita formation, or sandstone facies of the Upper Miocene Monterey
Shale, throughout the entire Salinas Valley, Monterey County, California, as
well as in similar standstones of the Santa Margarita formation as exposed along
Bean Creek, Santa Cruz County, California, and the uppermost Santa Margarita
sandstones exposed along Saucelito Creek, Nipomo Quadrangle, San Luis
Obispo County, California.
Stratigraphically Astrodapsis salinasensis occurs in a monoclinal, upper
Miocene section, approximately 250 feet above organic and siliceous shales con-
taining a N onion schencki foraminiferal assemblage, which in turn overlies sand-
stones containing Astrodapsis tumidus, Astrodapsis whitneyi, Ostrea titan cor-
rugata, and associated faunal assemblage. It occurs below sandstones containing
Astrodapsis cf. jacalitosensis and lower Pliocene mollusks belonging to the Jaca-
litos faunal assemblage.
Associated faunal assemblage. — Astrodapsis salinasensis occurs with the
following forms: Pecten estrellanus Conrad (18-20 rib var.), Tritonalia sp.,
Balanus concavus Bronn, "Tamioso?na" gregaria Conrad, Astrodapsis spatiosus
Kew.
Additional revision. — In the monographs by Clark and Twitchell, and Kew,
the true Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad was named Astrodapsis arnoldi through
the unfortunate misidentification mentioned above. In order to correct this
nomenclatorial problem, it is necessary to consider those forms originally de-
scribed by Kew (1921) as subspecies of Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad, or to
regard them as of full specific rank. The revised nomenclature of all the forms
involved in this problem is as follows:
Old arrangement (Kew) New arrangement
Astrodapsis arnoldi arnoldi Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad
'Ast
depressus
fresnoensis
crassus
spatiosus
peltoides
depressus
fresnoensis
crassus
spatiosus
peltoides
odapsis antiselli Conrad" of Kev.'. Astrodapsis salinasenis, new name
not Conrad
Acknowledgments. — The writer is indebted to Dr. Alexander Wetmore,
Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and Mr. Wm. B. Marshall
of the Division of Mollusks, U. S. National Museum, for permission to repro-
duce photographs of the type of Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad (U. S. National
Mus. Cat. No. 13337); photographs of Astrodapsis salinasensis new name (U.
S. National Mus. Cat. No. 165466a) were supplied through the courtesy of the
U. S. Geological Survey. He is also grateful to Dr. Hubert G. Schenck of
Stanford University, and Dr. U. S. Grant of University of California at Los
Angeles, for suggestions concerning nomenclatorial problems and the prepara-
tion of the manuscript.
64 San Diego Society of Natural History
PLATE 7
All figures approximately natural size.
Fig. la. Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad.
Genotype, U. S. National Mus. Cat. No. 13337. Upper surface of
test. Estrella, Monterey Co., California.
Fig. lb. Astrodapsis antiselli Conrad.
Same specimen. Lateral view of test.
Fig. 2a. Astrodapsis salinasensis, new name.
Holotype, U. S. National Mus. Cat. No. 165466a, Specimen B.
Lower side of test. Two miles South of San Lucas, Monterey Co.,
California.
Fig. 2b. Astrodapsis salinasensis, new name.
Same specimen. Upper surface of test.
Fig. 2c. Astrodapsis salinasensis, new name.
Same specimen. Lateral view of test.
Richards — California Species of Astrodapsis
Plate 7
PgK* r
2 a.
lc$F*N&?
2 a
2 b.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 10, pp. 67-68 August 24, 1935
THE MANGROVE WARBLER OF NORTH-
WESTERN MEXICO
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
San Diego Society of Natural History
In the spring of 1930 while at Tobari Bay on the coast of southern
Sonora I collected a series of breeding mangrove warblers. These, on a
more critical examination than I was able previously to give them, prove
not to be of the subspecies castaneiceps, but to belong to an undescribed
race which is apparently more closely related to Dendroica erithachorides
xanthotera of the Pacific coast of Central America. At present the com-
bined material in the San Diego Society of Natural History and the
Dickey collection (for the privilege of using which I am under obligations
to Mrs. Dickey) totals 64 specimens. These consist of 15 xanthotera, 30
castaneiceps, and 19 of the Sonora race. A description of the new race,
together with comment on the others is herewith offered. The new race
may be called
Dendroica erithachorides rhizophorae subsp. nov.
Type. — Male adult, no. 17090, collection of the San Diego Society of
Natural history; Tobari Bay, Sonora, Mexico, April 30, 1930; collected by A. J.
van Rossem.
Subspecific characters. — General size very similar to Dendroica erithacho-
rides xanthotera Todd of the Pacific coast of Central America, though averaging
even smaller in wing length and size of bill; definitely smaller in all dimensions
than Dendroica erithachorides castaneiceps Ridgway of southern Lower Cali-
fornia. The tail has less yellow than in xanthotera; more than in castaneiceps.
68 San Diego Society of Natural History
Adult males have the chestnut of the throat more restricted and the under parts
usually more heavily streaked than in either xanthotera or castaneiceps; colora-
tion of both sexes otherwise similar to castaneiceps, that is to say less richly col-
ored than xanthotera.
Range. — Coast of southern Sonora from the northern limit of mangroves
at Tepopa Bav south (Kino Bay; Guaymas; Tobari Bay) to Agiabampo on the
Sonora-Sinaloa boundary, and probably for some distance further south.
Remarks. — In considering the most characteristic features of the three races
under comparison there are immediately noticeable the large size of castaneiceps,
the restriction of chestnut and heavy streaking of rhizophorae, and the rich gen-
eral coloration of xanthotera.
There are two very distinct color phases in the young of this species, and
these persist at least through the post-juvenal moult. Whether or not they nor-
mally persist beyond that stage I do not know. There is evidence both ways in
the combined series of 64 skins. However, both the gray and the yellowish olive
green phases are present in unquestionably young females of castaneiceps and in
spring females of uncertain age of rhizophorae. In xanthotera the pale phase is
almost indistinguishable from the olive green phase of the northern races and
the bright phase is, of course, infinitely richer and yellower. Evidence that the
pale phase persists at times into the adult stages is shown by two fully adult males
of xanthotera from Costa Rica.
It is certain that a large amount of carefully collected specimens will be
necessary in order to determine not only the duration of the pale phase, but its
relative abundance in different geographic areas. The material before me indi-
cates that it is much more prevalent southerly.
Measurements of Adult Males in Millimeters
Extremes and Averages
Wing
Tail
Exposed
Culmen
Tarsus
Middle Toe
minus Claw
6
xanthotera
64-68
47-51
(49.3)
10.5-12.0
(11.1)
18.7-19.3
(19.5)
11.2-12.3
(65.8)
(11.5)
7
rhizophorae
61-65
(63.2)
47-52
(49.4)
9.6-10.7
(10.3)
19.7-21.0
(20.0)
11.3-11.9
(11.7)
17
castaneiceps
65.69
(67.1)
53-57
(53.8)
10.8-12.0
(11.3)
20.3-22.2
(21.3)
11.5-13.1
(12.4)
??W
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 1 1, pp. 69-72 August 24, 1935
%
A NEW RACE OF BROWN TOWHEE FROM THE
INYO REGION OF CALIFORNIA
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
San Diego Society of Natural History
In the latter part of May of the present year I was invited by Mr.
Christopher Henne of Pasadena to accompany him on a short trip to the
Argus Mountains, a small, excessively arid range in southern Inyo and
extreme northern San Bernardino Counties. This range forms, in part, the
western rim of Panamint valley. The region is adequately mapped by the
U. S. Geological Survey and is covered by the Searles Lake and Ballarat
Quadrangles, and Plate X of Water Supply Paper No. 490.
Our three day reconnaissance of Mountain Springs Canyon on the
west slope of the range in Inyo County was made more than casually in-
teresting by the discovery that the thickets of willows, which in interrupted
fashion follow the canyon bed from 4200 to 5500 feet altitude, harbored
a breeding colony of brown towhees. This colony is of course effectually
isolated from the geographically nearest race of brown towhee, Pipilo fus-
cus carolae, by the Sierra Nevada as well as by intervening deserts.
The six specimens collected cannot satisfactorily be placed with any
of the known races of this rather "plastic" species, a not surprising circum-
stance in view of the fact that the isolated habitat lies in a region far re-
moved faunally from the coastal and interior valley habitats of other
brown towhees of the crissalis group. This region, a part of the Inyo
Division of the Great Basin Faunal Area, is already characterized by
numerous subspecies of birds and mammals. The new towhee is named as
70 San Diego Society of Natural History
Pipilo fuscus eremophilus subsp. nov.
Type.— Breeding male adult, no. 17083, collection of the San Diego
Society of Natural History; Lang Spring, 5500 feet altitude, Mountain Springs
Canyon, Argus Mountains, Inyo County, California, May 22, 1935; collected
by A. J. van Rossem.
Subspecifc characters.— Most closely resembles Pipilo fuscus carolae Mc-
Gregor of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley of California, but bill smaller,
tarsi and toes decidedly shorter, and coloration slightly darker and grayer.
Resembles Pipilo fuscus crissalis of the Pacific slope of southern California, but
wing and tail longer, bill much more slender, both in lateral and vertical profile,
and coloration grayer.
Range. — Argus Mountains of Inyo and San Bernardino Counties, south-
eastern California.
Remarks. — The gray, dark coloration of the desert race is more pronounced
in the single juvenile than in the worn adults. Since wear tends to obscure com-
parative color values between races of this species it seems likely that fresh-
plumaged adult specimens will show even more definite differences than are ap-
parent in worn series.
There are several matters of interest connected with the characters displayed
by this desert race of brown towhee. First, there is no approach in any particular
toward mesoleucus, indeed the tendencies are away from that race. Second, there
would appear to be every reason to suspect, a prion, that a race resident in the
Argus range would show relative pallor, compared with other crissalis subspecies,
for not only is the region one of extreme aridity and high temperatures, but the
soil color is definitely pale — a light colored granite which weathers reddish rather
than gray. Large size and pallid coloration rather generally characterize Inyo
subspecies, but the trend in this instance is an exception.
In going over the published literature I was surprised to find that Frank
Stephens had taken a brown towhee in the Argus Mountains on April 25, 1891,
at which time he was a member of the Death Valley Expedition. The record
seems to have been generally overlooked by reviewers, though Ridgway (in Pt.
1 of Birds of No. & Mid. Amer., p. 435), in the bibliography of "Pipilo crissalis
senicula," repeats the record which was first published by Fisher on page 105 of
North American Fauna No. 7.
Through the courtesy of the Bureau of Biological Survey I am able to ex-
amine this specimen. It has become reddened by post-mortem color change and
is now indistinguishable in color from recently collected examples of carolae.
However, the mensural characters accord strictly with those of eremophilus. The
precise locality on the label is given as "Searles Garden," presumably at, or near,
Searles Borax Works at the south end of the range.
In addition to this specimen borrowed from the Biological Survey, I must
acknowledge the use of specimens in the Dickey collection, and the courtesy of
Dr. Joseph Grinnell in sending me a comprehensive series of carolae from the
west slope of the Sierra Nevada.
van Rossem — New Brown Towhee
71
Measurements of Males in Millimeters1
Extremes and Averages
Exposed
Depth at
Middle Toe
Wing
Tail
Cut »i i n
Base
Tarsus
mi ii n s Clau
1 0 crissalis
from Los Angeles
90-97
97-105
14.0-15.2
8.8-10.4
26.0-28.5
17.8-19.0
and Ventura Cos.
(92)
(100)
(14.4)
(9.6)
(26.8)
(18.4)
10 carolac from
95-100
103-117
15.7-16.8
9.7-10.6
27.8-30.0
19.5-21.0
the range
(96)
(108)
(16.2)
(10.2)
(28.4)
(20.1)
4 eremophilus
94-95
103-108
14.5-14.7
8.8-9.4
25.5-27.5
17.5-19.5
(95)
(106)
(14.6)
(9.0)
(26.6)
(18.4)
1 Wing and tail measurements are all from worn specimens, so far as possible in com-
parable stages of abrasion. Fresh plumaged birds measure somewhat longer. In this connec-
tion, as well as for modern systematic treatment of various California races, see the measure-
ments recorded by Swarth, Condor, 1918, pp. 117-121, and Grinnell and Swarth, Univ.
Calif. Pub. Zool., 21, no. 18, 1926, pp. 427-433.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 12, pp. 73-74 August 24, 1935
A NEW SILKY POCKET MOUSE FROM
SONORA, MEXICO
BY
Laurence M. Huey
Curator of Birds and Mammals, San Diego Society of Natural History
In a collection of mammals secured in early 1935 by the writer for
the San Diego Society of Natural History at Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mex-
ico, are four specimens of Perognathus longimembris that differ in several
characters from the hitherto described forms of this species. This race
may be known as :
Perognathus longimembris kinoensis subsp. nov.
Kino Silky Pocket Mouse
Type. — From Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico (more precisely — from the
northern end of the sand dune peninsula that borders the bay and forms the north-
ern arm of the estuary); no. 11300, collection of the San Diego Society of
Natural History; adult male; collected by Laurence M. Huey, February 26, 1935.
Characters. — In color, kinoensis is darker than Perognathus longimembris
bombycinus. its nearest relative. The most prominent characters of this form are
cranial, and compared with bombycinus the skull of kinoensis is more rounded
and narrower across the bullae. The interparietal is almost square in shape, and
the nasals are longer and more attenuated. In some respects it approaches P. I.
pacifcus from the coastal region of San Diego County, California; for example,
in its very small size and compressed, arched skull with rounded bullae. How-
ever, in color these two races are widely different.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 135; tail, 80; hind foot, 17; ear, 4.
Skull (type): Greatest length, 20.7; width across bullae, 11.4; interorbital con-
striction, 4.6; nasals, 7.2; tooth row, 2.6.
74 San Diego Society of Natural History
Range. — So far as known, only the type locality.
Remarks. — P. I. kinoensis provides an interesting illustration of color devel-
opment, as compared with the other two races of Perognathns longimembris
mentioned in this paper. It is a well established fact that desert and coastal forms
are respectively light and dark. This is true of P. I. bombyanus and P. I. pacificus.
In P. I. kinoensis, however, we have a coastal race whose range borders the humid
tropical desert of central Sonora. Here it has developed a grayish cast, as con-
trasted with the rich black tendencies found along the coast in southern California.
Specimens examined. — Perognathus longimembris bombycinus: 2 from 6
miles east of Yuma, Arizona (type locality) ; 2 from 3 miles west of Pik>t Knob,
Imperial County, California; 3 from San Felipe, Lower California, Mexico.
Perognathus longimembris pacificus: 60 from Tia Juana Valley, San Diego
County, California (type locality) ; 6 from 4 miles north of Oceanside, San Diego
County, California; 1 from San Onofre, San Diego County, California. Perogna-
thus longimembris kinoensis: 4 from Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico (type local-
ity).
ZY'JI*/
TRANSACTIONS^
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 13, pp. 75-90, plate 8, map
A NEW SUBSPECIES
OF CROTALUS CONFLUENTUS,
THE PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKE
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
August 24, 1935
A NEW SUBSPECIES
OF CROTALUS CONFLUENTUS,
THE PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKE
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
It is with some hesitation that the writer proposes the differentiation
of the Prairie Rattlesnake of the Little Colorado Basin and the surround-
ing territory in Arizona as a new subspecies of Cro talus conjluentus. The
latter is a wide-spread and rather variable snake ; it has already been divided
into five territorial races, e. g., conjluentus, abyssus, concolor, lutosus, and
oreganus. However, surveying the type subspecies conjluentus conjluen-
tus, as now recognized, we find that the Arizona specimens differ from
those inhabiting the rest of the range from Canada to Mexico in consis-
tent and conspicuous characters.
I do not favor the indiscriminate splitting of reptile species in each
instance where significant differences in some character can be found to
exist between two or more geographical groups. Thus, specimens of
Crotalus conjluentus oreganus from Washington can be quite readily dis-
tinguished from southern California specimens by color and pattern ; and
it can be shown mathematically that Texas specimens of Crotalus atrox
have a significant difference in such important characters as dorsal scale
rows, ventrals, and labials from Arizona individuals. But, after all, these
differences are largely technical; the snakes themselves are essentially the
same, and it will serve no practical purpose to recognize each of such dif-
ferences, with the multiplicity of subspecies that would result in plastic
forms.
But the prairie rattlesnakes of Arizona, and particularly those found
in the drainage area of the Little Colorado River, between Canyon Padre
on the west and Bibo on the east, are so conspicuously different in size and
color, and so significantly different in scale counts from the snakes found
beyond the Continental Divide, that the divergence will appeal to the ncn-
herpetologist as well as to the specialist. Venom data will be clarified by
the recognition of this form, owing to the differences from the typical sub-
species in yield, and possibly in quality as well. Thus it would seem that
it is desirable to make this segregation.
78 San Diego Society of Natural History
It is true that there is some lack of uniformity in the specimens
found in this area, so that the relationship pattern is not as clear as
might be desired. Much of this may be attributed to a few inaccurate
locality records, or to such effect as the religious rites of the Indians may
have had upon distribution; but in any case, even if we consider all of
the Arizona specimens (rather than only the stunted specimens from the
Winslow area), we will still find a significant divergence, when compari-
sons are made with the type subspecies.
While the differences herein mentioned were first recognized in
1927, initially leading to some confusion with C. tigris, a discussion of
the problem has been postponed until adequate material has become
available. Studies have now been made of 200 Arizona specimens of this
form, and scale counts of 1900 specimens of confluentus confluentus
from other states are at hand for purposes of comparison.
Crotalus confluentus nuntius1 subsp. nov.
Arizona Prairie Rattlesnake
Type. — No. 3105 in the collection of L. M. K. Collected at Canyon
Diablo, Coconino County, Arizona, by R. L. Borden, August 9, 1930.
Diagnosis. — A stunted subspecies of Crotalus confluentus, predominantly
reddish-brown in coloration and with low dorsal and ventral scale counts.
Description of Type. — Adult male. Length (live measurements) 468 mm.
to rattles, tail length 38 mm., ratio 0.081. Length of head 24 mm., times con-
tained in body length 19.5. Width of head 17 mm. Width across the supraocu-
lars 1 1 mm., distance between supraoculars 4.5 mm., ratio 2.44.
The head is subtriangular, depressed, and, except for the supraoculars, cov-
ered with small scales. These are raised and unkeeled, excepting those in the tem-
poral area and toward the neck.
The dorsal scale rows are 23-23-19; the first row dropped is the 6th, the
second the 5th. At mid-body all scale rows are keeled, excepting the first two on
either side. The central dorsal rows are smaller than the lateral; they are the
more strongly keeled and have moderate posterior bosses. The ventrals number
166, and the caudals 26, in a single series. The anal is entire. The supralabials
number 16-16; the infralabials 15-14. The rostral is higher than wide; eight scales
contact it posteriorly, a first supralabial and prenasal on each side, and 4 interna-
sals. Between the internasals and the supraoculars there are two canthals on each
side. The scales on the top of the head, anterior to the supraoculars, number 18.
The anterior intersupraoculars are 4+6; the anterior boundary of these scales is
1 Nuntius, the messenger. In the Hopi Snake Ceremonial, these snakes are used as
messengers to the gods of the underworld.
Klauber — New Prairie Rattlesnake 79
indefinite. The nasals are 2-2, the anterior larger; there are 0-1 Ioreals. The
upper preocular contacts the prenasal on the left; on the right the contact is pre-
vented by the juxtaposition of loreal and posterior canthal. There are two pre-
oculars on either side, the upper larger, the lower crescent-shaped and bordering
the pit above. The postoculars are 3-3, the total scales in the orbit, 8-9; scales
from the labials to the orbit, 2+3, 2+4. The first and eighth supralabials are
the largest. The small scales anterior to the pit number 4-3.
The first infralabials are undivided and are in contact on the median line;
there are no intergenials. The mental is subtriangular, contacting only the first
infralabials and a small submental. The genials are in a single pair, short and
obtuse, and contact 4-5 infralabials.
The head above is light red-brown, irregularly spotted with darker. The
supraoculars are crossed with light marks, widening inwardly. On the side of the
head there is a light preocular stripe passing backward to the angle of the mouth,
and a second narrower postocular light stripe, about \\ scales wide, the upper
edge of which is rather indefinite. Between the two light stripes there is a dark
ocular stripe about 2h scales wide ending above the commissure. The infrala-
bials are punctated.
The ground color of the body is light reddish-brown, upon which there are
superimposed 43 blotches of darker red-brown. On the sides there are secondary
and tertiary series of ill-defined spots; posteriorly these are confluent with the
dorsal series so that the last ten blotches become transverse rings, of a somewhat
lighter color than the anterior blotches. The dorsal blotches are irregular both in
shape and outline; at mid-body they are ellipses with the major axes transverse
to the snake. They are about 11 scale rows wide, and longitudinally are 2 to 3
scales (end to end) long. The blotches are wider (along the body of the snake)
than the interspaces. The blotches internally are somewhat darker at the borders
than centrally; exteriorly there is a white edge, but this is neither regular nor
always present. The blotch borders are independent of scale edges, which is typi-
cal of confluentus as opposed to scutulatus. The tail is crossed with 10 rings, all
being brown except the last two, which are black, thus being in strong contrast
with the rest of the body. The ventrals are straw colored, and somewhat punctated,
particularly adjacent to the dorsals.
The rattles, of which 3 remain, measure about 7.3 mm. across. Studies of
the rattles of this form indicate that there were not less than ten rattles in the
complete string. The base of the rattles is black.
The hemipenis is completely bifurcate with divided sulcus. The base on the
outer shoulders is covered with short, heavy spines, there being about 24 major
spines on each shoulder, and some 55 smaller points. There are no spines in the
crotch. The branches are covered with laminate fringes, there being about 27 on
each lobe. The boundary between spines and fringes is sharply defined. The ratio
between lobe length and diameter is 2.1, which is approximately the proportion
usually found in confluentus confluentus.
General Description and Remarks. — The following is a summary of scale
counts and measurements of 108 specimens from the area between Canyon Padre,
80 San Diego Society of Natural History
Coconino County, Arizona, on the west and Bibo, Apache County, Arizona, on
the east, and will serve to indicate character variations in specimens from that
area wherein this form adheres most closely to the type. Other Arizona speci-
mens are subsequently discussed, but in this summary of the new subspecies it is
deemed advisable to omit specimens which might be considered intergrades with
other subspecies.
Size, small. Scale rows at midbody usually 23 (48 per cent) or 25 (50 per
cent); rarely 21, 22, or 27 (less than 1 per cent of each). The scales are keeled,
except the first two on the sides. Posterior scale bosses are not conspicuous. Ven-
trals: males, max. 181, min. 166, av. 172.29±0.26, interquartile range 170.1 —
174.5 (68 specimens); females, max. 182, min. 169, av. 177.51±0.32, interquar-
tile range 175.5 — 179.5 (39 specimens). Anal entire. Caudals: males, 21 to 28,
average of 68 specimens 24.8; females, 14 to 21, average of 39 specimens 18.5.
These extremes are seldom attained; the males usually have from 23 to 26 and the
females from 17 to 20. The caudals, while generally entire, may have a few at
either end of the series divided.
The supralabials average 14.8; they usually number 15 (43 per cent), or 14
(30 per cent); occasionally 16 (18 per cent) or 13 (6 per cent); rarely 17 (less
than 3 per cent). The infralabials average 15.3; they generally number 15 (38
per cent), 16 (35 per cent); occasionally 14 (18 per cent) or 17 (7 per cent);
rarely 12 or 13 (less than 1 per cent of each) .
The rostral is higher than wide, and in contact with the prenasals. The pre-
nasals are always in contact with the supralabials. The internasals (scales in con-
tact with the rostral between nasals, regardless of size or relative position) usually
number 3, 4, or 5; rarely 2 or 6, the average being exactly 4. The scales on the
crown, anterior to the supraoculars, vary from 12 to 31; the average is 20.2, with
an interquartile range of 17.6 to 22.7. The minimum scale rows between supra-
oculars are usually 3 or 4, rarely 2 or 5, averaging 3.52. Supraocular sutures or in-
dentations are not present.
The nasals are 2-2. About 90 per cent of the specimens have one loreal, the
rest two or none; the upper is always the smaller when present. The scales along
the canthus rostralis from internasals to supraoculars usually number two, rarely
1 or 3; the posterior is the largest of the series.
The upper preocular, which is the larger, is usually not in contact with the
postnasal. In 82 per cent such contact is prevented by the contact of the post-can-
thai with the loreal, in 5 per cent by the presence of a small upper loreal.
The upper preocular is usually undivided; only in one instance is an upper
corner cut off at the eye. The lower preocular is crescent shaped and constitutes
the upper border of the pit. The small scales anterior to the pit usually number 3
to 5; they are not carried forward to the rostral.
The scale rows from labials to orbit usually number 2+3 or 2+2.
Generally the 5th and 6th supralabials are the largest; however they do not con-
spicuously exceed the others in size. Usually the third and fourth are in contact
with the lower pit border.
The first infralabials are usually undivided (only 5 per cent divided) . Nor-
mally 4 are in contact with the genials on each side.
Klauber— New Prairie Rattlesnake 81
The mental is subtriangular. The genials are in a single pair, relatively short
and obtuse, intergenials being present in 13 per cent. Also 13 per cent of the
specimens have submentals.
The equation for the head length of nuntius approximates H = 0.0318L+
7.7, where the head and body length are given in millimeters. Thus a 500 mm.
snake would have a head length of about 23.6 mm. L /H is, of course, not a
constant, but closely approximates 21.2 in adults. The ratio of the distance across
the supraoculars to the space between averages 2.64 (range 2.25 to 3.13) in 86
specimens.
The ratio of the length of tail to total length, exclusive of rattle, varies from
about 0.065 to 0.089 in the males (average 0.077), and 0.045 to 0.074 in the
females (average 0.056) .
The largest preserved specimen examined measured 732 mm. (29 in.). The
average size at birth is probably 165 mm. (6| in.) . Specimens exceeding 650
mm. (26 in.) are not common. The smallest gravid female measured 395 mm.
(15 J in.).
In color the typical specimens from the Little Colorado Basin are pink,
red-brown, brown, or gray-brown. Pinks predominate about Adamana and Hol-
brook; west of Dennison dark-brown is the typical color. Those from the vicinity
of Moqui have an orange tinge. An occasional olive-brown specimen may be
found in the vicinity of Winslow. Dark gray-brown specimens are found at
Meteor Crater. The reddish hues tend to fade in preservative so that preserved
specimens show less of this color than live material.
The head is rather brightly marked. Supraocular light cross-dashes are always
in evidence in well preserved material; usually these are inwardly divergent. The
postocular light line is l| to 2 scales wide, thus being intermediate between
typical conjluentus and oreganus. The infralabials are punctated, otherwise the
underside of the head is immaculate.
The body blotches number from 35 to 52, interquartile range 39.8 to 44.6,
mean 42.2 ±0.23. The blotches are of the conjluentus confluentus type, that is,
the edges do not follow scale outlines. Longitudinally, they are wider than the
interspaces. In shape they are highly irregular but are usually cross-ovals, rectan-
gles, or figure-eights. The internal edges are darker than the blotch centers and
are sometimes black; the external edges are lighter than the ground color and are
sometimes almost white. Secondary and tertiary blotches, while usually present,
are ill-defined. Caudad the blotches become transverse rings and are lighter than
the anterior blotches.
The ventral surfaces are straw-colored. Usually the ends of the ventral
scales are punctated, but they may be immaculate.
The tail rings vary from 5 to 12 (usually 8 to 11) in the males (average
9.4), and 5 to 10 (usually 6 to 8) in the females (average 7.3). The anterior
rings are not in strong contrast to the ground color and are often ill-defined. The
posterior rings (1 to 3) are black, in strong color contrast with the rest of the
body, but are so poorly outlined as not to be conspicuous. The rattle matrix is
black.
82 San Diego Society of Natural History
The rattles are small and delicate. The average widths of the first seven
rattles in mm./ 10 are 43-50-60-69-73-80-82.
The hemipenis is completely bifurcate with divided sulcus. There are about
67 short spines on the shoulders; some are quite small so that the counting is not
always accurate. There are no spines in the crotch. The lobes are covered with
fringes which are laminate in front and reticulate in back, as is usual in confluen-
tus. The fringes vary from 20 to 31; most specimens have from 25 to 29, the
average being 27. This is distinctly lower than the confluentus average. The ratio
of the lobe length to diameter is 2.2. The border between spines and fringes is
sharply defined.
The venom yield is about 38 mg. of dry purified venom per fresh adult snake.
The fang length, measured from upper lumen to tip, of a 500 mm. snake (head
length 23.6 mm.) will closely approximate 4.1 mm.
Range. — Specimens of the typical stunted nuntius have been collected at
the following points located along the line of the Santa Fe Railway or adjacent
to U. S. Highway 66 between Canyon Padre, Coconino County, Arizona, on the
west and Bibo, Apache County, Arizona, on the east:
Coconino County: Navajo County:
Canyon Padre (at U. S. 66) Winslow
Babbitt Tank 3, 6, and 22 mi. N. of Holbrook
7 mi. and 6 mi. W. of Two Guns (Road to Keams Canyon)
(on U. S. 66) Apache County:
5 mi. E. of Canyon Padre (on Adamana
U S- 66> 6 mi. N. of Adamana
Canyon Diablo (Type locality; gji
station on Santa Fe Railway)
Two Guns
4 mi. NW. of Meteor Crater
Sunshine
Dennison
Moqui
6 mi. W. of Winslow
This territory is an arid prairie about 4800 to 5200 feet in altitude; it is
cut by deep arroyos, of which Canyon Diablo is the most conspicuous, and buttes
are scattered about.
Discussion. — Having described and summarized the new subspecies, nuntius,
two interrelated problems remain: First, the disposition of the specimens from
those areas of Arizona outside the Canyon Padre-Bibo section, hitherto considered
confluentus confluentus; and secondly, the relationship of the new form with the
other confluentus subspecies.
Nuntius is clearly a stunted offshoot of confluentus confluentus; this is
shown by the pattern on both head and body. The characteristic arrangement of
Klauber — New Prairie Rattlesnake 83
the head marks, the nature of the blotch edges, the number and form of the tail
rings, all show a close affinity to the parent form. The difference between the two
is found in the reduction in scale counts so often seen in stunted races. This may
be exemplified by comparing the dorsal scale rows and ventral scales of the two
forms. For our basic confliientus conjluentus data we may use 875 specimens
from Colorado, in which State the type specimen was collected. We have the
following:
Scale Rows — Per Cent Distribution2
29 27 25 23 21
Conjluentus (Colo.) 3 67 30
Nuntius 1 50 48 1
The averages of the ventral scale counts are as follows :
Average Ventral Scales
Males Females
Confliientus (Colo.) 178.84±0.10 185.73zt0.ll
Nuntius 172.29±0.26 177.51 ±0.32
In addition there are differences in color and size, although it is admitted
that these characters are of less importance than scale counts, since they are more
plastic. Co7ifluentus, from its type area, is usually green or olive-green, while
nuntius is pink or red-brown. A large adult male conjluentus from Colorado will
have a length of about 1000 mm.; in other parts of the range the size may exceed
1200 mm.; nuntius seldom exceeds 650 mm. The smallest Colorado female with
eggs (out of 149 gravid females) was 588 mm. long; the smallest nuntius (out
of only 6 gravid specimens) was 395 mm. Thus, without doubt, there is a real
difference in adult size in these forms, a fact further validated by rattle studies.
Cope's pulverulentus1 does not anticipate nuntius; the type of the former
is a large snake with 27 scale rows, although the ventral scale count is low for
typical conjluentus. The punctations and the number of intersupraoculars, which
led Cope to describe this as a new subspecies, are found not to differ either in
the type of pulverulentus, or in other specimens collected in the same area in
New Mexico, from specimens of conjluentus taken near its type locality in Colo-
rado.
From lutosus we find nuntius to differ in size, pattern, color, number of ven-
trals, and number of scales on the snout before the supraoculars; and the same is
true to a less extent in comparing abyssus and nuntius. Just as nuntius is a stunted
form of conjluentus conjluentus , so concolor seems to be a stunted form of
lutosus; concolor is superficially more like nuntius than is any other of the con-
jluentus subspecies, although it is doubted whether the relationship is a direct one.
In any case, they differ in color, pattern, and head scales, especially the number of
scales before and between the supraoculars.
2 Even rows are distributed equally to the next odd number above and below.
3 Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 11.
84
San Diego Society of Natural History
Nuntius differs from Arizona oreganus in color, pattern, and head scales.
These differences are discussed somewhat more in detail in considering the
other specimens hitherto classified as confluentus confluentus from the area in
northeastern Arizona surrounding the territory in which nuntius reaches its most
typical development. Of these there are available 82 specimens from the following
localities:
Coconino County:
*Lee's Ferry Bridge, South Side
*Base of Echo Cliffs, near Cedar
Ridge Trading Post
Havasupai Point, South Rim,
Grand Canyon
El Tovar, Grand Canyon
15 mi. S. of El Tovar
Red Butte
22 mi. N. of Williams
(EI Tovar Road)
Anita
Willaha
5 mi. N. of Valle
Valle
36 mi. N. of Maine Sta.
12 mi. N. of Deadman's Flat
Deadman's Flat
Medicine Valley, NE. of San
Francisco Mt.
Near San Francisco Mt.
Tanner Tank
15 and 20 mi. NE. of Flagstaff
(Tolchaco Road)
7 mi. NE. of Leupp
12 mi. E. of Mouth of Moencopie
Wash
East Foot Monument Point
6 mi. E. of Flagstaff
1 mi. N. of Winona
Angel 1
Navajo County:
*Kayenta
*Marsh Pass
Shimopovi
8, 10 mi. S. of Oraibi
(Road to Leupp)
Apache County:
*Four Corners
10 mi. NE. of Chin Lee
Navajo
Chambers
Cheto
8 mi. E. of Sanders
Houck
5 mi. W. of Lupton
40 mi. S. of Navajo
10 mi. NE. of St. Johns
* Of these localities, all should be considered to be within the range of nuntius except
those marked*; those so marked are to be considered confluentus confluentus. (See map).
Klauber — New Prairie Rattlesnake 85
In addition the species has been observed at the Hopi villages of Hotevila,
Oraibi, Shipaulovi, Mishongnovi, Toreva, Sichomovi, and Walpi.
The following specimens of conjluentus confluentus or nuntius are contained
in the U. S. National Museum: No. 5271 from Fort Buchanan, No. 8395 from
Fort Apache, and No. 11879 from Fort Whipple. These three localities are in
oreganus territory from which, in the last 25 years, no specimens of confluentus
have been forthcoming. In the days when these snakes were collected it was the
custom to label specimens with the name of the military post from which they
were forwarded to the Smithsonian Institution. Sometimes the actual point of
collection was some hundreds of miles away. It is therefore deemed advisable to
omit consideration of these three specimens as being of uncertain locality.
Summarizing the situation it may be said that we have sufficient material,
upon which to draw conclusions, from areas to the east and west of the Canyon
Padre-Bibo area, but not from the north.
East of Bibo we have undoubted intergradation between nuntius and con-
jluentus conjluentus. As we pass through Navajo, Chambers, and Houck there
is a gradual increase in body size, and a shift in color from pink through red-
brown and olive-brown toward green. Twenty-five dorsal scale rows becomes the
mode and there is a moderate increase in the dorsal scale count. At Gallup, New
Mexico, larger, olive-green specimens with 25 scale rows predominate; these are
to be considered conjluentus conjluentus, although the ventral scale counts are
lower than in the typical form from Colorado.
This easterly intergradation is broad and gradual, for the habitat conditions
change slowly; a sharp line of demarcation is not to be expected since true inter-
grades occur over a wide territory. Merely for purposes of allocation we may
consider that the Arizona-New Mexico line (at U. S. 66) is the approximate
location of the boundary between the forms; thus the Arizona specimens are
assembled with nuntius rather than coyijluentus conjluentus.
West of Canyon Padre the situation is not so simple. First, we have, at such
points as Angell and Winona, small snakes only slightly larger than those from
Winslow, but distinctly darker and more brightly marked. While the majority
are dark-brown or red-brown, a few are olive-brown. The same situation exists
at Deadman's Flat in the area northeast of the San Francisco Peaks. All of these
snakes have low scale counts; they are clearly nuntius, differing only in color, and
with a slight increase in size, from the typical specimens.
Proceeding further west we come to the Coconino Plateau, lying south of the
Grand Canyon. A good series of specimens is available from Anita, Valle, and a
few other scattered points round about. Here the snakes are superficially much
more like conjluentus. They are decidedly larger than typical nuntius. Browns
predominate, with large dorsal blotches close together and without light edges;
olive-greens and greens are likewise present. They are much punctated. Yet with
all these conjluentus tendencies, they are far from typical conjluentus, for the
dorsal and ventral scale counts are as low or lower than in nuntius. Thus, in these
all-important characters they more nearly resemble the latter and will be so class-
ified.
86 San Diego Society of Natural History
A few specimens are available from the south rim of the Grand Canyon;
these show decided abyssus tendencies, particularly in high number of intersupra-
oculars and scales on the snout. Even the specimens from as far south as Anita
show this tendency to a slight degree. Thus, I consider these snakes to be nuntius,
intergradation with abyssus occurring at the south rim of the Canyon.
Also, in this Coconino Plateau area, we have the nuntius-oreganus relation-
ship to determine, and this is the most difficult of all. A number of oreganus are
available from the vicinity of Gleed; these show undoubted resemblances to the
Valle nuntius; two of them might almost be considered intergrades. The Valle
specimens present some interesting tendencies as compared with the main group
of nuntius, particularly in color and pattern, toward these Gleed oreganus. Un-
fortunately, no specimens have been taken between Valle and Gleed. Although
the intervening territory is suitable to either subspecies, I do not affirm that inter-
gradation occurs, for there are some differences in head scales which rather
sharply divide the two. For instance, almost all the Gleed specimens have the
prenasals separated from the supraoculars, which is not the case with the Valle
specimens.
Another uncertainty is the following: There are some areas, particularly in
the vicinity of the San Francisco Mountains, where nuntius and oreganus have
been taken so near to each other that an actual overlap is indicated. If this be
the case they could hardly be expected to intergrade in the Valle-Gleed territory.
Only the receipt of additional material can resolve this doubt.
It may be of interest ot note that the actual and direct intergradation of ore-
ganus and conflue?itus conjluentus, although possible in central Idaho or west-
central New Mexico has not yet been demonstrated. It may occur through lutosus
in southern Idaho; the lutosus-oreganus intergradation is demonstrated near the
Oregon border, but the confluentus-lutosus merger is not. Thus, the most certain
intergradation (as known today) of the two terminal forms, oreganus and con-
jluentus, is that via the detour conjluentus, nuntius, abyssus, lutosus, oreganus,
and this is not as certain as is desirable.
Lastly there arises the question as to the classification of the prairie rattlers
found to the north of the Little Colorado Basin. Of these unfortunately we have
insufficient specimens to determine their position definitely. The situation is fur-
ther complicated by the fact that the Hopi Indians use these rattlesnakes in their
Snake Dance and sometimes have brought in specimens from distant points. On
one occasion when I saw the dance there was a mixture of "large greens" and
typical nuntius. In scale counts the snakes of this north area are more like conjlu-
entus conjluentus than those from the vicinity of Gallup or the Coconino Pla-
teau, this being especially true of the specimens from beyond the Hopi Reserva-
tion to the north. Thus, tentatively, I am disposed to consider the snakes of the
extreme northeastern corner of Arizona (i. e., the San Juan drainage area) as
conjluentus conjluentus rather than nuntius. This would also seem to prevent
direct intergradation between nuntius and concolor. A definite decision on this re-
lationship cannot be made until more specimens are available from the San Juan
basin, and especially along the San Juan River, from which two or three peculiar
specimens have been seen.
Klauber — New Prairie Rattlesnake 87
Conclusion. — Crotalus confluentus nuntius is described as a new subspecies.
It is a stunted form reaching its most typical development in the Winslow-Hol-
brook area in Arizona. Eastward it intergrades with C. c. confluentus and west-
ward, at the south rim of the Grand Canyon, with abyssus. It may intergrade with
oreganus southwest of the Coconino Plateau. The snakes of the San Juan basin
in Arizona are of uncertain status, but are probably C. c. confluentus.
San Diego Society of Natural History
PLATE 8
Fig. 1. Comparison of adult Crotalus confluentus nuntius (left) with adult
C. c. confluentus (right) . The former is from near Winslow, Ari-
zona; the latter from Kansas.
Klauber — New Prairie Rattlesnake
Plate 8
Fig. 1
av-zix
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 14, pp. 91-106, plates 9-16
NEW OR LITTLE KNOWN CRABS FROM THE
PACIFIC COAST OF NORTHERN MEXICO
BY
Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
August 24, 1935
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
NEW OR LITTLE KNOWN CRABS FROM THE
PACIFIC COAST OF NORTHERN MEXICO
BY
Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
The marine decapod crustacean fauna of the Gulf of California and
neighboring Pacific waters has such a rich and varied number of species
that it is not to be wondered at that so many new forms have been found
there from time to time. Geographic isolation and lack of roads or facilities
for observation has kept this territory a terra incognita, except for the
sporadic efforts of collectors on a few expeditions whose chief interest did
not lie primarily in the crustacean field. It is not possible for a single ex-
pedition into these waters to make more than a reconnaissance of the lit-
toral zones. Extreme low tides do not occur with sufficient frequency dur-
ing daylight hours to allow an intensive study of many and varied localities
in any one season. So it is not surprising that diligent effort is rewarded by
prodigal returns. The following described new species bear testimony to
this.
During the several times I have collected there I have found a num-
ber of obscure species in the Gulf of California of which some lacked de-
scriptions of the opposite sex, and some were of forms the type specimen
of which had been destroyed. I have thought it best to include a description
of at least one already named species in this paper, in order to replace the
lost type by a new one which could be kept in a safe repository for the
benefit of future workers in this field.
I am greatly indebted to Dr. Mary J. Rathbun and Dr. Waldo L.
Schmitt, of the U. S. National Museum, for their unfailing cooperation,
to Dr. Edith Berkeley, of the Pacific Biological Station, at Nanaimo,
British Columbia, for her prompt determination of the worm host of the
new Polyonyx, and to Mr. Anker Petersen, of Beverly Hills, California,
who has made and donated, for the benefit of science and the embellish-
ment of these pages, the splendid drawings which accompany the text.
For their accuracy and fidelity I can vouch.
PORCELLANIDAE
Polyonyx quadriungulatus, n. sp.
Plate 9
Type. — Female, holotype; Cat. No. 750, San Diego Society of Natural
94 San Diego Society of Natural History
History; male, paratype; Cat. No. 751, S. D. S. N. H; one paratype,
Cat. No. 71336, U. S. National Museum: from Estero de la Punta Banda, south
of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico; January 3, 1935; collected by Steve A.
Glassell, Beverly Hills, California, in whose collection the remaining paratypes
are located.
Diagnosis. — Carapace ^ broader than long. Hands unequal. Carpus of cheli-
peds f as wide as long. Dactyli of ambulatory legs armed with four unguicles on
the inner edge.
Description. — Carapace about 3 broader than long, appears smooth and
shining, but has a fine transparent pubescence growing in a series of transverse
lines, convex fore and aft, transversely ovate, regions indistinct; two subcrescentic
pits in center of carapace, at base of gastric region; front truncate, straight, entire,
in dorsal view. Antero-lateral margin divided into two arcs by a broad sinus
above the base of the first antennal joint. Posterior margin concave. Chelipeds un-
equal, dissimilar, microscopically punctate; merus stout, short, produced into a
prominent semi-oval lamina distally and anteriorly; carpus stout, about | as wide
as long, with a deep concavity on the under side for the reception of the posterior
side of the manus; manus, small at juncture with carpus, increasing in breadth and
thickness to the central part of the hand, which here forms an obtuse angle, the
distal portion pointing outward; dense, long pubescence fringes the outer lower
margin of manus; pollex of major hand turning outward, upward at tip, armed
with a row of low blunt teeth, largest and highest in the center; the prehensile
finger is curved outward, tip downward, and meshes on the outside of the tip of
the pollex; it is armed with a cutting edge of small teeth extending from the tip
to a large tooth in the middle; from this point to the gape, on a different axis, are
five blunt, low teeth, the last a lobe; the minor hand has a straight finger and
pollex, curved at the tips; the tip of the dactylus meshes on the inside of the pollex,
the pollex being the longer; a double row of small sharp teeth on both members,
the outside row entire, the inner row extending half way from the tip. Ambula-
tory legs longest in the order 1-2-3; merus wide, crested on 1-2, flattened on 3, a
row of sharp outward pointing spines on posterior margin of merus of legs 2-3;
propodi compressed, posterior margin armed with four forward pointing spines,
a transverse pair at distal end, followed by a single spine set a little back of these,
also a spine near center and on the same axis as the last; dactyli with four ungui-
cles, numbers 1-2-3 curving inward, the 4th outward; upper margin of carpus and
both margins of propodi and dactyli fringed with hair. The telson is composed
of seven plates.
Sexual variation. — Males smaller than females, also darker in color.
Color in life. — Ground color of carapace a dark brown, mottled with green
and red, chelipeds the same, while the legs are lighter and banded. Abdomen
mottled and opalescent.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 9.1 mm., width 13.5
mm. Male paratype: length 7.9 mm., width 10 mm. Largest female (imperfect) :
length 10.2 mm., width 15.5 mm.
Range. — Known only from type locality.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico 95
Material examined. — A series of 8 females and 5 males.
Habitat. — This species is found commensal with the chaetopodous annelid,
Chetopterus vanopedatus (Renier), which was found in a leathery double-ended
tube, located at mean low water level, on an eel grass mud flat. Only the larger
tubes were found to have crabs in them. These tubes are about a yard long by an
inch in diameter.
Remarks. — Related to P. nitidus Lockington, 1878, but differs in the fol-
lowing respects: hands unequal, instead of equal; carpus of chela § as wide as
long, instead of \ as wide; dactyli of ambulatory legs with four unguicles, instead
of with various numbers of unguicles. I am unfamiliar with any other species of
this genus and it seems remarkable to me that the dactyls of the chelipeds are not
symmetrically disposed, the dactyl of the major hand overlapping on the outside
of the pollex, while the reverse is true of the dactyl of the minor hand.
LEUCOSIDAE
Speloephorus schmitti, n. sp.
Plate 10
Type.— Female, holotype; Cat. No. 67728, U. S. National Museum: from
San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, low tide; May 10, 1933; collected by E. H.
Quayle. One paratype male, one paratype female, Cat. No's. 752 and 753, S. D.
S. N. H.; collected by S. A. Glassell, same locality, June 12, 1933; five female
paratypes in the collection of Steve A. Glassell, Beverly Hills, California.
Diagnosis. — Carapace subtriangular, one and a half times as broad as long.
Hinder edge of carapace sharp, straight.
Description. — Carapace subtriangular, approximately one and a half times
as broad as long; surface granulate, formed by a pavement of flat and rounded,
close-set granules. Subhepatic region prominent in dorsal view, postero-Iateral
margin a broad arch which terminates posteriorly in a slight tooth at the begin-
ning of the posterior hollow. Two small excrescences on the anterior branchial
margin, a short transverse raised line above. Hepatic region high, frontal teeth
deeply separated, a median groove on the cardiac region. Intestinal region thick,
forming a large protuberance within the posterior cavity, not visible in dorsal
view; the border of the cavity roughly pentagonal. Hinder edge of carapace sharp,
straight, invisible from above. Merus of chelipeds trilobed on outer margin; car-
pus short; hands dilated at proximal end, a straight crest on upper margin; ringers
thin, flat, curved, grooved, fitting close together. Ambulatory legs short, merus
lobed, carpus and propodus cristate, dactyli spinous. Enitire ventral side including
legs and chelipeds tuberculate.
Sexual and juvenile variations. — Abdomen of female heavily eroded. Male
abdomen tuberculate, with a backward pointing spine at the proximal end of
penult segment. Juvenile carapace with a high tuberculate median crest, a trans-
verse row of four granulated lobes, two branchial, two epibranchial, a deep trans-
verse sulcus posterior to these lobes. In the very small specimens the posterior
border is visible in a dorsal view.
96 San Diego Society of Natural History
Color in life. — Carapace a salmon pink, blotched with white, ventral side
and legs a muddy white.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 27 mm., width 36.8
mm. Male paratype: length 27.4 mm., width 36.5 mm.
Range. — Upper end of Gulf of California, Mexico.
Material examined. — Angeles Bay, Baja California, January 4, 1932, by
S. A. Glassell: two females and one male, juveniles. San Felipe, Baja California,
May and June, 1933, by E. H. Quayle and S. A. Glassell: two females (one the
holotype), and one male. San Felipe, Baja California, May 28, 1934, by S. A.
Glassell: two females.
Habitat. — Found at low tide, under dense sea lettuce and weeds among
rocks.
Remarks. — This species is dedicated to Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt, of the U. S.
National Museum, to whom I am indebted for assistance and counsel.
GONEPLACIDAE
Panoplax mundata, n. sp.
Plate 1 1
Type. — Male, holotype; Cat. No. 754, San Diego Society of Natural His-
tory; female, paratype; Cat. No. 755, S. D. S. N. H; one paratype, Cat. No.
71337, U. S. National Museum: from San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, near
upper end of Gulf of California; June 2, 1934; collected by Steve A. Glassell,
Beverly Hills, California, in whose collection the remaining paratypes are located.
Diagnosis. — Carapace convex anteriorly and posteriorly. Front bilobed,
truncate, straight. Sixth segment of male abdomen broader than base of seventh.
Antero-lateral borders converging slightly posteriorly.
Description. — Carapace slightly depressed at cardiac region, convex anter-
iorly and posteriorly; transversely flat at fourth marginal tooth; regions fairly
well marked, surface finely punctate, granulate on outer regions. Front truncate,
divided into two straight margined lobes by a sharp V shaped median notch.
Width of orbit and frontal lobe subequal. Five lateral teeth including the orbital
tooth; the second shallow, separated from the first by a shallow sinus; the third
large, blunt, right-angled, pointing forward and slightly upward; the fourth
sharper, right-angled, with anterior margin short and nearly transverse to the
carapace; the fifth small, not projecting beyond the general outline. Postero-
lateral margins moderately converging behind. Hinder edge of carapace straight.
Merus stout, dentate on upper margin. Carpus oblong, with a blunt tooth at inner
angle, granulate on upper surface; a slight anterior transverse groove. Hands un-
equal, smooth and rounded; a row of hairs on upper crest of hand and finger; a
lateral groove from near tip of pollex, paralleling lower outer margin; prehensile
teeth broad, low, a large one at base of dactylus on major hand; no gape; a dark
brown patch of color on pollex, extending slightly on palm of male; fingers brown,
curved at tips. Ambulatory legs long, hairy on margins, merus slightly com-
pressed; dactyli long, lanceolate, hairy to tip.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico 97
Sexual variation. — Slight. Color on pollex of female not continued on palm.
Color in life. — Ground color of carapace pinkish cream, overlaid with a few
reddish orange spots, irregularly broadcast. Chelipeds,merus and carpus same color
as carapace; fingers a deep dark brown, tips white. Ambulatory legs a yellowish
cream, with a few reddish-orange spots; tips of dactylus amber. Ventral side same
as dorsal, but without spots.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 4.6 mm., width 6 mm.
Female paratype, length 4.9 mm., width 6.5 mm.
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Material examined. — A series of over fifty specimens of both sexes, many
juvenile.
Habitat.— This species inhabits a soft mud bottom, covered by five to seven
fathoms of muddy water.
Remarks. — The fifth tooth of the carapace is hard to distinguish in any but
the largest specimens, and even then the pubescence will have to be removed to
show as in the plate. This species is the Pacific analogue of Panoplax depressa
Stimpson, 1871, but differs from the species in the squarer carapace, straighter
front, smaller size, and lack of distinct epigastric lobes.
PINNOTHERIDAE
Pinnotheres clavapedatus, n. sp.
Plates 12, 13
Type.— Female, holotype; Cat. No. 756, San Diego Society of Natural
History: from San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, low tide; June 1, 1934; col-
lected by Steve A. Glassell. One paratype, male, Cat. No. 757, S. D. S. N. H.;
one female and one male, paratypes, Cat. No's. 71338 and 71333, U. S. National
Museum; three males, sixty females, paratypes, in the collection of Steve A. Glas-
sell, Beverly Hills, California.
Diagnosis. — First ambulatory leg stout, propodus greatly dilated at distal
end, clavate, second leg similar but not so stout, third and fourth legs slender.
Dactylus of outer maxilliped narrow-spatulate, slightly curved, attached near mid-
dle of propodus and reaching \ its length past the extremity of the latter.
Description of female. — Carapace smooth, shining, semi-hard, convex in
both directions, eyes not visible in dorsal view; regions not denned; posterior mar-
gin concave. Merus of outer maxillipeds widest at distal f , narrowing at distal
end; propodus longer than carpus; dactylus narrow-spatulate, slightly curved,
attached near middle of propodus and reaching \ its length past the latter mem-
ber. Hands cylindrical, similar, increasing in width to base of prehensile finger,
smooth with exception of a row of forward-pointing hairs on inner side of pollex,
extending back to a point under the gape; inner tip of dactylus hairy. First and
second legs stout, smooth, with propodi cylindrical and distended at distal ends;
first leg much the larger, dactylus short, stout, straight on under side, arched on
upper, with needle tip; second dactylus longer and heavier; third and fourth legs
98 San Diego Society of Natural History
very slender; dactylus of third leg long, slender, slightly curved; dactylus of fourth
leg arched on the anterior margin, larger at proximal third than at base, a row of
hairs on the inner margin, as has the propodus of this leg at the distal inner half.
Abdomen unusually large, even to covering the mouth parts when non-ovigerous.
Description of male. — Much smaller, width of carapace less than \ that
of female. Carapace suboctagonal, lightly sculptured, finely pubescent, posterior
margin straight. Cardiac region transversely ovate, surrounded by a groove except
posteriorly; branchial and gastric regions grooved; a light median sulcus. Front in
dorsal view advanced, arcuate, divided; in front view, the front is deflexed and
pointed. Orbits oval, eyestalks stout, filling the hiatus. Antennae short. Chelipeds
stout, pubescent; carpus short; hands thick; palm with upper surface concave, inner
proximal end distended, lower margin of pollex convex from end to end, tip fal-
cate, armed with a tooth and a groove immediately behind it, fingers heavy, gap-
ing when closed, heavily curved at tip, armed with a prominent tooth which
meshes into the groove of the pollex. Ambulatory legs similar, slender, slightly
pubescent; merus long, cylindrical; propodus convex on both margins; dactylus
falcate, slight, long and sharp; carpus and propodus of second and third legs with
long fringes of hair on posterior surface. Abdomen with first segment wide at
base, widest at third segment, sides converging to tip, seventh segment semi-oval,
slightly longer than wide.
Color in life. — The female carapace is a light cream, with an orange red de-
sign showing through the cardiac region, and extending on to the branchials. Male,
a light brown.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 7.6 mm., width 12.4
mm. Male paratype: length of carapace 2.33 mm., width 2.5 mm.
Range. — From Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico, to the head of the
Gulf of California.
Material examined. — A series of over two hundred females, taken through-
out its range, and five males taken at San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.
Habitat. — Found commensal in the boring mollusk, Lithophaga attenuata
(Deshayes), which I have taken from a depth of 15 fathoms to just below the
inter-tidal zone.
Remarks- — This species closely resembles Pinnotheres lithodomi Smith,
1870, which was described from a damaged juvenile specimen, but differs from
that species in the following particulars: Merus of outer maxillipeds convex on
anterior margin, convex on distal posterior margin, and thence concave to base,
instead of broadest at distal extremity, sides nearly straight; first and second am-
bulatory legs stout, clavate at distal end of propodus, instead of slender. The dis-
tinctive characters of this new species, especially the club-shaped first propodus,
which is a striking feature even in juveniles, could hardly have missed the critical
eye of such a carcinologist as S. I. Smith, and since he makes no mention of them
I am convinced his species was not the one here described as new.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 9
:
■-■■ --_ ■ ? •-'-> ^
W-v?
(
i,
>r
^
,_iiii**»*>'
' '" .^...iw**--
5
Polyonyx quadriungulatus, n. sp.
Fig. 1. Female holotype, dorsal view. Fig. 4. Propodus and dactyl of ambulatory leg.
Fig. 2. Female third maxilliped. Fig. 5. Major chela.
Fig. 3. Female telson of abdomen. Fig. 6. Minor chela.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 10
W"
:■ ■
V3
6 § j
...
"'-^3';
'■&
*P
^■^^ei^^^
lO rrvm. .
Jj
— si »•
iSF
M
•&,.
2£ V.
>'-^-C
%2
¥-f, -^
Speloephorus schmitti, n. sp.
Fig. I. Male paratype, dorsal view. Fig. 2. Male paratype, ventral view.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 11
,y. 1 1
\ i
W ...
>'
Panoplax mundata, n. sp.
Fig. 1. Male liolotype, dorsal view. Fig. 3. Outer maxilliped.
Fig. 2. Major chela without hair. Fig. 4. Female abdomen.
Fig. S. Male abdomen.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 12
r-
2&*E - ^ ■■-V
-— m;
«wg
■
V 1
Pinnotheres clavapedatus, n. sp.
Fig. 1. Male paracype, dorsal view. Fig. 3. Male right chela, dorsal view.
Fig. 2. Male right chela. Fig. 4. Male antennal and buccal area.
Fig. J. Male abdomen.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 13
Pinnotheres clavapedatus, n. sp.
Fig. 1. Female holotype, dorsal view. Fig. 3. Female, ambulatory legs.
Fig. 2. Female, right chela. Fig. 4. Female, third maxilliped.
Fig. 5. Female, antcnnal and buccal area.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 14
Pinnotheres angelicus Lockington, female.
Fig. 1. Female neotype, dorsal view. Fig. 3. Female antennal and buccal area.
Fig. 2. Female chela. Fig. 4. Female outer maxilliped.
Fig. 5. Female frontal-ventral view.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
Plate 15
Pinnotheres angelicus Lockington, male.
Fig. 1. Male allotype, dorsal view. Fig. 4. Male chela, dorsal view.
Fig. 2. Male chela. Fig. S. Male antenna! and buccal area.
Fig. 3. Male abdomen. Fig. 6. Male chela, front view of palm
Glassell— Crabs from Mexico
Plate 16
Dissodactylus lockingtoni, n. sp.
Fig. 4. Female, right chela.
Fig. S. Male abdomen.
Fig. 6. Female abdomen.
Fig. 1 . Female, dorsal view.
I ig. 2. Female, third maxilliped.
Fig. 3. Female, first ambulatory leg.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico 99
Pinnotheres angelicus Lockington
Plates 14, 15
Pinnotheres angelica Lockington, Proc. California Acad. Sci., vol. 7, 1876
(1877), p. 155 [10] (type-locality, Angeles Bay, Gulf of California, in
oysters; type not extant) . Not P. angelicus Miers, Journ. Linn. Soc. London,
Zool., vol. 15, 1880. (Rathbun).
Pinnotheres angelicus Lockington, (Rathbun), Bull. U. S. National Museum,
No. 97, Jan. 25, 1918, pp. 72-73, pi. 16, figs. 5-6, text fig. No. 34.
This species was found on the Gulf coast of Baja Califorina, Mexico, at
Angeles Bay, and was described by Lockington in 1877. In 1906 the female holo-
type and the female paratypes were destroyed in the San Francisco fire. No males
were in the original collection.
In January 1932 at Angeles Bay, and in June 1933, at San Felipe, on the
Gulf coast of Baja California, Mexico, I took a large series of the females and a
few males. From the Angeles Bay material I am designating one female the neo-
type and one male the allotype.
Neotype. — Female; No. 758, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History: from Angeles Bay, Baja California, Mexico; January 4, 1932; collected
by Steve A. Glassell.
"Diagnosis. — Female transverse, smooth, shining. Dactylus of second leg
much the longest. Prominent tubercle on basal joint of antennae. Dactylus of
endognath attached to end of propodus.
"Description of female. — Smooth, shining. Carapace thin, easily wrinkled,
transverse, with anterior margin strongly arcuate, posterior margin long, slightly
concave, sides rounded; gastric region well defined; a large pit on branchial region
near inner angle. Front advanced, edge rounded. Orbits and eyes oval, hidden
from dorsal view. A large prominent tubercle at posterior end of basal joint of an-
tenna. Propodus of endognath distally rounded, dactylus small, attached on inner
portion of extremity of propodus. Chelipeds elongate, manus slightly compressed
and increasing distally; immovable finger slightly deflexed, swollen in basal half:
fingers fitting together when closed, tips curved and crossing each other. Legs
slender, second longest, third next, fourth shortest; dactyli nearly straight, except
that of second leg, which is twice as long as of other legs, and nearly equaling its
propodus. Abdomen unusually large." (Rathbun).
Allotype. — Male; No. 759, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural
History: from Angeles Bay, Baja California, Mexico; January 4, 1932; collected
by Steve A. Glassell.
Description of male allotype. — Much smaller than female. Carapace flat,
suborbicular, with the front advanced in a triangle, tip rounding downward to a
blunt point, not observable in dorsal view; surface hard, lightly pubescent, punc-
tate; cardiac region faintly defined. Eye stalks large and stout, diminishing from
base to tip; pubescent on upper forward surface; cornea large. A small tubercle
at posterior end of basal joint of antenna. Chelipeds stout, similar, slightly pubes-
100 San Diego Society of Natural History
cent, palm smooth, swollen in basal half, decreasing distal ly; exterior of manus
crossed longitudinally by a granulate ridge. Pollex short, stout, hooked at tip; a
large ridge-like tooth occupying entire central portion; a deep notch at gape. Dac-
tyli long and curved at tip, armed with two well-developed teeth at proximal end,
the distal one the larger; fingers fitting together when closed, curved tips crossing
each other; a row of hairs at bottom margin of hand. Legs slender, second and
third subequal, first shorter, fourth shortest. Dactyls long and straight, with tips
hooked, acuminate. Popodus of last three legs crested with setae. Lower distal
edges of carpus of second and third legs with setae. Abdomen widest at third seg-
ment which is almost three-quarters of entire length; gradually narrowing from
third to seventh segment, which is obtusely rounded. Abdomen and sternum
pubescent.
Color in life. — Carapace and chelipeds of male a deep chocolate brown; am-
bulatory legs much lighter. Carapace and chelipeds of female a deep chocolate
brown; ambulatory legs a light cream color.
Measurements. — Female neotype: carapace 8 mm. long, by 1 1 mm. wide.
Male allotype: carapace 2.7 mm. long, by 2.8 mm. wide.
Range. — Gulf of California, Mexico, from upper to lower end.
Habitat. — Found in the mantle cavity of a small plicated oyster which is
attached to rocks or mangrove roots, this oyster may prove to be either Ostrea
cumingiana Dunker, or O. amara Carpenter. It is also reported in the mussel
Modiolus capax Conrad, a series of which I examined at San Felipe, Baja Cali-
fornia, Mexico, but without results. The male is undoubtedly free swimming and
its capture at any time is highly problematical. Out of several hundred specimens
examined, a series of only six or eight males was taken.
Dissodactylus lockingtoni, n. sp.
Plate 16
Type. — Female, holotype; Cat. No. 760, San Diego Society of Natural His-
tory; from Punta Penasco (Rocky Point) , Sonora, Mexico, low tide; May 3,
1935; collected by Steve A. Glassell. One paratype, male, Cat. No. 761, S. D. S.
N. H.; one paratype female, juvenile, Cat. No. 71339, U. S. National Museum;
25 of both sexes, paratypes, in the collection of Steve A. Glassell, Beverly Hills,
California.
Diagnosis. — Carapace convex. Dorsal ridge slightly oblique to postero-
lateral border. Upper border of merus-ischium of outer maxilliped serrate; palp
three-jointed. Last segment of male abdomen semi-oval.
Description. — Carapace convex in both directions, high in middle, minutely
pubescent; regions ill denned, almost smooth. Front concave, slightly produced.
Anterolateral borders arcuate, sinuous, with a milled margin starting at the cervi-
cal groove, which at the lateral angles, extends obliquely inward on the carapace;
postero-Iateral borders with a nearly straight rim; posterior margin sinuous.
Merus of outer maxillipeds suboblong, upper crest serrated; lower distal angles
rounded; segments of palp long; second segment spatulate, distal end broad and
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico 101
squarely truncate; third segment small, located at the distal inner angle of the sec-
ond segment. Merus of chelipeds short, not extending far beyond carapace; carpus
short, minutely granulate; hands similar, suboblong, granulate, faint ridges on
inner and outer sides, a pubescent fringe on inner lower margin of palm, extend-
ing to pollex. Pollex horizontal, unarmed. Prehensile finger longer than pollex,
curved, granulate, and armed with three or more small teeth, increasing in size
towad the gape. Legs slightly hairy, short, stout; dactyli of first three legs smooth,
naked, divided at proximal third, secondary tip short, bifid; dactylus of fourth
simple, long, lanceolate, slightly curved at tip, lower margin with long hair to
distal third.
Sexual variation. — The female resembles the male. The female abdomen
covers the sternum, is suboblong, with seven segments; seventh segment broadly
triangular, height less than £ the width. Male abdomen, first and second segments
narrower than third, fused; third to sixth fused, expanded at base, contracted at
distal end; first to sixth coffin-shaped; seventh segment semi-oval, height a little
more than \ the width.
Color in life. — Male, bluish-white, with fingers of chelipeds yellowish. Female,
carapace pigmented on bluish-white ground with minute dark brownish specks,
yellow of internal organs showing through. Ambulatory legs specked with dark
spots. Row of black hairs on anterior margin of sternum, in both sexes, partly
covering the mouth parts.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 7 mm., width 7:5 mm.
Male paratype: length of carapace 5.5 mm., width 5.8 mm.
Range. — Found both at San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, and at Punta
Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, but undoubtedly ranges throughout
the Gulf of California.
Habitat. — Commensal on the ventral exterior surface of the following
Echinoids: Mellita longifssa Michelin, Encope micropora Agassiz, E. grandis
Agassiz and E. californica Verrill. It is usually found, when on the Encope,
located in the proximal portion of the posterior interambulacral Iunule. From this
position to a point near the peristome or periproct of the echnoid, the crab clears
the actinal spines, thus forming for itself a roadway but little wider than its out-
stretched ambulatory legs. D. nitidus Smith, may also occupy the same echnoid
with D. lockingtoni, but the former ranges over the entire ventral surface and
has no fixed place of abode.
Affinity. — Related to D. nitidus Smith, 1870, which it somewhat resem-
bles, but differs in the following respects: carapace convex, instead of compressed;
crest of outer maxillipeds serrate, instead of smooth; terminal segment of male
abdomen semi-oval, instead of triangular; color bluish-white, instead of purplish
brown.
Remarks. — This species is dedicated to Mr. W. N. Lockington, who did
such splendid work in West American carcinology during the 1870's and late
1880's, both as a collector and systematist, while with the California Academy of
Sciences, at San Francisco, California.
102 San Diego Society of Natural History
Pinnixa plectrophoros, n. sp.
Type.— Male; Cat. No. 762, San Diego Society of Natural History: from
Punta Pefiasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico; May 1, 1935; collected by Steve
A. Glassell.
Description. — Allied to P. retinens.1 Carapace three times as wide as long;
nearly flat except toward margins, where it slopes gradually downward at lateral
angles, abruptly to posterior margin. Antero-lateral margin feebly indicated by
minute granules. Orbits of eyes, the eyes and sub-hepatic regions visible in dorsal
view. Front not projecting, bilobed, a median sulcus. Two transverse lunate pits
at cardiac region; a pit in line with these on mesobranchial region; other regions
ill defined. Chelipeds weak, hairy, similar; carpus smooth, with pubescent mar-
gins; hands weak, margins parallel, compressed; pollex in line with lower margin
of hand, uncolored, microscopically denticulate; dactyl curved, crested with hair,
closely fitted to pollex. First and second legs slight, dactyli long, lanceolate; third
leg very heavy, dactyl triangular, with two spines near base of anterior side, a
posterior propodal spine, a large outward curving spur at distal posterior end of
merus, a small blunt spine at its base, two ischial spines; fourth leg very short,
slight, hairy, not reaching past merus of third leg, with two ischial spines and a
spine on the proximal lower margin of the merus. Male abdomen, first and sec-
ond segments free, third to sixth fused, seventh segment as in P. transversalis,2
female abdomen with seven segments, covering sternum.
Measurements. — Length of carapace 2 mm., width 6 mm.
Habitat. — Commensal in the sand tube of a species of annelid worm
(Clymenella) .
Remarks. — Fuller descriptions and plates of this and the two following
species will be included in a forthcoming partial revision of the genus Pinnixa by
the writer.
Pinnixa pembertoni, n. sp.
Type. — Male; Cat. No. 763, San Diego Society of Natural History: from
San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico; June 19, 1935; collected by Steve A. Glas-
sell.
Description. — Allied to P. \loridana? Carapace twice as wide as long, con-
vex posteriorly, punctate, sharply rounding at the angles and to the posterior mar-
gin. Antero-lateral angle forming a shoulder, the side walls steep and tapering
outwardly. Antero-lateral border with a fine granulate ridge. Cardiac and gastric
regions slightly raised, a sulcus between, a shallow depression on each side. Front
truncate, slightly projecting, pubescent. Eyes large, filling the orbits. Chelipeds
similar, strong; merus short, pubescent; carpus smooth on upper surface, mar-
gined with pubescence; hands smooth on inner palm, smooth on outer side, with
a row of fine hair on upper and lower margins, a longitudinal row from gape to
i Bull. 97, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1918, p. 139, pi. 41, figs. 1-2, text figs. 83-84.
2 Bull. 97, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1918. p. 132, text figs. 75-76.
3 Bull. 97, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1918, p. 138, pi. 30, figs. 4-7, text fig. 82.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico 103
carpus; lower margin sinuous, pollex convex, distal end upturned, armed with three
or more triangular blunt teeth; dactyl curved at tip, armed with two or more blunt
teeth in center, crested with fine hair, tip not crossing pollex; gape pubescent, open
to tip of fingers. First and second legs slight, merus trihedral, dactyli long, slim,
straight, lanceolate; third leg heavy, dactyl long, heavy, straight, pubescent, pos-
terior margin of leg heavily pubescent; fourth leg similar but much smaller, dac-
tyl reaching slightly past merus of third leg, pubescent on both margins. Terminal
segment of palp of outer maxilliped reaches nearly to base of ischium. Abdomen
widest at third segment; fourth, fifth and sixth segments fused, sides sinuous,
narrowest at sixth, seventh broader than sixth, broadly rounded at sides, tip
truncate.
Measurements. — Length of carapace 3.8 mm., width 7.6 mm.
Habitat. — Commensal with a species of the "lug-worm" (Arenicola) .
Remarks- — Dedicated to Mr. J. R. Pemberton, of Los Angeles, California,
whose generous constructive criticism has been greatly appreciated by the writer.
Pinnixa huffmani, n. sp.
Type.— Female; Cat. No. 764, San Diego Society of Natural History: from
Punta Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora Mexico; May 4, 1935; collected by Steve
A. Glassell.
Description. — Allied to P. barnharhf' Carapace little wider than long, very
convex in both directions, thin, not firm, internal organs showing through, punc-
tate on posterior half, smooth on anterior portion. A faint antero-lateral margin.
Sub-hepatic region prominent in dorsal view. Front a wide arc, not projecting. A
transverse, narrow sulcus across entire carapace at cardiac-gastric regions. Regions
not defined. Eyes not large, cornea small, red pigment. Chelipeds similar, equal;
merus long, hairy; carpus long, rounded, smooth; hands very long, compressed,
margins sub-parallel, curving inward at distal end, upper margin highest over dac-
tyl, crested with hair, outside of palm smooth; pollex slightly depressed, triangu-
lar, sharp pointed, armed with cutting edge; dactyl very heavy at gape, curved
downward to a sharp pointed tip, armed with a large tooth at proximal side of
middle, very slightly gaping; the fingers when closed cross the tips of their respec-
tive pollices on opposite sides from each other. Legs similar, hairy on margins,
not compressed, third longest; dactyli long, nearly straight, curved slightly at tip,
which is very sharp, corneous; fourth leg long, reaching to propodus of third;
dactyl straight. Abdomen semi-globular, punctate, covering sternum and part of
maxillipeds. Second and third segments of palp of outer maxillipeds very large,
third the longer.
Measurements. — Length of carapace 6.1 mm., width 7.6 mm.
Habitat. — Commensal in a species of the sea cucumber CThyone) .
Remarks. — Dedicated to Mr. Earl C. Huffman, of Pasadena, California,
conchologist, and a companion on many a mile of mud and sand.
4 Bull. 97, U. S. Nat. Mus., 1918, p. 149, pi. 32, text fig. 91.
104 San Diego Society of Natural History
XANTHIDAE
Ozius tenuidactylos (Lockington) , corrected name
Ozius agassizii A. Milne Edwards, should be known as Ozius tenuidactylos
(Lockington) . A careful study of Lockington's original description of this species
(Proc. California Acad. Sci., vol. 7, 1876 [1877], p. 98 [4] : type-locality, La
Paz, Lower California; type not extant) , under the name Xantho tenuidactylos
nov. sp., and allowance for the obvious reversing of his length and width measure-
ments, shows that Milne Edwards' Ozius agassizii (Crust. Reg. Mex., 1880, p.
279, pi. 55, figs. 1-ld: type-locality, Panama; type in M. C. Z.), must be conspe-
cific. Hence agassizii being of later date must be suppressed as a synonym.
Glassell — Crabs from Mexico
105
Extension of Range and New Locality Records
PlNNOTHERIDAE
Fabia grand Glassell
Xanthidae
Lophopanopeus bellus (Stimpson)
San Pedro, California
Lophopanopeus bellus (Stimpson) variety
San Pedro, California
Taken at low tide
Glyptoxanthus meandricus (Lockington)
Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mex.
Pilumnus limosus Smith
Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mex.
PORCELLANIDAE
Pachycheles holosericus Schmitt
Ensenada, Baja Calif.. Mex.
Pachycheles pubescens Holmes
Ensenada, Baja Calif., Mex.
juv.
June 1, '34 2 $ juv.
10 5, 10 2
3 5,35
6 5 juv., 6 9 juv.
San Felipe, Baja, Calif., Mex. June 1, '34
Host, Acmaea mesoleuca Menke
San Felipe, Baja Calif., Mex. June 19, '35 2 9
Host, Crucibulum spinosum (Sowerby)
Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mex. May 3, '35 1 9
Host, Crepidula nieva C. B. Adams
Opisthopus transversus Rathbun
San Felipe, Baja Calif., Mex.
Pinmxa transversalis (M. Edw. & Lucas)
San Felipe, Baja Calif., Mex. June 1, '34
Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mex. May 2, '35
Pinnixa occidentalis Rathbun
San Felipe, Baja Calif., Mex. June 1, '34
Pinmxa longipes (Lockington)
Ensenada, Baja Calif., Mex. Jan. 2, '35 15,15
Pinnotheres reticulatus Rathbun
San Felipe, Baja Calif., Mex. June 19, '35 12 9
Host, Tagelus affinis C. B. Adams
Host, Paphia grata Sowerby
Majidae
Pugettia producta (Randall)
Ensenada, Baja Calif., Mex.
PORTUNIDAE
Portunus (Portunus) xantus'u (Stimpson)
Santa Barbara, California
Jan. 2, '35 1 $
Mar. 17, '33 1 5
Jan. 8,
'33
25,19
Jan. 8,
'33
25
May 2,
'35
10 5,10 9
May 1,
^E
'35
10 5 , 10 9
Jan. 3,
'35
15,19
Jan. 3,
'35
2 5 juv., 3 9 juv.
^yyfF
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 15, pp. 107-1 14, text figs. 1-6 August 24, 1935
A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF PIGMY GOOSE
FROM THE McKITTRICK PLEISTOCENE1
BY
Roland Case Ross
Los A ngeles City Schools
Among the Pleistocene avian remains found by the California Insti-
tute of Technology in the asphalts of McKittrick are fourteen (complete
and partial) tarsometatarsal elements of a goose more slender than any
of the living Anserinae. Without attempting at this time to establish the
identity of the form on the basis of other elements, it is here proposed to
describe and record a new genus and species of goose on tarsal characters
alone, the tarsus being a characteristic avian element, and in this instance
well preserved, numerous and clearly generically distinct.
Acknowledgments
Thanks are due Dr. Loye Holmes Miller for suggesting the problem
and for use of material.
Mr. John L. Ridgway, scientific illustrator of the California Institute
of Technology, is acknowledged gratefully for the preparation of text
figures.
Dr. Chester Stock, in whose laboratory this study has been made, is
thanked for continued encouragement and guidance.
Anabernicula gracilenta, n. gen. and n. sp.
Type. — No. 1169 Calif. Inst. Tech. Vert. Pale. Coll., left tarsometatarsus of
1 Contribution No. 171. Balch Graduate School of the Geological Sciences, California
Institute of Technology.
108 San Diego Society of Natural History
mature Anserine bird, complete and unworn, from the brea deposits of McKit-
trick, Calif., Pleistocene age.
Paratypes. — No. 1168, right tarsometatarsus, complete except for extended
portions of hypotarsus, length 60.3 mm.; and No. 1170, left tarsometatarsus,
proximal three-fifths
Description. — Goose-like in general structure and proportions. Small and
slender with delicately tapered shaft, broad spread of distal condyles, and dimin-
ished tarsal articulation.
Inner cotyla deeply cupped and of noticeably slight extent an tero posteriorly.1
Hypotarsus in lateral aspect rectangular, of relatively slight vertical extent,
markedly strong in plantar depth. Inferior terminus of inner calcaneal ridge
abrupt, with slight gradient into shaft.
Intermuscular line of the posterointernal border of shaft deflected inwardly
toward the proximal end, effecting thus a disjunction with the inner calcaneal
ridge. Extensor groove flattens out in its oblique descent across inner surface of
shaft and weakens intermuscular line at junction.
Measurements of Type in Millimeters
Total length over all 61.8
Minimum shaft width (transverse) 4.4
Minimum shaft depth (anteroposterior) 3.4
Minimum shaft area, cross section (sq. mm.) 14.96
Transverse width proximal end 11.6
Anteroposterior depth proximal end (inner cotyla) 5.5
Anteroposterior depth proximal end including hypotarsus 11.0
Anteroposterior depth first calcaneal ridge 5.5
Transverse (total) extent of distal end (condyles 2, 3, 4) 10.4
Transverse extent of condyles 3 and 4 8.4
Minimum transverse width of condyle 2 2.9
Maximum transverse width of condyle 3 5.0
Mean transverse width of condyle 4 3.6
Anteroposterior depth of condyle 2 5.6
Anteroposterior depth of condyle 3 7.2
Anteroposterior depth of condyle 4 7.1
Minimum transverse width of prong shaft to condyle 4, taken from
distal foramen to outer border 3.2
Generic Characters of Anabernicula
Although assignable only to the subfamily Anserinae or true geese,
there are characters consistently present in the fossil tarsal specimens that
relate to ducks and tree-ducks, Anatinae and Dendrocygninae respective-
ly. Chief among these are the square-cornered outline of the hypotarsus as
viewed from the inner side, its undercut effect at the distal confluence with
- Anteroposterior is the rotular-plantar axis.
Ross — New Pigmy Goose 109
shaft, and its marked plantar extent. Fig. 1A shows these distinctions in
contrast to the characters seen in species of living pigmy geese (fig.l, B,
C, D). Of 24 races of geese studied, none displays the above characters,
while ducks and tree-ducks both possess them.
The deflection of the intermuscular line internolateral of the hypo-
tarsus is a strong dendrocygnine structural feature, as is also the strap-like
groove for the muscle extensor hallucis breris upon the inner side of the
shaft. In the Anserinae the groove is fine or cord-like as opposed to ribbon
or strap-like in tree-ducks. This character in the fossil bird is intermediate,
being fine-grooved proximally but widened distally on the approach to the
intermuscular line. An unique feature is the flattening or weakening
effect this has on the intermuscular line at this junction. This effect has not
been noted in ducks (excepting the Muscovy Duck) or tree-ducks, and is
only weakly if at all defined in geese
Proximal view of the head (fig. 1A upper) shows a more restricted
articulation area as compared with that in other geese (actual and rela-
tive), an excessive development of the first calcaneal ridge anteroposteri-
orly, and a small circular deeply cupped inner cotyla of limited anteropos-
terior diameter.
The above structural features deserve generic distinction, while the
following goose-like characters maintain the status of the new group
within the Anserinae : The tapering and proportions of the shaft elimin-
ate Cygninae, Anatinae, Dendrocygninae and are typical of Anserinae.
The swelling of shaft into condylar prongs, the spacing, and the total
spread of the distal condyles are separable by detail or proportion from
all others but the Anserinae.
Specific Characters of Anabernicula gracilenta
Anabernkula gracilenta as a species can be "hand picked" from min-
gled tarsi of other pigmy geese by an appearance of delicacy and dwarf-
ness. The ranges in size of its component parts as given below are consid-
ered fair delimitation for the species, inasmuch as the number of fossil
specimens equaled or surpassed Recent specimens of each species studied.
Both mature and immature individuals were present.
The seventeen fossil specimens of tarsometatarsus fall into a very con-
sistent clustered group when measured in certain ways. Various units of
study and ratios between measurements give specific and even generic dis-
tinctness to the fossil group. In the living pigmy geese no such sharpness
110 San Diego Society of Natural History
between groups and rarely any tendency to generic separation has
appeared in the numerous measurements and ratios exacted of their tarsi.
There are, however, size and proportional figures that yield no dis-
tinctions between Anabernicula gracilenta and the four pigmy races of
native geese. Such characters are frequently of subfamily rank, inasmuch
as they unite the goose group and serve to distinguish it from Anatinae,
Cygninae, and Dendrocygninae.
Life Characteristics
This small goose outnumbers several times over the individuals of
other geese occurring in the McKittrick collections of the California In-
stitute. The larger geese are noticeably infrequent in this and other col-
lections of McKittrick material. The relative abundance of the pigmy
goose would seem to indicate special attractiveness of the locality as af-
forded perhaps by shallow ponds and mud flats.
Anabernicula gracilenta possesses more slender proportions than any
known goose, and is smaller in bulk and weight than any goose living with
the exception of Chenonetta of Australia.
The resemblance of the fossil goose to Branta bernicla in length of
tarsometatarsus and in some other gross features leads one to picture the
extinct waterfowl as of similar but slighter build than the black or sea
brant. Standing in equal height of limb, A. gracilenta weighed much less
than the brant, probably approaching the tree-duck in weight.
The spread of the distal condyles for digital articulation, while dis-
tinctly goose-like and not duck-like, nevertheless falls away from the goose
type when considered in proportion to length of shaft. In this regard it
joins in close proportional similarity to the tree-ducks. Chloephaga, the
upland goose, noted for its terrestrial habits, favors this narrow foot and
long shaft proportion. It is significant that this proportional study throws
sharp distinction between the fossil goose and the goose nearest it in size,
namely Branta bernicla, while at the same time placing it nearer to B. c.
minima and C. rossii. The latter two geese spend a considerable part of
their lives upon the land, while Branta bernicla is a marine forager that
spends little time ashore. It might be further pointed out that Philacte
canagica, our most maritime goose, shows an extreme disproportion
toward short shank and wide foot, and that the swan (Cygnus columbia-
nus) , strongly aquatic, falls well within the same grouping.
Considering the characters, slender shaft, length of shaft, small
proximal weight-bearing articulation, reduced spread of digital condyles,
Ross — New Pigmy Goose 111
and considering the inference given above as based upon the ratio of foot-
spread to tarsal length, this Brea Pigmy Goose appears in mind as an
agile, light-bodied goose of active, walking habits frequenting, in company
with shorebirds, mud flats and borders of ponds.
Anabernicula (Anas-bernicla, duck-goose) denotes the relationship
of the new goose genus, while gracilenta denotes the delicacy and grace
suggested in many features by the specimens at hand.
Faunal Range
In the fossil collections of the University of California at Los Ange-
les there are six tarsi of pigmy geese : two from Rancho La Brea, three
from McKittrick, and one from Fossil Lake, Oregon. These were shown
to me in 1931 by Dr. Loye Holmes Miller, who kindly permitted the
study of them.3 One of the two "pigmy geese" cited from Rancho La Brea
a.s Branta(?) sp. by Miller4 and two from McKittrick referred to the
Chen hyperboreas group of the same author5 classify readily as Anaber-
nicula gracilenta. The Fossil Lake specimen, however, is not referable to
the latter form.
Branta minuscula, described by Alexander Wetmore6 from a proxi-
mal half of a humerus presents characteristics which might be expected in
humeri of A. gracilenta. If the geologic position of Branta minuscula is
Upper Pliocene, as determined by J. W. Gidley, considerable difference in
age prevails between these two similar forms from Arizona and Southern
California.
Summary
A total of sixteen tarsometatarsal elements of a small goose from the
Pleistocene asphalts of McKittrick and one specimen from Rancho La
Brea furnish the basis for establishing a new genus of goose. In certain
characters, as displayed in the regoin of the hypotarsus and on the inner
extensor groove, this form shows resemblance to the tree-ducks. The
species represented is smaller than Branta bernicla and evidently more
slender than any living goose.
? Miller, Loye H. A second avifauna from the McKittrick Pleistocene: The Condor,
vol. 37, p. 76, 1935.
4 Miller, Loye H. The birds of Rancho La Brea : Carnegie Inst. Wash. Publ. No.
349, p. 73, 1925.
5 Miller, Loye H. Avifauna of the McKittrick Pleistocene: Univ. Calif. Publ., Bull.
Dept. Geol. Sci., vol. 15, No. 9, pp. 314, 315, 1925.
6 Wetmore, Alexander. Fossil birds from southeastern Arizona: Proc. U. S. Nat.
Mus., vol. 64, art. 5, pp. 6-7, 1924.
112
San Diego Society of Natural History
Fig. 1.
Fig-
Fig.
3
Fig.
4
Fig.
)
Fig
6
Right tarsometatarsi of pigmy geese. Natural size.
A1. Anabernicula gracilenta, Type, anterior view.
A. Anabernicula gracilenta, Type, inner lateral and proximal views.
B. Branta bernicla hrota, inner lateral and proximal views.
C Branta canadensis minima, inner lateral and proximal views.
D. Chen rossii, inner lateral and proximal views.
Key to Figures on Page 113
Total length of tarsometatarsus.
Extensions beyond arrows indicate extremes listed in standard texts for tarsal lengths
in skin specimens. In C (B. c. minima) skin measurements taken by author have
been added to skeletal series.
Inner cotyla, proximal end, anteroposterior depth.
Articulation area pruxim.il end. Transverse width x cotyla depth (anteropos-
terior) .
Maximum depth condyle 4 (anteroposterior).
Ratio of anteroposterior depth of inner proximal cotyla (Fig. 3) to anteropos-
terior extent of inner calcaneal ridge.
Ross — New Pigmy Goose 113
A. Anabernicula gracilenta. C. Branta canadensis minima.
B. Branta bernicla (2 races). D. Chen rossii.
Fig- 2.
1\5 60 61! 70 1*5 80 MM
A — ■
B „ i'-J
C •{ ■
D
Fig. 3.
A
C _
D
Fig. 4.
.££ 7£ SjO 9^_ ioc) lib
Square millimeters
C '
D
Fig. 5.
6.0 6lS 7.0
A
B
C
[)
Fig. 6.
6,0 6,5 7,0 75 80 85 90 95 I00MM
— I L 1 I I I I i i_.
A . —
D
Explanation of figures will be found on opposite page.
4^V<tT
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 16, pp. 115-118 March 12, 1936
DESCRIPTION OF A RACE OF MYIARCHUS
CINERASCENS FROM EL SALVADOR
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
San Diego Society of Natural History
Studies in this rather complex genus of flycatchers have received im-
petus through various papers published since the comprehensive revision-
ary work of Ridgway (1907) and Hellmayr (1927). Chief, perhaps, of
the problems which have been discussed are the relationships of Myiar-
chus nuttingi and Myiarchus inquietus to Myiarchus cinerascens cinera-
scens. Although the two most recent writers (van Rossem, 1931, and Gris-
com, 1932 and 1934) are now in substantial agreement that cinerascens,
inquietus, and nuttingi are conspecific, there remains considerable uncer-
tainty as to the manner of intergradation. In this regard I can only reiter-
ate that in Sonora cinerascens intergrades gradually and in perfectly con-
ventional manner with inquietus. In regard to the behavior of these two
forms in Guerrero I am not convinced, after an inspection of the same
series that Griscom has studied from that State, that the collector has not
mistaken belated migrants or non-breeding individuals of cinerascens for
residents. It would appear most improbable that the geographic behavior
of these two races should be so different in two far separated regions unless
it be that cinerascens extends a great deal further south in the interior high-
lands than has heretofore been suspected.
It may be appropriate to note here that a personal examination of the
type of Salvin and Godman's Myiarchus inquietus in the British Museum
116 San Diego Society of Natural History
shows it to be without question a perfectly typical example of the race to
which the name has currently been applied. It is a female in fresh fall plum-
age, collected at Acaquizotla, Guerrero (alt. 3500 feet) by Mrs. H. H.
Smith on October 18, 1888. In addition to the somewhat yellower and
riche;: coloration, as compared with cinerascens, it possesses the pro-
nounced dusk)' shaft streak on the inner webs of the outer rectrices which,
in part, distinguishes inquietus from nuttingi, but this streak does not ex-
pand terminally as in cinerascens. The measurements of the type (Brit.
Mus. 99-4-20-1479) are: wing, 85.5; tail, 82.5; culmen from base, 21.5;
tarsus, 20.1 ; middle toe minus claw, 13.2 mm.
Mr. Griscom has recently (1932) called attention to certain peculi-
arities in a series of Myiarchus "nuttingi" from the Pacific slope of Guate-
mala, and has suggested that possibly they are subspecifically distinct from
true nuttingi of northwestern Costa Rica and western Nicaragua. For
several years there has been a series of twelve specimens from El Salvador
in the Dickey collection which are obviously neither inquietus nor nuttingi,
but for various reasons it has been deemed advisable to delay the bestowal
of a formal name until now. Several years ago I compared this Salvador
series with Griscom's Guatemala material (in part) and concluded that
the two lots were racially identical, though the Guatemala birds averaged
slightly paler. A diagnosis of the new race follows.
Myiarchus cinerascens flavidior subsp. nov.
Type. — Male adult in fresh fall plumage, no. 15,556 Dickey collection; Lake
Olomega, Depto. San Miguel, El Salvador, August 26, 1925; collected by A. J.
van Rossem, original no. 8626.
Subspecific characters. — Differs from all known forms of Myiarchus cine-
rascens in richness and brightness of coloration; in this respect it is a striking dupli-
cate of Myiarchus crinitus, save that the throat and chest of flavidior are slightly
paler than in crinitus. Differs, further, from nuttingi in possessing a broad, well
defined dusky stripe along the shafts (on the inner webs) of the lateral rectrices
and in being very slightly larger. Besides the brighter and richer coloration, flavi-
dior differs from inquietus in definitely smaller size.
Range. — Lowlands of El Salvador and the Pacific coast of Guatemala.
Remarks. — The relatively intense coloration, which in flavidior attains the
yellowest underparts and brownest upperparts displayed by the species cinera-
scens, is not dependent on season, for the remarkably uniform series was collected
at various seasons throughout the year. This race is resident in El Salvador but is
nowhere common. I did not encounter it above an elevation of 1500 feet.
van Rossem — Race of Myiarchus cinerascens 117
Measurements of Myiarchus cinerascens flavidior
Extremes and Averages in Millimeters
Culmen Middle Toe
Wing Tail frcnn Base Tarsus minus Claw
7 males 83-85 79.85 19.6-21.7 20.0-21.5 11.3-12.5
(84.1) (81.6) (20.9) (21.0) (11.8)
5 females 78-82 77-81 19.5-20.4 19.7-21.2 10.8-12.2
(80.5) (78.2) (20.0) (20.4) (11.5)
For the various conceptions of the relationships of the forms mentioned in
this paper, reference may be made to the following publications:
Nelson, E. W.
1904. A revision of the North American mainland species of Myiarchus.
Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 17, 1904, pp. 21-50.
RlDGWAY, R.
1907. The birds of North and Middle America. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No.
50, Part 4, pp. 625-632.
Hellmayr, C.
1927. Catalogue of birds of the Americas [etc.]. Field Mus. Nat. Hist.,
Zool. Ser., Part 5, pp. 160-161.
van Rossem, A. J.
1931. Report on a collection of land birds from Sonora, Mexico. Trans. San
Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., 6, No. 19, pp. 260-261.
Griscom, L.
1932. The distribution of bird-life in Guatemala. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist.,
Vol. 64, pp. 253-254.
Griscom, L.
1934. The Ornithology of Guerrero. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 75, No. 10,
pp. 386-388.
3L 9 Tf?
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 17, pp. 119-120 March 12, 1936
%
A NEW PELECYPOD GENUS OF THE FAMILY
CARDIIDAE
BY
A. Myra Keen
Stanford University
An evaluation of the pelecypod family Cardiidae (summarized else-
where1) , by means of a graphic comparison of the genotypes of the fifteen
principal named groups, indicates the desirability of erecting a new genus.
None of the genotypic species examined exhibits the distinctive characters
which constantly appear in the Northwest American cardiids hitherto,
though incorrectly, classified as Cerastoderma. The purpose of this pre-
liminary note is to validate a name used in manuscript ; detailed discussion
of the species included in the genus is withheld for a monographic study
whose publication may be considerably delayed.
CLINOCARDIUM Keen, new genus
Genotype : Cardium nuttallii Conrad, 1837
Description. — Shell medium to large, trigonal, oblique, usually ventricose;
beaks recurved, prosogyrate; position of the umbones varying with age but usually
at two-thirds the distance between posterior and anterior ends of the shell; dorsal
margin very broadly arched, sloping downward at an angle of about 25°, ventral
and anterior margins broadly rounded; epidermis closely adherent, brownish;
sculpture of 28 to 55 rounded radial ribs and concentric growth lines which may
cross the ribs as conspicuous loops, never as spines; lunule when present circum-
scribed, never impressed; escutcheon inconspicuous; ligament in dorsal view long,
narrow, and oval. Interior porcellaneous, ventral and anterior margins crenulate;
hinge arched; cardinals in each valve slightly nearer anterior than posterior laterals;
anterior cardinal of left valve stronger than posterior, recurved, posterior cardinal
1 Keen, A. Myra, Revision of Cardiid Pelecypods; Proc. Geol. Soc. Amer. for 1935 (1936).
Preliminary abstracts, Dec, 1935, p. 61.
120
San Diego Society of Natural History
of right valve stronger than anterior, also recurved; ligament not elevated on a
short, shelly platform; beaks originating at a point slightly anterior to the anterior
cardinals; muscle scars large; pallial line simple. Specimens range in length up to
about 120 mm.
Remcrks.— Clinocardium is distinguished from its nearest relative, Cerasto-
derma, by the markedly forward-pointing beaks, the long, narrow, low ligament,
the arched hinge -line, and the greater number of ribs. From Laevicardium it is
distinguished by the presence of elevated ribs and by the long, depressed ligament.
Clinocardium nuttallii (Conrad)
Cardium nuttallii Conrad, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., vol. 7, 1837, p. 229, pi.
17, fig. 3.
"Cardium corbis (Martyn)" of West Coast authors; (not Corbis Martyn, Univ.
Conch., Tab. 2, fig. 80, 1788) .
Type locality. — A few miles from the estuary of the Columbia River.
Repository of holotype. — Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; Cata-
logue No. 54036.
The name Cardium corbis (Martyn) is unavailable for two important rea-
sons: First, as Winckworth2 has pointed out, Martyn's Universal Conchologist
is not consistently binomial and hence is to be rejected. Second, the identification
of the West American species with that figured by Martyn is erroneous, a fact
recognized by Conrad3 in 1869. The first available name, therefore, is nuttallii
Conrad, 1837.
Other Species of Clinocardium
The following tabulation lists all of the other species which have been deter-
mined to be Clinocardium. Several Japanese Tertiary species will probably prove
to belong here, as well as some two or three unnamed species from the Tertiary
of California.
Species
blandum (Gould) 18 50
bulowi (Rolle) 1896
calif orniense (Deshayes) 1839
ciliatum (Fabricius) 1780
coosense (Dall) 1909
comoxense (Dall) 1900
decoratum (Grewingk) 1850
fucanum (Dall) 1907
meekianum (Gabb) 1866
yakatagense (Clark) 1932
Type Locality Age
Puget Sound, Washington Recent
Yokohama, Japan Recent
(Of lectotype) Kamtschatka;
(Of description) "Mers de Cali-
fornia" Recent
Greenland Recent
Coos Bay, Oregon; "Miocene" Pliocene
Vancouver Island, B. C. Pleistocene
Aleutian Islands, "Jiingsten
Tertiarzeit" Pleistocene?
Juan de Fuca Strait Recent
Eagle Prairie, Humboldt County,
California, Pliocene Pliocene
Yakataga formation, southern
Alaska, "Upper Oligocene" Pliocene?
2 Winckworth, R., Notes on nomenclature; Proc. Mai. Soc. London, vol. 18, pt. 5, July,
1929, pp. 228-229.
3 Conrad, T. A., Notes on Recent Mollusca; Amer. Jour. Conch., vol. 5, pt. 2, 1869, p. 105
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 18, pp. 121-148, plates 17-18, maps 1-3
NOTES ON BIRDS IN RELATION TO THE
FAUNAL AREAS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL
ARIZONA
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
May 29, 1936
V
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
van Rossem— Birds of South-central Arizona
Plate 17
Fig. 1. Lower Sonoran Plains along the north-east slope of the Atasco Mountains; the
Tumacacori Mountains in the distance.
w "'''^v^ai^ '*'-■
SZ
/. '4L
\-
Fig. 2. Pena Blanca Spring in the Pajarito Mountains, Santa Cruz County. Elf owls,
spotted screech owls, and Mexican screech owls have been found to be common in this locality.
NOTES ON BIRDS IN RELATION TO THE
FAUNAL AREAS OF SOUTH-CENTRAL
ARIZONA
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM
San Diego Society of Natural History
In the spring of 1931 I suggested to the late Donald Dickey, at
that time my chief at the California Institute of Technology, that certain
investigations be carried on along the Arizona-Sonora border west of
Nogales. The ends sought were: (l) that the radically differing
opinions of Mearns and Swarth as to the limits of certain faunal areas
west of the Santa Rita Mountains might be brought into some sort of
agreement, and (2) that a better understanding of the faunal areas of
northern Sonora would be an inevitable result of such work. Mr. Dickey
at once acquiesced and accordingly Dr. W. H. Burt, then mammalogist
at the California Institute, and the writer arrived in south-central Arizona
on April 23. Our first base was at Continental on the Santa Cruz River.
From this station we worked south (including the west slope of the Santa
Ritas) to Tumacacori and Nogales and thence west, including the
Atasco and Pajarito Mountains, to the east slope of the Baboquivaris.
Later in the season (on May 29) we returned to the Santa Ritas and
worked for some few days in Madera Canon — from about 4500 feet to
the summit of the range.
In June, 1932, I again returned to southern Arizona and in com-
pany with Dr. Walter P. Taylor of the Biological Survey and Mr. David
Gorsuch of the University of Arizona worked from Peria Blanca Spring
in the Pajaritos west around the northern end of the Baboquivaris to
Fresnal on the west side of that range, and thence west to Ajo and south
to Bates Well. One side excursion was made to the border village of
San Miguel on the west side of the Baboquivaris. R. T. Moore of Pasa-
dena who contributed, in part, the necessary field expenses, accompanied
us as far as Fresnal. After three days at Bates Well, Gorsuch and I
returned (on June 25) to the Santa Ritas, where I spent several days in
Stone Cabin and Madera Canons before returning to Pasadena.
Briefly, the discrepancy between Mearns' (1907) concept of the
"Elevated Central" and "Western Desert" tracts, and Swarth's (1929)
124 San Diego Society of Natural History
limits of his "Eastern Plains" and "Western Desert" areas involves the
not inconsiderable distance of some 120 miles! Mearns considered the
longitude of the Ajo Mountains (specifically, Monument 163 in the
Sonoyta River Valley) to be the dividing line; Swarth decided on the
Santa Rita Mountains. Such opposition between two observers as ex-
perienced as Mearns and Swarth was incomprehensible to me until per-
sonal investigation showed each to have basis for his belief insofar as the
territory explored by him was concerned. Mearns, except for side trips
to Tucson and Fort Lowell, worked close to the border and was never
more than a few miles north of that line; Swarth had never been along
the border west of Nogales.
Our own investigations showed Mearns' account of the border west
of Nogales to be an excellent picture of actual conditions; in other words,
from Nogales to the Baboquivaris (see Plates 17 and 18) there is ex-
ceedingly close resemblance in most particulars to the Sonoran zones of
his "Elevated Central Tract" and to Swarth's "Eastern Plains Area."
Topographically the country is, in places, more broken than east of the
Santa Ritas, but floral and ecological conditions are practically the same.
On the higher levels are scattered stands of blue oaks, with sycamores
and other characteristic Upper Sonoran growth in the canons. On levels
below the oak belt and at intervals between oak areas are grass covered
plains, more or less rolling and less level than to the east, but virtually
the same type of country nevertheless. These grass areas, particularly
those on fairly level ground, frequently support a thin growth of mes-
quites — small trees spaced well apart and so regularly that, as Swarth has
so graphically described them, one is forcibly reminded of a "young peach
orchard."
Along the border west of the Baboquivaris is a type of desert which
I have not encountered elsewhere (save very locally) in Arizona. In
most places the terrain consists of broad, level, grass plains which are
varied along the usually dry water courses with dense thickets of large
mesquite. At occasional points one encounters a more typical Colorado
Desert topography and flora. Separating these plain-like valleys are
stony ridges or low mountains which support a more familiar desert
vegetation — giant and other cactus, greasewood, and low thorny scrub.
This alternation of valleys and ridges extends west nearly to Ajo, at
about the point where Mearns terminated his "Elevated Central Tract."
Presumably, Mearns supposed that conditions similar to those in the im-
mediate vicinity of the border persisted to the northward, and since the
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona
125
o
u
X
2
pKjarito mts
B
'-T-5. HUACHUCA MTS-
SCALE OF WILES
Map 1. Southern border of Arizona and surrounding territory. A — Western boundary of the "Elevated
Central Tract" as determined by Mearns. Two subspecies of Lower Sonoran Zone birds (Pipilo fuscus meso-
leucus and Phalaenoptilus nuttallii nuttallii) here reach their western limits. B — Western boundary of the
"Eastern Plains Area" as determined by Swarth. This point marks the western limits of two Lower Sonoran sub-
species (Toxostoma curvirostre curvirostre and Agelaius phoeniceus nevadensis). C — Here, at the Baboquivari
Mountains, terminate, westwardly, the ranges of seven species and subspecies characteristic of the Lower Sonoran
Zone of the "Apache Faunal Area" and also many of that Area's Upper Sonoran forms. The seven Lower
Sonoran birds are: Colinus virginianus ridgwayi (formerly), Callipepla squamata pallida, Otocoris alpestris
adusta, Corvus cryptoleucus, Geothlypis trichas chryseola, Sturnella magna lilianae, and Spizella carpalis
carpalis.
general features of this part of the border more closely resemble the
Lower Sonoran Zone of the "Elevated Central Tract" than they do the
excessively barren desert to the westward one surely cannot criticize him
for linking it with the former. Concerning the faunal affinities of this
stretch from the Baboquivaris to Ajo, I cannot be certain at this time.
At least two of the Lower Sonoran subspecies which are characteristic
of southeastern Arizona range over this stretch, and possibly there are
others. On the other hand "Western Desert" birds appear to be vastly
in the majority. The faunal affinities, as a whole, are more probably with
the Colorado Desert than otherwise. I have not been along the border
between Ajo and Yuma, save for a very short distance east of Yuma.
Mearns' "Western Desert Tract" and Swarth's "Western Desert
126 San Diego Society of Natural History
Area" are, in effect, practically synonymous (although not entirely so)
with Grinnell's (1928) "Colorado Desert Differentiation Area." Mearns'
"Elevated Central Tract" and Swarth's "Eastern Plains Area," on the
other hand, are only in part comparable. Mearns' concept (properly, I
believe) included the Sonoran and Boreal Zones; Swarth, specifically,
considered in his studies only the Lower Sonoran. There is every reason
to believe, in fact intensive studies of the geographic behavior of the
birds of Sonora and Chihuahua make it almost certain, that southeastern
Arizona is, on the basis of its Lower Sonoran, Upper Sonoran, and
Boreal Zone birds, the northwestern portion of a large and well charac-
terized area of differentiation which has as its geographical hub the
mountain mass of the northern Sierra Madre which lies north of the
east-west course of the Yaqui River. This may appropriately be desig-
nated as the Apache Faunal Area.
In the following pages I have confined observations to "new" data,
that is such as change or modify current ideas of faunal areas, range ex-
tensions, or systematic status. Maps have been added when thought
necessary or desirable in order to make more graphic the problems in-
volved. Carefully avoided have been data which would simply be
repetition of the work of former observers. Needless to say, the Arizona-
Sonora border is still a relatively unexplored territory and I have no
illusions as to the finality of any ideas or statements expressed. Future
field work may well, and probably will, modify any or all of them.
Accipiter atricapillus striatulus (Ridgway)
The American Goshawk seems not to have been previously recorded from
the Santa Ritas. On May 1, 1931, and on two subsequent occasions Dr. Loye
Miller and I saw an adult in the pines at about 7500 feet altitude in Madera
Canon. Considering the date and the actions of this bird, which obviously resented
our presence, it seems reasonable to suppose the probability of a nest somewhere
nearby.
Specific records of the goshawk in extreme southern Arizona are still suffi-
ciently rare to make permissible the recording of some occurrences in the Chirica-
huas. The Dickey collection contains an adult male taken by H. H. Kimball on
July 10, 1918, at Paradise, an adult female taken by Kimball at an unknown
locality (in the Chiricahuas) on December 5, 1918, and a juvenal female collected
by Frank Hand in Pinery Canon on February 9, 1928. None of these three indi-
viduals can be assigned to the eastern race, for they all possess the dark dorsal
coloration and, in the juvenile, the broad blackish-brown ventral streaking, which
characterize the race striatulus as now understood. In fact they are slightly but
appreciably darker than average goshawks from the northwest coast. In the British
Museum is a similarly dark-colored adult taken by W. Lloyd at Yecora in the
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 127
high mountains of east central Sonora on April 13, 1888, and also two nearly full-
grown juveniles (which may well have been collected directly from the nest)
taken by W. B. Richardson in the Sierra Nayarit, Jalisco. This last record is ap-
parently far south of any previously known breeding station.
There is the possibility that a definable race, distinct from striatulus, exists
in the Mexican highlands and that its range includes the mountains of extreme
southern Arizona. The appearance of the Jalisco juveniles, which are the darkest
I have ever seen, is further indication that such is the case.
I most emphatically follow Peters (1931), and most European ornitholo-
gists, in considering Astur congeneric with Accipiter.
Accipiter cooperii mexicanus Swainson
Several pairs of the Western Cooper's Hawk were found in the Baboqui-
varis, a point which marks the extreme western limit of territory suitable for
breeding purposes. An adult male was collected with a set of four eggs in a small
canon at 5500 feet altitude at the east base of Baboquivari Peak on May 27, 1931.
Other breeding pairs were noted at intervals in the oak regions along the border
between Nogales and the Baboquivaris and, in common with former observers,
we found several breeding pairs in the Santa Ritas.
Buteo albonotatus Kaup
A single adult Zone-tailed Hawk was seen on the ground beside the road
near Arivaca on May 23, 1931. In the Baboquivaris, a pair was found nesting
in the oaks in Thomas Canon on the east side of the range. One parent (the
female) was collected on May 24; the other, the male, who was then incubating
the set of two eggs, on the 25th.
Save for the several records from the lower Colorado River, some of which
are dubious and more probably pertain to Harris's Hawk, I believe the specimens
taken in the Baboquivaris to be the westernmost known occurrences of the Zone-
tailed Hawk in southern Arizona. Since this hawk is distinctly partial to oak
and sycamore timber (chiefly Upper Sonoran Zone) during the breeding season,
the Baboquivaris in this, as in many other cases, probably constitute the western
range limit along the border.
Callipepla squamata pallida Brewster
We found the Scaled Quail to range west along the border foothills and
uplands to the east slope of the Baboquivari Mountains. In this territory we
found it common, although usually outnumbered by GambeFs Quail. We noted
it almost continuously along grassy, broken ground north almost to Picacho, but
at no point west of the Baboquivaris.
While I agree with Swarth that the Scaled Quail (or in a more properly
restricted sense the subspecies pallida) is one of the characteristic birds of the
"Eastern Plains" fauna, I cannot for a moment subscribe to a belief that Gambel's
Quail is an indicator of his "Western Desert Area." Gambel's Quail is common,
locally, clear across the "Eastern Plains" to the Chiricahua Mountains at least,
where it is abundant. In fart in certain washes along the western foothills of that
range I found it, in 1914 and 1915, to outnumber the Scaled Quail. Similarly,
128
San Diego Society of Natural History
A' 113" II
110"
109°
l\
_j_4
/'
•
■
■
1
K.
• ;
■
•
•
•
ii
■^2»
[m ~^~ —
•
■
■ 1
L
■
•) —
•
i
•
•
•
\
\
/
•
•
\
■J
/•
\ i
i
■
•»
p
Map 2. Distribution of two species of quail, Callipepla squamata pallida (squares), and Lophortyx gam-
belii gambelii (dots) in southern Arizona and northern Sonora. The broken line which encloses the range of
pallida also indicates in a general way the western and northern section of the "Apache Faunal Area."
south of the boundary, the Scaled Quail is an excellent faunal indicator, but
gambelii ranges east across the state of Sonora to the foothills of the Sierra Madre.
Cyrtonyx montezumae mearnsi Nelson
In common with many other Upper Sonoran birds, Mearn's Quail ranges
west of the Baboquivaris (both slopes; see Bruner, 1926), which mountains
necessarily mark the extreme western limit of the species along the border. We
also found it to be fairly common in the Atasco Mountains and about Pena
Blanca Spring in the Pajaritos.
Otus asio cineraceus (Ridgway)
The distribution of the common screech owls in extreme southern Arizona
west of the Santa Ritas cannot be finally outlined until more specimens have been
collected from critical localities. One thing is certain, however, and that is that
cineraceus occurs west along the border considerably beyond the range now ac-
corded it. Dr. Miller and Berry Campbell (1934) took several specimens (ex-
amined by me) at Pena Blanca Spring, Pajarito Mountains, in June, August,
and September. I found a fully grown juvenile dead in the road between Oro
Blanco and Arivaca on June 19, and Dr. Taylor collected a juvenile and an adult.
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 129
(also examined in the present connection), at Arivaca (a Lower Sonoran locality,
incidentally) , on June 20, 1932. In the Baboquivaris a screech owl, probably of
this subspecies, was heard but not collected.
The subspecies gilmani has been recorded from the Santa Ritas (Bailey,
1923), but Dr. Oberholser informs me that the specimen which was the basis
of the record cannot now be found in the Biological Survey collection. In view
of the fact that Swarth (1929) took a family of cineraceus there, the gilmani
record is decidedly open to question.
In considering the western limits of the range of cineraceus, it has been ad-
visable to re-examine the type series of Otus asio cardonensis Huey from Lower
California, since cardonensis has been synonymized with cineraceus by Grinnell
(1928) . Entirely aside from the incongruity of such a "split" range — that is two
colonies of cineraceus separated from each other by gilmani — I can see no valid
reason for not recognizing cardonensis on its own character merits. Although
cardonensis is very close to cineraceus and has the same gray cast of plumage
(that is with almost complete absence of brown tones), cardonensis is definitely
darker, and is more leaden (less ashy) than cineraceus, both above and below.
Otus trichopsis trichopsis (Wagler)
The occurrence of this rare screech owl in the mountains of south-central
Arizona was to be expected, but that it should prove to be common in a locality
which had prevoiusly been worked extensively was surprising.
About 9 o'clock on the evening of June 4, 1931, the notes of a small owl
were heard in the sycamore and oak timber along the stream which runs past the
resort in Madera Canon in the Santa Ritas. These notes, while unmistakably
"screech-owl" in character, were very different in cadence from those of any
member of the asio group covered by my experience. They consisted of a repeti-
tion of three short notes, a slight pause, and a fourth, terminal note, " -,
,f -, - - - -•" A whistled imitation soon decoyed the caller, which proved
to be a Spotted Screech Owl, within range. On June 5, a night trip of several
hours' duration pretty well prospected Madera Canon between the resort at 5500
feet altitude and Littleshot Cabin at 7000 feet. Among other nocturnal rarities
encountered, Spotted Screech Owls were located, by the unmistakable call notes,
at five different points and by calling the birds from a central location I had
four individuals close to me at one time. On this occasion a mated pair was col-
lected. Two nights later, two pairs were located in the south fork of the canon
at altitudes of 6000 and 6500 feet respectively. One of these pairs was collected
in an oak grove near the stream.
At no time were asio call notes heard in Madera Canon, and I was tempted
to conclude that trichopsis and asio were not likely to be found in the immediate
vicinity of each other. However, I subsequently learned that Dr. Miller and his
party took several examples of each species at Pena Blanca Spring in the Pajari-
tos.
Stomachs of the pair collected on June 7 were submitted to the Biological
Survey and their report is herewith appended.
130 San Diego Society of Natural History
Male — Condition of stomach: full
Percentage on animal matter, 100; of vegetable, —
Contents: 1 Diplotaxis sp. = 2%; 13 Noctuidae larvae = 87%;
1 adult Lepidoptera — 2% ; 2 Formicidae = trace;
1 Spider = 7 % ; fur of a small rodent = 2 % .
Female — Condition of stomach: nearly full
Percentage of animal matter, 100; of vegetable, —
Contents: 1 Acrididae=5%; 6 Gryllus assimilis = 60%; 2 Noctui-
dae larvae = 25%; 1 other Lepidopterous larva = trace; 1
adult Noctuidae = 5%- 1 spider = trace; 1 scorpion = 5 % .
Otus flammeolus (Kaup)
Flammulated Screech Owls were found only in the Santa Ritas, from which
range they have not previously been reported. At Littleshot Cabin, in the mixed
oaks and pines at 7000 feet, a male was collected at dusk on June 6, 1931, as he
was flying about through the trees. This bird was not at all shy and decoyed
readily to a squeak. Three days later, on June 9, I noticed a feather clinging to
the entrance of an old flicker hole some ten feet from the ground in a dead pine
stub a quarter of a mile above the spot where the male had been shot on the 6th.
The stub was pushed over without much difficulty, and the hole was found to
contain a female Flammulated Screech Owl and two newly-hatched young. This
nest probably did not belong to the male taken on the 6th, for another Flammu-
lated Screech Owl was seen to visit the site on several occasions during the night
after the female and young had been collected.
I could perceive no definite eye shine from either of the two individuals
seen at night, though the visitor to the nest site occasionally gave out a greenish
white glint as the bird was viewed in profile. No notes, which could be certainly
attributed to this species, were heard, although on one occasion a small owl,
which I concluded because of its size to be a Flammulated Screech Owl, was
heard calling in an oak grove at 6000 feet in Madera Canon. The call notes,
which were given persistently, might be described as a poor-will call reversed —
that is to say with the higher of the two notes given first. This bird was so shy that
it flew rapidly from tree to tree in order to avoid the beam of the flashlight, and
never remained stationary long enough to be collected, even by a snap shot.
The two newly-hatched young collected on June 9, 1931, are thickly cov-
ered with snowy white down, with, in life, the bills and feet flesh color. The irides,
both of adults and young, were very dark, nearly blackish, brown — very different
from the yellow irides of the common and spotted screech owls. In plumage,
neither adult is in an extreme color phase; the female, though, is definitely more
rufescent than the male.
I am indebted to the Bureau of Biological Survey for the following stomach
analyses of the two adults collected.
Male — Condition of stomach: full
Percentage of animal matter, 100; of vegetable, —
Contents: 3 Diplotaxis sp. = 25%; 4 Noctuidae larvae = 35%; 2
other Noctuidae larvae=5%; 6 adult Melipotis sp.,
probably indomita, =35%.
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 131
Female — Condition of stomach: full
Percentage of animal matter, 100; of vegetable, —
Contents: 1 Gryllus assitnilis = trace; 5 Diplotaxis sp. = 35%;
1 1 Noctuidae larvae = 65 % .
Glaucidium minutissimum gnoma Wagler
Three specimens of the Pigmy Owl were collected, a breeding pair in the
Atasco Mountains and a male in the Santa Ritas. In view of the rarity of the
species, and particularly this subspecies which is here recorded for the first time
from the United States, the circumstances of their capture seem worth recording.
The breeding pair was encountered on May 19, 1931, as Dr. Burt and I
were coming down through a grove of blue oaks at 4500 feet in Piskiorski Canon.
As we passed under a small oak, a Pigmy Owl flew out and perched at the very
tip of another oak nearby. It proved to be an adult male. Investigation of the tree
from which he had flown showed three old nest holes of the Arizona Woodpecker
in the main trunk, at heights of from 12 to 15 feet above the ground. Since the
holes were drilled in the hard live wood they could not be opened at the time,
but I returned next day and chopped out the most favorable looking one. The
female refused to leave the hole during chopping operations, but flew out when
I descended for a moment to the ground. She, like the male, flew to the tip of
a nearby oak. There were four eggs in the nest, two of them fairly well incubated,
the other two claw-marked and seemingly infertile.
The male taken near Littleshot Cabin in the Santa Ritas on June 1, 1931,
was noticed, quite by accident, perched at the tip of a small dead sycamore and
in the full glare of the mid-day sun. Just before he was shot he was attacked
furiously by a female Rivoli Hummingbird.
The only other Pigmy Owls that I have been able to examine from extreme
southern Arizona are a male from the Huachuca Mountains (32378 Museum
of Vertebrate Zoology) and a male from the Santa Ritas (406 San Diego Soc.
Nat. Hist.).
For over ten years I have been keeping notes and measurements of Pigmy
Owls whenever opportunity arose. The total examined has been in excess of 200
specimens and over 100 have been assembled at one time. The conclusions
reached differ in several respects with some previously published opinions, not
only as to the systematic status of birds from certain regions but as to the ranges
currently accorded several subspecies.
In the first place, it is very evident that the matter of color phases has not
received anywhere near the consideration it deserves. Secondly, size and propor-
tions are of much more value than has been realized. Among recent writers Dr.
L. B. Bishop (1931) has been practically alone in his contention that the race
pinicola of Nelson is only the extreme gray phase of calijornicum. With this
belief I am in agreement. However, I cannot subscribe to placing the Pigmy Owls
of the northern Rocky Mountains with calijornicum. Compared with northwest
coast examples of grinnelli, the interior birds unquestionably average paler or
grayer, but certain interior birds are just as red or as richly colored as coastal
grinnelli. The appended table of measurements shows the size agreement between
coastal and interior Pigmy Owls and there remains only an incomplete phase
132
San Diego Society of Natural History
segregation by which to distinguish series from the two areas. I suggest to any-
one interested a study of the geographic phase behavior of the closely related
Glaucidium brasilianum ridgwayi as illuminating in the present connection.
To return to the Pigmy Owls of southern Arizona, I must confess at the
outset to having misled Dr. Bishop on the subspecific status of the Atasco Moun-
tains pair, for at that time I had not made the critical comparisons which subse-
quently proved to be necessary. Briefly, the southern Arizona specimens differ
from "pinicola" \ = calif ornicum] in their decidedly smaller size, more conspicu-
ously spotted upper parts and slightly darker (phase for phase) coloration. The
four males are all in the gray phase, the female in the brown or "mongrel" phase.
I cannot distinguish them in any way from gnoma of the Mexican highlands and
the range of gnoma should be corrected to read "north to the Huachuca, Santa
Rita, and Atasco Mountains in extreme southern Arizona."
Glaucidium minutissimum1 Males
Wing
Tail
4 gnoma
84-91
(88.0)
58-62
(60.4)
4 gnoma
86-90
(88.5)
60-61
(61.0)
6 calif ornicum
91-98
(94.5)
64-69
(67.2)
4 californicum
90-100
(94.0)
65-68
(67.5)
1 grinnelli
(88.0)
(67.0)
6 grinnelli
85-92
(89.2)
62-67
(65.3)
8 grinnelli
87-91
(89.7)
61-65
(64.1)
10 grinnelli
88-92
(90.5)
60-67
(63.3)
17 grinnelli
87-92
(90.0)
62-67
(65.4)
3 swarthi
84-89 (86.3) 61-63 (61.7)
Mexico
Arizona
California Sierras
New Mexico
Wrangle, Alaska
Puget Sound Region
Western Oregon
N. W. California
Interior Brit. Columbia
and northern Idaho
Vancouver Island
Micropallas whitneyi whitneyi (Cooper)
Perhaps the most noticeable of night noises in the cottonwood groves along
the Santa Cruz River in the vicinity of Tumacacori Mission, in early May, 1931,
were the familiar call notes of the Elf Owl. This point is some 14 miles from the
nearest giant cactus (a small grove near Continental), and nearly 40 miles from
the extensive groves to the west of Tucson. On the night of May 14, I had no
trouble in locating, with the aid of a flashlight, two pairs within a hundred yards
of camp, nor in collecting three specimens in almost as few minutes. I saw at
1 Mr. Ludlow Griscom (1931) has recently reviewed the Central and South American
races. He is unquestionably correct in his contention that gnoma and minutissimum are con-
specific and that the two supposed species blend through griseiceps and cobanense. A criti-
cal examination of the material in the British Museum, including the types of both races,
shows that the Guatemalan lowland race griseiceps (13 specimens) is distinct from cobanense
(5 specimens) by reason of the definitely shorter tail and the lesser number of tail bands.
Incidentally griseiceps does have a red phase which is (in the single instance known to me)
indistinguishable in color from cobanense. In such rare cases the measurements are, of course,
diagnostic. Measurements of these two interesting races are appended.
Males (Some griseiceps not Marked on Tags as to Sex)
Wing Tail Tail bands (excluding tip)
3 cobanense 67-88 59-62 6 to 7
13 griseiceps 84-90 48-58 3 to 6
van Rossem— Birds of South-central Arizona 133
least a dozen birds within half a mile and could have taken all of them had it
been desirable to do so. They were always in pairs, even though the breeding
season was at its height, and for the most part they were located first by call notes
and then observed with a flashlight. By far the greater number were in the medium
height cottonwoods, perched or flying about in the branches below the crown
foliage. Two were seen in a pile of drift-wood in the dry stream bed, and one in
a mesquite thicket. The oviduct of the single female collected contained an egg
ready to be laid. One pair was seen repeatedly to enter a small natural cavity,
some thirty feet above the ground, in the trunk of a half-dead Cottonwood. In
June, 1932, our party found Elf Owls to be not uncommon at Pefia Blanca
Spring, Pajarito Mountains, in the live oak association of the Upper Sonoran
Zone at about 4000 feet. One pair, accompanied by grown young, was found with-
in a hundred yards of the spring, and enough additional birds were heard to
convince us that several pairs were in the vicinity. This locality was one in which
spotted and Mexican screech owls, poor-wills, acorn woodpeckers and other char-
acteristic Upper Sonoran species were present — an unexpected place, surely, in
which to find the supposedly cactus-restricted Elf Owl! Campbell (1934) has
previously recorded Elf Owls from this same locality.
A single Elf Owl was found half hidden in a mistletoe clump in a mes-
quite thicket at Bates Well on June 22, 1932. There was no giant cactus in the
immediate vicinity of this spot, but scattered plants were noted a half mile or so
away. This bird is now in the collection of the University of Arizona.
Strix occidentalis lucida (Nelson)
The barking calls of Spotted Owls were frequently heard at night in the
Santa Ritas, invariably between altitudes of 6000 and 8000 feet. At Littleshot
Cabin, shortly before dusk on June 8, 1931, a Spotted Owl, subsequently found
to be a female, suddenly appeared on the roots of a fallen tree, ten feet from the
spot where I sat watching a whip-poor-will catch low-flying insects along the
course of a small stream. This owl was not in the least disturbed by my presence,
but obviously was intensely curious; indeed I believe it came down with the sole
purpose of a close range inspection. At about 9 P. M. another Spotted Owl was
heard barking from higher up the canon. When I answered, it came immediately
and perched in a pine tree not twenty feet distant. Like the first bird it was per-
fectly fearless and I had excellent opportunity to test it for eye shine. Though
it was looking straight at me for several minutes I could get no reflection of any
sort, the eyes appearing perfectly black at all times. This bird, a male, was very
probably the mate of the female taken earlier in the evening.
In 1932 another pair of Spotted Owls were found to have come into the
territory opened up by the taking of the pair in 1931. Both birds were seen several
times, and still more frequently were heard at night as they barked to each other
from opposite sides of the canon. These 1932 birds were not nearly so tame as
the first pair, but usually could be decoyed to reasonably close distances by an imi-
tation of their calls. This pair was not molested.
A Spotted Owl was seen, at dusk, to fly out of a grove of oaks near a spring
at about 7000 feet in Stone Cabin Canon on June 25, 1932. Although this bird
exchanged barks with me for more than an hour, it refused to come closer than
134 San Diego Society of Natural History
a hundred yards. It was evidently disturbed by the flashlight and would promptly
shift location at every attempt to find it with this means.
Bailey (1923) and various other observers have also found Spotted Owls
in Stone Cabin and Madera Canons. The species is evidently fairly common in
the Santa Ritas.
Asio otus wilsonianus (Lesson)
According to Swarth (1929) the Long-eared Owl has been detected but
once as a breeding bird in Arizona, the record being that of a young bird taken
at 5000 feet altitude in Stone Cabin Canon on the west side of the Santa Ritas.
It was of interest, therefore, to find a family of these owls in the mesquite (Lower
Sonoran Zone) along the dry stream bed at Bates Well. The young were nearly
full grown, but partly in juvenal plumage. One specimen, a juvenal male, was
collected on June 23, 1932.
Caprimulgus vociferus arizonae (Brewster)
The vertical range of Stephens's Whip-poor-will is not limited to the higher
mountains. Above 6000 feet in the Santa Ritas many birds were heard on every
occasion that we stayed out after dark, but I also heard a whip-poor-will several
times at 5000 feet in the Atascos and Dr. Miller collected a specimen at Peha
Blanca Spring, Pajarito Mountains, in June, 1931. These last two localities are
well down in the Upper Sonoran Zone.
I took, all told, six specimens of this common, though seldom collected,
whip-poor-will and saw or heard several times that number. In the Santa Ritas
they showed a decided preference for groves of oaks and sycamores in the canon
bottoms, and nearly all of those which were found at night were feeding in the
immediate vicinity of running water. A pair to the mile seemed to be normal in
most canons which contained water and it was obvious that each pair had its own
territory.
Though males, and sometimes, before eggs were laid, mated pairs, were
invariably found in the canon beds, the two nests discovered were on hillsides at
least a quarter of a mile from water. On the night of June 6, 1931, I caught the
red eye-shine of a whip-poor-will some distance away (estimated by daylight at
150 yards) and across a steep-banked canon. With no expectation of collecting
anything I followed the trail to a point where I estimated the shine to have been,
but could locate nothing and supposed that the bird had gone. On my return
to the original spot the eye was seen in the same location as before, and this time,
after a little search, I found a female sitting under the protection of a
fallen spray of leafless twigs which lay on a steep bank beside the trail. Three
of us had passed within five or six feet of this sitting bird on two occasions the
day before. The sitting bird made no effort to escape and was picked up by hand.
There was one nearly fresh egg in the shallow depression in the gravelly soil
which served as a nest, and stuck to the ventral plumage of the incubating female
were several small pieces of shell, showing that another egg had been laid and
somehow broken. This single egg was by no means immaculate white, but was
clouded and mottled with brown and lilac, mostly in the nature of semi-concealed
shell markings. It was similar to but very much less highly colored than eggs of
the eastern vociferus, however.
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 135
A second nest found on the night of June 27, 1932, within two feet of the
same trail was, like the first, under a slight canopy of dead oak twigs. This nest
contained one pure white egg and a newly hatched chick clothed with a very
respectable covering of down — in color between "cinnamon" and "orange-cinna-
mon" of Ridgway.
A, to me, surprising circumstance, was the marked erectability of the
feathers above the eyes. Both of the sitting females carried these tufts constantly
erect the entire time they were under observation. A male seen from directly in
front alternately raised and flattened them. On one previous occasion, when night
hunting in El Salvador, I had observed the eastern subspecies (vociferus) to
have markedly erectile tufts; in fact until I picked the bird up I was certain that
I had shot some small "eared" owl. About 45% from the horizontal was the
maximum elevation, though when viewed from directly in front the tufts appear
nearly vertical.
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii nuttallii (Audubon)
Poor-wills were heard at night chiefly in the oak association of the Upper
Sonoran Zone but we also found them to be common on the Lower Sonoran
desert. Specimens were taken in the Atasco Mountains, Pajarito Mountains and
at Bates Well. This last locality is interesting as indicating the approximate area
of intergradation between nuttallii and hueyi of the lower Colorado River Val-
ley. The series of 4 birds from Bates Well is certainly referable only to nuttallii,
but an approach to hueyi is seen in the slightly browner and paler coloration.
These specimens were taken on June 22 and 23, 1932, a date which precludes
the possibility of their being migrants. The two males were in breeding condition;
the two females were evidently incubating. All were collected in an arrowweed-
mesquite association along the borders of the dry stream bed. Conditions, both
as to habitat and temperatures, closely approximated those found along the Lower
Colorado River Valley, beyond the confines of which hueyi has not been detected.
Previous to this time I had anticipated that nuttallii would be found to be
confined, during the breeding season, to the Upper Sonoran Zone and that hueyi
would be found to be the race of the Lower Sonoran deserts. That the distribu-
tion of the two races is not dependent on zonal considerations is obvious by rea-
son of the presence of nuttallii at Bates Well.
Selasphorus rufus (Gmelin)
One specimen was taken at 4500 feet Stone Cabin Canon in the Santa Ritas
on April 27, 1931. I believe the Rufous Hummingbird has not been previously
detected in these mountains during the spring migration.
Trogon elegans canescens van Rossem
Regardless of its status in former years, this trogon may now be counted a
fairly common summer visitant in the Santa Ritas. Possibly it has always been
more numerous than was supposed, for one of the rangers, who has been stationed
for many years in the Santa Ritas, knew the bird well and told me of having seen
as many as five or six feeding together at a single patch of manzanita. At any
rate there were several pairs in Madera Canon in the summers of 1931 and 1932.
136 San Diego Society of Natural History
The loud, hoarse, "koa-koa-koa" call of a male trogon was first heard in
the pines at the head of Madera Canon on May 1, 1931, but he was moving con-
tinually and we never were able to catch sight of him. On May 30 of the same
year we occasionally saw, and more frequently heard, at least two pairs in the
right hand (south) fork of the canon about two miles above the resort, and at
altitudes of between 6000 and 6500 feet. The association in which they were
noted was the oak-sycamore growth near the juncture of Upper Sonoran and
Transition. Two more males (both of which presumably had mates) were heard
in the left (north) fork — one at 7000, the other at 8000 feet altitude. These alti-
tudes are in the pine-oak association in the Transition Zone.
On June 8, 1931, while tramping through a bed of fallen sycamore leaves
at 6000 feet, I found a female trogon flopping about but unable to rise from the
ground. Dissection showed that she had been shot in the body with what appeared
to be an air gun pellet. The spot where she was found was a frequently occupied
camp site, and the assumption is that she had been wounded by one of the many
campers present the previous week-end. In 1932, trogons were still more plenti-
ful. On June 27, Mr. Gorsuch and I saw or heard eight birds between the forks
of the canon, at 6000 feet, and Littleshot Cabin at 7000. On that date a fully
adult male was collected by Mr. Gorsuch for the museum at the University of
Arizona. On June 28, a very young trogon, about two-thirds grown and evidently
just out of the nest, was shot, quite unintentionally, in a patch of oaks at 6000
feet. It was perched about two feet from the ground in fairly thick undergrowth
and was mistaken for a juvenile robin. This specimen has been donated to the
University of Arizona, for trogons are, properly, on the list of species the col-
lecting of which is prohibited.
Dryobates villosus icastus Oberholser
Hairy Woodpeckers were not uncommon in the higher parts of the Transi-
tion Zone in the Santa Ritas, where one specimen was collected at 8500 feet alti-
tude on the east slope of Mt. Wrightson on June 5, 1931. The record is appar-
ently the first for the Santa Ritas, though the occurrence of the species was to
be expected.
Dryobates arizonae arizonae (Hargitt)
Like that of many other Upper Sonoran species, the range of the Arizona
Woodpecker extends west (Bruner, 1926) to the Baboquivaris. We found it
to be common in those mountains (specimen taken in Thomas Canon at 5500
feet altitude) and also in the oak association of the Atascos and Pajaritos.
Myiarchus tyrannulus magister Ridgway
But one specimen of the Arizona Crested Flycatcher was taken and this is
recorded only because of the nesting of the species at a point some ten or eleven
miles from the nearest giant cactus.
Though Swarth (1929) noted the first arrivals on May 15, the season of
1931 must have been somewhat advanced, for two pairs were seen in the cotton-
woods along the dry bed of the Santa Cruz River two miles south of Tumaca-
cori Mission on May 12. Both of these pairs were engaged in carrying nesting
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 137
material into natural cavities in tall cottonwoods, and it must be supposed that
they had arrived in the locality some days at least prior to that date. The male
of one of these pairs was collected on the 13th.
Myiarchus tuberculifer olivascens Ridgway
In common with many other birds whose habitat is mainly in the Upper
Sonoran Zone, the Olivaceous Flycatcher extends west through the oak covered
hills along the international boundary to the Baboquivari Mountains. We found
the species to be common in the oaks of the Atascos, Pajaritos and Baboquivaris,
and also found it nesting, not uncommonly, in the cottonwoods at Tumacacori.
This last locality has an altitude of 3300 feet, and is well within the Lower So-
noran life zone. At no other point in Arizona, so far as I am aware, have the
Olivaceous Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and the Arizona Crested Fly-
catcher been found nesting in the same locality and environment, although Camp-
bell ( 1934) records all three species at Pena Blanca Spring in the Pajaritos "be-
fore July 15," a date which indicates that they were breeding birds.
In southern Sonora and southward the Olivaceous Flycatcher is widely
distributed zonally, and I believe that its usual close adherence to the Upper
Sonoran in northern Sonora and Arizona is because of preference for a woodland
habitat and not because of any intolerance for Lower Sonoran temperatures.
Specimens were collected in the Santa Ritas, Atascos, Baboquivaris (Thomas
Canon, May 27, breeding), and Tumacacori (nesting pair taken May 12).
Empidonax difficilis difficilis Baird
Four breeding specimens of the Western Flycatcher were collected in Ma-
dera Canon, Santa Rita Mountains, at altitudes varying from 6000 to 7000 feet.
These are all of the large, dull-colored (as yet unnamed) form which breeds in
the southern Rocky Mountains north to Wyoming and Montana and west to
the Warner Mts., Oregon. In measurements the males from the interior average
about 70 mm. in wing length and 60 in tail length, as opposed to about 64 and
55 mm. for far western birds from Alaska south, coastwise, to southern Califor-
nia. The coloration of the interior birds is grayer and duller when specimens in
equal stages of wear are compared.
A migratory specimen of typical difficilis was collected in the Atasco Moun-
tains on May 19, 1931.
Camptostoma imberbe ridgwayi (Brewster)
The Beardless Flycatcher is not new to the territory of this paper, indeed
the Santa Cruz River Valley is evidently the center of its range in Arizona. But
since it has been supposed to be rare, there is justification for placing our obser-
vations on record.
I believe this species to be common in southern Arizona, and that the chief
reason why it has not been detected more often is its close resemblance in color,
size, and call notes to the Verdin.
I first heard the "verdin" notes of this species at Continental on April 24,
1931, and caught occasional flashes of a bird in a dense patch of mesquite and
second growth cottonwoods along the nearly dry stream bed. On the 26th, Dr.
138 San Diego Society of Natural History
Miller and I went back to the same spot and succeeded in taking both members
of a pair which was nearly ready to breed. We next met the Beardless Flycatcher
in a grove of oaks, alders, and sycamores near the mouth of Madera Canon in
the Santa Ritas, at an altitude of about 4000 feet and just at the juncture of Lower
and Upper Sonoran Zones. A pair of these birds was obviously much interested
in one section of a sycamore grove but, though we watched them for several hours,
we could find no nest. Both birds kept well up in the foliage at from twenty to
forty feet from the ground, though one made frequent flights to a small clump
of young mesquites on the hillside nearby. This pair was certainly breeding, for
the condition of the female showed her to be incubating and she had but recently
finished laying. At Tumacacori we found Beardless Flycatchers to be common in
the groves of cottonwoods and willows along the dry river bed. I estimated the
population to average a pair to every quarter-mile for at least two miles either
way from our camp. However, pairs were by no means regularly spaced
One might easily have missed seeing any or all of these birds, for they were
decidedly partial to perches just under the crown foliage of the cottonwoods at
heights of from twenty to fifty feet. Were it not for the tell-tale, verdin-like pip-
ing, a search in such an environment would not be likely to produce results, for
the diminutive size of the birds, their inconspicuous coloring, and rather seden-
tary habits combine to make them exceedingly difficult to detect, even after their
general location has been ascertained. I found that sitting quietly and waiting
for a flycatcher to become concerned about my continued presence was a much
better method of locating pairs than to search at random. Every grove of good-
sized cottonwoods contained at least one pair and sooner or later, if one kept
quiet, the male would begin to sound his sharp alarm notes and to flit nervously
about the grove. As often as not his mate would join him for a few minutes and
then disappear.
A nest was found on May 13. It was about twenty-five feet above the ground
and was tucked into the pendent stems of a clump of mistletoe which grew at
the tip of a Cottonwood branch. Certain that a nest was near at hand, I spent two
hours in trying to follow the more elusive member of the pair and finally saw
her disappear into one of several clumps of mistletoe. No nest was visible from
the ground, but by climbing an adjacent tree I could see it plainly enough. In
the absence of a sufficiently long rope the site was inaccessible, and I finally shot
off the branch in order to examine the nest at close range. It was a thick-walled,
rather loosely packed, four-inch globe of grasses and fine weeds with the interior
well padded with plant-down, feathers and a small amount of rabbit fur. The
entrance was in the side, slightly above center. The single egg, badly broken in
the fall, was white, thickly spotted with tiny reddish-brown dots about the larger
end and more sparingly elsewhere.
Specimens of the Beardless Flycatcher were taken at Continental on April
26; at the mouth of Madera Canon on April 29, and at Tumacacori on May 12,
13, 15 and 16, 1931. Though a total of eleven birds was collected, it would have
been possible to have taken twice that number at Tumacacori alone, along the
four or five miles of river bed which was explored. At Fresnal, on the west side
of the Baboquivari Mountains, on June 20 and 21, 1932, I repeatedly saw a pair
of Beardless Flycatchers in a grove of small mesquites. I collected one of the-
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 139
birds and, as I remember, gave it to Moore, but I do not know its location at the
present time. Fresnal is considerably to the west of any previously recorded sta-
tion for the species.
I have elsewhere (1930, 1934) given my reasons for believing that the
northwestern race, ridgway'i, should be recognized.
Otocoris alpestris adusta Dwight
The Scorched Horned Lark does not reach its western limit at the Santa
Ritas, but continues west along the mesa lands to, and all along, the east base
of the Baboquivaris. Bruner (1926) has previously provisionally referred birds
from this locality to the race adusta. Nineteen specimens were collected at the
following points, though the distribution is really practically continuous, even
in the grasslands of the oak association: Nogales, 1 (specimen lost en route);
Atasco Mountains, 11; 5 miles west of Ruby, 1; Arivaca, 1; Altar Valley 15 miles
north of the boundary, 1; east base of the Baboquivari Mountains at 5, 10, and
15 miles north of the Boundary, 5. These are all typical of the race adusta except
that four of the nine males from the Atasco Mountains are variously paler. I
incline to the belief that this paleness is a local tendency rather than evidence of
intergradation with leucansiptila. There is as yet no evidence that any horned lark
occurs in the breeding season between the Baboquivaris and the Colorado River
Valley.
Corvus cryptoleucus Couch
White-necked Ravens were found to be fairly common at Continental in
late April, common at Tumacacori in mid-May and still more numerous all along
the east side of the Baboquivaris the latter part of May. Bruner (1926) records
them from the west side of the mountains at Fresnal, and I suspect from various
other data that they extend even further west. We saw no nests nor any indica-
tions of breeding other than that the birds were usually in pairs and a female
taken at Tumacacori on May 13, 1931, was nearly ready to lay. Dr. Vorhies
(1934) has recently called attention to the absence of recent records of the
White-necked Raven in the valley of the Santa Cruz and suggests that the species
no longer occurs there. The above records are therefore of interest as showing
that it is still a common bird in the upper Santa Cruz valley (at certain times of
the year at least) , and also that it ranges west at least to the Baboquivaris.
Arizona winter records of this raven are not numerous. I found them to
be very common all over the Sulphur Spring Valley in the winter of 1914-1915.
The Dickey collection contains specimens taken by myself 4 miles west of Light
on February 22, 1915, and 12 miles southeast of Willcox, February 24, 1915.
Auriparus flaviceps ornatus (Lawrence)
Verdin material from the border is unsatisfactory both as to quantity and
quality and the present tentative determinations of individuals must be verified
by series of fresh-plumaged specimens. Two adult males from Continental (April
24 and 26, 193 1 ) and one from Tumacacori (May 12, 193 1 ) are in badly abraded
plumage and do not provide much in the way of color values. However, their
measurements most closely approximate those of ornatus. A single juvenile (May
24, 1931) from the east slope of the Baboquivaris appears to be exactly like juve-
140 San Diego Society of Natural History
niles of ornatus from Saric, in northern Sonora. Compared with juveniles of
acaciarum it is darker, grayer, and lacks the slightly buffy suffusion of acaciarum.
Midwinter specimens from Tucson and Fort Lowell are intermediates between
ornatus and acaciarum, though closer in both size and color to ornatus. Presum-
ably, verdins from the southern localities given above ( i. e. west to the east slope
of the Baboquivaris) are in this same category.
A single adult female from Fresnal (June 20, 1932) and another from
Bates Well (June 22, 1932) are so worn that no comment on them is possible.
The latter is presumably of the subspecies acaciarum.
Progne subis hesperia Brewster
Purple Martins were seen about Arivaca, where they were apparently nest-
ing in certain buildings. It was, of course, not possible to collect specimens in the
town, but an adult male was taken on June 19, 1932, over a shallow pond, bor-
dered by willows, about a mile south of that place. The measurements of this
specimen (wing, 140; tail, 69 mm.) place it as hesperia. I have previously (1931)
called attention to the fact that hesperia is the subspecies present at Tucson in
May and June, and the assumption is that this name will be found to apply to
all Purple Martins breeding in the Lower Sonoran Zone of southern Arizona.
Aphelocoma sordida arizonae (Ridgway)
Arizona Jays were found to be common throughout the oak belt of the Upper
Sonoran Zone west to, and including, the Baboquivari Mountains. The last
named range is the most westerly outpost of territory suitable for this species in
southern Arizona.
Two breeding specimens were collected in the Atasco Mountains on May
18, 1931, and one at 5500 feet altitude in Thomas Canon in the Baboquivaris
on May 27, 1931.
Sitta carolinensis nelsoni Mearns
The Rocky Mountain Nuthatch ranges west through the oak regions of
the Atascos and Pajaritos to the Baboquivaris. A breeding male was taken at
5500 feet in Thomas Canon in the Baboquivaris on May 27, 1931. Two speci-
mens (an apparently mated pair) were taken in the Lower Sonoran cottonwoods
at Tumacacori on May 13, 1931, but whether these birds were transients or were
preparing to breed in the locality is unknown.
Toxostoma curvirostre palmeri (Coues)
The series of thrashers collected leaves no doubt that the dividing line be-
tween palmeri and curvirostre in extreme southern Arizona is the ridge formed
by the Santa Ritas and their southern continuation, the San Cayetanos. In the
valley of the Santa Cruz, palmeri occurs in typical form at Continental (5 speci-
mens). Two of the three specimens from Tumacacori, some 20 miles up stream
(south) from Continental, show slight but definite tendencies toward curvirostre,
as does a single specimen from just southwest of Nogales in Sonora. Two birds
from the east slope of the Baboquivaris are in this same category. It is likely that
most individuals from the higher ground between Nogales and the Baboquivaris
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona
141
Map 3. Distribution of Toxostoma curvirostre curvirostre (squares), and Toxostoma curvirostre palmen
(dots) in southern Arizona and northern Sonora. Bars indicate intergrades.
will be found to show certain curvirostre tendencies, but all those from this region
which I have examined personally are certainly much better referable to palmeri.
I have included on the map certain Sonora stations from which I have ex-
amined specimens as an aid to a better understanding of the behavior of the
species on the Arizona side of the line.
Turdus migratorius propinquus Ridgway
Robins have been reported from the Santa Ritas in winter, but not previously
as breeders. They were not to be classed as common, but several nesting pairs were
seen during June, 1931, in Madera Canon, and at least four pairs were found
in the quaking asp thickets near the ranger station on Mt. Wrightson. Speci-
mens were collected on June 1,3, and 5, at altitudes of 7000, 7000 and 8500 feet,
respectively.
Hylocichla guttata polionota Grinnell
Two specimens of the Great Basin Hermit Thrush were taken in the Santa
Ritas. A female, probably a migrant, was collected at 4500 feet in the oak asso-
ciation in Stone Cabin Canon on April 25, 1931. A single male, whose condition
and actions made it almost certain that it was breeding, was taken at 6500 feet
in Madera Canon on June 1, 1931. Other hermit thrushes were heard singing
(in June) in Madera Canon and its tributaries at altitudes up to 8000 feet, but
142 San Diego Society of Natural History
they were extremely shy and I was able to collect only the specimens recorded
above. The (presumably) breeding male is typical of the subspecies polionotd
in size and color. The wing and tail measurements are 99 and 71 mm. respec-
tively.
Geothlypis trichas chryseola van Rossem
Five specimens of the Golden Yellowthroat were collected at Continental
between April 30 and May 4, three at Tumacacori on May 15 and one in the
Altar Valley, 15 miles north of the International Boundary on May 26, 1931.
All of these birds were breeding, or about to do so, and may be taken as repre-
sentative of the yellowthroat populations of the localities in which they were
collected. For the most part they are easily referable to chryseola and have wide,
yellow-tinged, post-frontal bands, yellowish green dorsal coloration, and golden
yellow underparts. The series as a whole, however, does not show the extreme char-
acters of the race, and is slightly intermediate toward scirpicola.
It is still not possible to outline the ranges of the yellowthroats of southern
Arizona with any degree of finality, save that scirpicola ranges east up the valley
of the Gila and its tributary the Santa Cruz as far as Tucson, and that chryseola
crosses the boundary in the valleys of the San Pedro and Santa Cruz at least to
Fairbank and Continental and also occurs in the upper Altar Valley. Material
to show whether or not chryseola occurs at the isolated reservoirs and water holes
in the extreme southeastern corner of the state is lacking. The distribution of
chryseola in Sonora and Chihuahua, however, would indicate that such is the
case.
Sturnella magna lilianae Oberholser
The unmistakable song of this species was occasionally heard (though
neglecta was certainly more common) at Continental, where Dr. Miller took a
specimen on April 29, 1931. So far as I could determine, magna was the only
species of meadowlark in the grasslands on the west slopes of the San Cayetano
Mountains (specimen taken May 14, 1931), in the grasslands near Tumacacori
(specimen taken May 15, 1931), and on the mesas along the Atasco and Babo-
quivari Mountains.
The subspecies lilianae appears to be an excellent race and easily distinguish-
able from hoopesi of the Atlantic (Rio Grande) drainage. In color, it is an almost
exact duplicate of Sturnella neglecta, and some specimens would be virtually
impossible to place with certainty were it not for the sharp division between the
yellow throat and buffy white jugal area of lilianae.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonaparte)
Yellow-headed Blackbirds were observed as not uncommon transients in
the cultivated ground at Continental. An adult male was collected on April 29,
1931.
Agelaius phoeniceus sonoriensis Ridgway
The breeding red-winged blackbirds of the Santa Cruz Valley are similar
to those from Tucson. They are not appreciably different in color from speci-
mens from the Lower Colorado River Valley (the metropolis of the subspecies)
but have, on an average, slightly thicker and shorter bills; in fact certain extreme
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona 143
individuals have bills almost as stubby as those of fortis. All in all, they are essen-
tially like the type of sonoriensis which, as has repeatedly been noted, is a winter
bird from Camp Grant, a locality well within the breeding territory of A. p.
nevadensis. It is not improbable that the type of sonoriensis was simply a winter
vagrant from the Santa Cruz Valley.
I agree with Swarth that the breeding redwings from east of the Santa Ritas
should be called nevadensis.
Specimens of sonoriensis were collected at Continental (17), Tumacacori
(2) and Arivaca (3).
Molothrus ater artemisiae Grinnell
One specimen of the Nevada Cowbird was collected at Continental on May
4, 1931. The bird, a female, was not in breeding condition and was obviously a
transient in the locality.
Tangavius aeneus milleri van Rossem
Bronzed Cowbirds were occasionally seen about the ranch buildings at Los
Encinos at the east base of the Baboquivaris, though invariably in the cattle cor-
rals where it was not practicable to collect them. Several males were noted at a
water tank at Fresnal at the western base of the Baboquivaris, but these birds
were extremely shy and I never succeeded in getting within gunshot. Bruner
(1926) has also noted the species at Fresnal. Both of the above localities are
considerably to the west of the currently supposed range of this species.
Richmondena cardinalis superba (Ridgway)
Save for the old record of "Colorado River, Arizona," collected by Bischoff,
the Arizona Cardinal has apparently not been detected (save by Bruner, 1926)
west of the Santa Cruz River. We found it to be fairly common at Fresnal (spec-
men collected June 20, 1931) on the west side of the Baboquivaris, and also saw
probably a dozen birds in the mesquites at Bates Well. An adult male was taken
in this last named locality on June 23, 1932. Without investigation of the terri-
tory between Bates Well and the Colorado River it is not possible to suggest how
much farther west the cardinal ranges, nor why it is (apparently) absent from
the Lower Colorado River Valley.
On April 23, 1931, during a stop at a service station about 10 miles east
of Gila Bend on the Gila Bend-Tucson highway, I saw a male cardinal in the
thick growth of desert vegetation (chiefly sahuaro and mesquite) near the road,
and learned from the station operator that cardinals were often seen there. There
is an abrupt break in the character of the vegetation just east of Gila Bend and
one would assume that the range of the cardinal does not extend west of that
point.
Hesperiphona vespertina californica Grinnell
A solitary female, whose condition indicated that she was incubating, was
shot at 8500 feet altitude near the summit of Mt. Wrightson, in the Santa Ritas,
on June 5, 1931. I cannot distinguish this single bird from females from the
mountains of California and southern Nevada. It is, definitely, not montana. I
144 San Diego Society of Natural History
shall elsewhere (MS. in press) advance reasons for the recognition of the subspe-
cies calif ornica as distinct from brooksi.
Pipilo fuscus mesoleucus Baird
The Canon Towhee in typical form ranges west to the east slope of the
Baboquivari Mountains (specimen taken May 24, 1931). West of these moun-
tains we found towhees to be common at Fresnal (2 specimens taken June 21
and 22, 1932) and not rare at Bates Well (3 specimens taken June 23, 1932).
These birds from west of the last Upper Sonoran outpost in the Baboquivaris are
slightly darker and grayer than typical mesoleucus in comparable plumage, but
larger series in fresh plumage are necessary in order to verify the comparative
characters shown in worn, breeding specimens.
Why this species ranges across a hundred miles of Lower Sonoran Desert
between the Baboquivaris and Bates Well and does not continue on to the Colo-
rado River is a question which cannot be answered until more is known about the
character of the country for the remaining distance.
Aimophila ruficeps scottii (Sennett)
In the San Cayetano, Atasco, Pajarito and Baboquivari Mountains, this
sparrow is a common inhabitant of all grass or cactus-grown slopes and speci-
mens were collected in all localities except the Baboquivaris. However, the species
is, as above stated, common there.
Spizella carpalis carpalis (Coues)
Moore (1932) has already recorded the collecting of four specimens of the
Rufous-winged Sparrow at Fresnal, on June 20 and 21, 1932. My familiarity
with this species in Sonora indicated that Fresnal provided an association, (a
mesquite-cactus-grass growth on broken, gravelly ground) eminently suitable for
its presence and I described the bird to Moore in hopes that one of us might de-
tect one. Moore took three individuals on the afternoon of the 20th and one the
following morning. I, personally, saw only a single individual and collected none.
The purpose of mentioning this previously published record of the sup-
posedly extinct (in Arizona) species is to call attention to the bird's typical habi-
tat. It is not an inhabitant of grassland plains, other than as a possible casual,
but occupies, normally, very much the same ecologic niche as Amphispiza bill-
neat a.
I do not think that the Rufous-winged Sparrow can be considered rare in
south-central Arizona. It is, however, obviously very local and this, combined
with its close resemblance to Spizella passerina, has doubtless led to an erroneous
assumption of rarity.
This species is a typical Spizella in almost every respect and why it has been
considered an "Aimophila" is incomprehensible.
van Rossem— Birds of South-central Arizona 145
Bibliography
1907 Mearns, E. A.
Mammals of the Mexican Boundary of the United States. Bull. U. S.
Nat. Mus., 56.
1914 Swarth, H. S.
A Distributional List of the Birds of Arizona. Pacific Coast Avifauna,
No. 10.
1923 Bailey, Florence M.
Birds Recorded from the Santa Rita Mountains in Southern Arizona.
Pacific Coast Avifauna, No. 15.
1926 Bruner, Stephen C.
Notes on the birds of the Baboquivari Mountains, Arizona. Condor, 28,
pp. 231-238.
1928 GrinnellJ.
A Distributional Summation of the Ornithology of Lower California.
Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool., 32, No. 1.
1929 Swarth, H. S.
Faunal Areas of Southern Arizona; a Study in Animal Distribution.
Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 4th Ser., 18, No. 12.
1930 van Rossem, A. J.
The Sonora Races of Camptostoma and Platypsaris. Proc. Biol. Soc.
Wash., 43, No. 18, pp. 129-132.
193 1 Bishop, L. B.
Sexual Dichromatism in the Pygmy Owl. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 44,
No. 24, pp. 97-98.
1931 Griscom, Ludlow
Notes on Rare and Little Known Neotropical Pygmy Owls. Proc. New
England Zool. Club, 12, pp. 37-43.
1931 Peters, J. L.
Check-List of Birds of the World. Vol. 1. Harvard Univ. Press.
1931 van Rossem, A. J.
Report on a Collection of Land Birds from Sonora, Mexico. Trans. San
Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., 6, No. 19.
1932 Moore, Robert T.
A New Race of Aimophila carpalis from Mexico. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.,
45, No. 63, pp. 231-234.
1934 Campbell, Berry
Bird Notes from Southern Arizona. Condor, 36, pp. 201-203.
1934 van Rossem, A. J.
Critical Notes on Middle American Birds. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., 77,
No. 7.
1934 Vorhies, Charles T.
The White-necked Raven, a Change of Status? Condor, 36, pp. 118-119.
146 San Diego Society of Natural History
PLATE 18
Fig. 1. Upper Sonoran oak and grass association in the Atasco Mountains.
View looking northward down Piskiorski Canon. Although this region
is inhabited chiefly by Upper Sonoran species, certain Lower Sonoran
birds, such as Otocoris alpestris adusta and Sturnella magna lilianae,
were found to be fairly common along the bare-topped ridges.
Fig. 2. Grass plains along the eastern base of the Baboquivari Mountains. Here
terminate, westwardly, the ranges of several Lower Sonoran species
and subspecies of birds, among them Callipepla squamata pallida,
Otocoris alpestris adusta, Corvus cryptoleucus, and Sturnella magna
lilianae. The Upper Sonoran (oak) Zone of these mountains forms
the western outpost of that association along the boundary.
van Rossem — Birds of South-central Arizona
Plate 18
3f
-
Fi2. 1
Fig. 2
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 19, pp. 149-184, plates 19-20, figs. 1-3, map
CROTALUS MITCHELLII,
THE SPECKLED RATTLESNAKE
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and A mphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
May 29, 1936
NOTE + THE SMALL SCALE PREVENTS
SHOWING ALL RECORDS IN SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA.
CROTALUS MITCHELLII,
THE SPECKLED RATTLESNAKE
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
INTRODUCTION
Crotalus mitchellii, a rattlesnake of the southwestern United States
and Lower California, is characterized by great variability of head scala-
tion, pattern, and color. This morphological plasticity has rendered the
determination of its status and relationships somewhat difficult. It is
the purpose of this paper to present the results of a reinvestigation of the
form, largely based on specimens lately acquired; especially worthy of
mention is a series from the Cape region of Lower California, the first
available from that area in sufficient numbers to permit a statistical
analysis.
HISTORICAL
Crotalus mitchellii was first described by Cope in 1861 ' as Caudisona
Mitchellii, based on a specimen (USNM 5291^) collected by John
Xantus at Cape St. (San) Lucas, Lower California. The snake was
named in honor of Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, the famous Philadelphia neu-
rologist, scientist, and author, who was at that time engaged in researches
on rattlesnake venoms. In 18662 Cope described as Caudisona pyrrha a
specimen (USNM 6606) collected by Dr. Elliott Coues at Canyon Prie-
to, near Fort Whipple, Yavapai County, Arizona.3 Cope recognized the
affinity of this new form with mitchellii.
Writing in 1893 (published in 1895) Stejneger4 considered pyrrhus
a subspecies of mitchellii. In 1894, with new material available from
Lower California, Van Denburgh5 showed that the differences which
1 Proc. Acad. Nat. So. Phila., 1861, p. 293.
2 Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 308.
3 A graphic contrast between the difficulties faced by the collectors of the past, as com-
pared with the facilities of the present, is afforded by Coues' reference to this specimen: "It is
not in the best order, as it was procured under the untoward circumstances of a hasty retreat
from hostile Indians."
^ Rept. U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893, 1895, p. 456.
5 Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 4, p. 450.
152 San Diego Society of Natural History
Cope had used to segregate pyrrhus from mitchellii failed to hold in a
larger series; he therefore placed pyrrhus in the synonymy of mitchellii,
where it has since remained.
A closely allied species, Cro talus tigris, must now be surveyed; this
was first described by Kennicott from southern Arizona in 1859. In
reporting the results of the Death Valley Expedition, Stejneger7 classified,
as belonging to this species, certain rattlesnakes collected in east-central
California and southern Nevada. In 1929 Amaral,8 noting the similarity
of this California-Nevada material with mitchellii, considered the latter a
subspecies of tigris.
The present writer9 reviewed the situation in 1930 and reached the
conclusion that these California-Nevada snakes were different from the
true Arizona tigris. Noting border-line specimens from Mineral and
Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, which showed certain affinities to Crotalus
confluentus lutosus, I considered these as coming within the confluentus
group, and applied to the snakes from California and Nevada, formerly
considered tigris, the name Crotalus confluentus stephensi. As the rela-
tionship between this form and mitchellii was evident, the latter became
Crotalus confluentus mitchellii.
This classification led to a curious anomaly, namely, the presence
of two subspecies in the same territory without intergradation, for, in
southern California, Crotalus confluentus oreganus and C. c. mitchellii
occupy extensive areas together. Of the ring oreganus-lutosus-stephensi-
mitchellii connecting these forms, clearly the lutosus-stephensi link was
the weakest. With the considerable additional material that has come
to hand I am now inclined to the belief that the Mineral-Esmeralda
(Nevada) specimens are pure stephensi, rather than lutosus-stephensi in-
tergrades.
Gradually new material, especially in the Museum of Vertebrate
Zoology, has brought the lutosus and stephensi ranges together in other
areas and this without any approach toward intergradation; that is, the
border specimens of one species do not show a tendency toward the other
form, each retaining its individuality. While an actual overlap in ranges
has not yet been shown, thus finally settling the lutosus-stephensi non-
intergradation beyond question, still such an overlap is indicated as
6 Rept. U. S. Mex. Boundary Survey, Vol. 2, 1859, p. 14.
7 North American Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 214.
8 Bull. Antivenin Inst. Am., Vol. 2, 1929, p. 82.
9 Trans. S. D. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. 6, No. 3, 1930, p. 95.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 153
probable, particularly in the Belted Range in Nevada. Thus it is my
present conclusion that mitcbellii (and with it stephensi) should be di-
vorced from the conflnentus group.
At the same time the augmented collections of the past four years
from other areas, particularly the large series from the Cape region of
Lower California, together with a study of additional characters, have
convinced me that these Cape specimens are different in several par-
ticulars, especially head size and rattles, from those found in Arizona
and California and therefore pyrrhus should be revived as the subspecific
name for the latter form.
Concerning the relationship of the mitchellii group with tigris I have
not changed my previously expressed opinions.10 While mitchellii (espe-
cially as exemplified by the Cape subspecies) is closely allied to tigris,
there is an actual overlap of the ranges of the two species, without inter-
gradation, in central Arizona. Tigris is a species which, as far as now
known, is restricted to central and southern Arizona, and Sonora; its
differences from stephensi are quite definite and consistent.
Thus at present I view mitchellii as comprising three subspecies as
follows :
Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii: Cape and central areas of Baja
California.
Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus: Central and southwestern Arizona; the
Californias from central San Bernardino County south to the
Sierra San Pedro Martir of Baja California.
Crotalus mitchellii stephensi: California, east of the Sierras from
Inyo County south to central San Bernardino County; south-
western Nevada.
In the outline which follows there are presented first, descriptions
of these forms, their ranges and morphology, followed by a discussion of
the characters in which they differ from, or resemble, each other and
closely allied species. In these data advantage is taken of the enlarged
collections now available and of studies of variation which have been
made preparatory to a general summary of rattlesnake characters.
Mitchellii is a peculiar snake in that a tendency to subdivision of
its head scales renders their classification difficult; also it is, amongst all
the rattlesnakes, the most variable in color and pattern. The separation
10 Trans. S. D. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. 6, No. 3, 1930, p. 106; ibid. Vol. 6, No. 24,
1931, p. 353.
154 San Diego Society of Natural History
of the rostral from the prenasals by a row of granules or small scales, long
thought to be a simple and universal criterion of mitchellii, is not always
present in this form, even if we omit the subspecies stephensi from con-
sideration; also this separation sometimes occurs in certain other species,
notably C. c. oreganus from Arizona. Thus a simple and invariable key
character for this group is not available.
Mitchellii has often been called the White, Bleached, or Faded Rat-
tlesnake, especially based on specimens from southwestern Arizona, which
happen to have been among the first to be brought east alive. But from
many sections it is brightly colored and strongly, although indefinitely,
patterned. I deem it best to refer to the two more typical subspecies as
Speckled Rattlesnakes, for the punctations which constitute the pattern
are its most outstanding characteristic.
Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii (Cope)
San Lucan Speckled Rattlesnake
Plate 19, fig. 1
1861 Caudisona Mitchellii Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 293.
(Type locality: Cape St. (= San) Lucas, Lower California, Mexico.
Type specimen: USNM 5291V21 ! collected by John Xantus.)
1875 Crotalus mitchellii Cope, in Yarrow Surv. W. 100th Merid., Vol. 5, p. 535.
1882 Crotalus mitchelli Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, pp. 12, 73.
1883 Crotalus oreganus var. mitchelli Garman, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zobl.,
Cambr., Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 173.
1887 Crotalus mitcheli Belding, West American Scientist, Vol. 3, No. 24, p.
98.
1887 Crotalus mitchillii Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, p. 90.
1894 Crotalus mitchellii (part) Van Denburgh, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2,
Vol. 4, p. 450.
1895 Crotalus Mitchellii Mitchellii Stejneger, Rept. U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893.
p. 454.
1929 Crotalus tigris mitchellii (part) Amaral, Bull. Antivenin Inst. Am., Vol.
2, No. 4, p. 82.
1930 Crotalus confluentus mitchellii (part) Klauber, Trans. S. D. Soc. Nat.
Hist., Vol. 6, No. 3, p. 108.
Material. — Of this subspecies 81 specimens from the Cape region of Baja
California have been available for study, of which fifty were seen alive. In addi-
1 ' This specimen has apparently disappeared; in fact, Dr. Stejneger says it had been
removed from the USNM collection before his coming to the museum fifty years ago. It has
not been located amongst the Gape material in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sci-
ences of Philadelphia.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 155
tion there are 5 specimens from three different Gulf of California islands; the
latter however are omitted from the descriptive summary as it is not desired to
complicate the statistics with possible incipient island subspecies. No specimens
are available to me from the central area of the peninsula (the vicinity of Mulege,
Santa Rosalia, and San Ignacio). There are five specimens in the Paris Museum
from this area; of these Mr. F. Angel has kindly supplied me the measurements.
These indicate that the speckled rattlesnakes of that vicinity, while intermediate
between C. mitchellii mitchellii and C. m. pyrrhus, are somewhat closer to the
former, so they have been included therewith. The affiliation is not unexpected,
for in many kinds of reptiles the Cape species extend to the central area with a
break between these and the San Diegan forms further to the north. Thus in the
present instance we consider C. m. mitchellii to extend as far north as San Igna-
cio. The most southerly available specimen of pyrrhus is from the Sierra San
Pedro Martir;12 we assume that, in this gap of about 250 miles, intergradation,
which is begun in the San Ignacio area will be found complete, for this interven-
ing territory is of a character suitable to C. mitchellii.
Range. — C. m. mitchellii has been collected at the following localities in the
southern and central areas of Lower California, and adjacent islands on the Gulf
of California and Pacific coasts. (See map) . For a few localities approximate lati-
tudes are given where the identity, through duplication of names or obscurity,
may be confusing.
Cape San Lucas (Type locality) San Evaristo (24°50')
San Jose del Cabo Santo Domingo (25°30')
Sierra El Taste Punta Escondido (25° 50')
Sierra San Lazaro Mulege
Miraflores Santa Rosalia
Todos Santos (23° 30') San Ignacio
La Rivera (Riberia) Ceralvo Island
Agua Caliente (23°30') Espiritu Santo Island
Ensenada de los Muertos (24°) San Jose Island
La Paz Santa Margarita Island
Lepidosis and Form. — Size medium among rattlesnakes. Scale rows at mid-
body usually 25 (90 per cent) , rarely 23 (6 per cent) or 27 (4 per cent) . The
scales are strongly keeled, except the first row on each side. Scale bosses are rather
conspicuous. Ventrals: males, (52 specimens) max. 181, min. 165, av. 176.69±
0.32 interquartile range 174.4 — 179.0, coefficient of variation 2.0 per cent;
females, (27 specimens) max. 186, min. 172, av. 179.44±0.45, interquartile
range 177.1 — 181.8, coefficient of variation 1.9 per cent. Anal entire. Caudals:
males 28 to 22, average of 44 specimens 25.1 ±0.12; females 23 to 16, average of
27 specimens 20.7±0.21. The caudals, while generally entire, may have a few
at either end of the series divided.
The supralabials usually number 15 (24 per cent), 16 (49 per cent), or 17
12 An intermediate specimen from Las Huevitas (sometimes given as Huavitas or Cue-
vitas) near San Fernando Mission, contained in the California Academy of Sciences collec-
tion, was destroyed in the fire of 1906.
156 San Diego Society of Natural History
(16 per cent) ; occasionally 14 (4 per cent) or 18 (6 per cent) ; rarely 13 or 19
(less than 1 per cent of each) . The infralabials generally number 15 (39 per cent)
or 16 (37 per cent) ; occasionally 14 (10 per cent) or 17 (13 per cent) ; rarely 13
(less than 1 per cent) . The posterior supralabials are often divided horizontally,
thus being lower than the scales next above.
The rostral is usually wider than high, as is characteristic of this species; how-
ever in 10 per cent the width and height are equal and in 7 per cent it is higher
than wide. As is usually the case with this species the prenasals are separated from
the rostral by rows of scales or granules; only 3 per cent make contact.
The prenasals are also usually separated from the supralabials by the exten-
sion to the rostral of the small scales anterior to the pit; this separation is evident
in 83 per cent of the specimens examined. The internasals cannot be counted with
accuracy as they form part of the row of scales which, continued down along the
sides of the rostral, separate that scale from the prenasal. In fact this tendency,
which is so characteristic of mitcbellii, of splitting such scales as the prenasals,
loreals, canthals, and preoculars, renders a statistical analysis of the head scales
difficult and to some extent useless. Therefore, only the more important items are
cited.
The scales on the crown anterior to the supraoculars vary from 25 to 46, in-
terquartile range 31.5 to 37.9, average 34.7. The minimum scale rows between
supraoculars vary from 1 to 8, interquartile range 4.7 — 6.3, with an average of
5.5.
Supraocular sutures or indentations are present in only 3 per cent of the
specimens. The nasals are 2 — 2. About 60 per cent of the specimens have two
loreals, the rest from 1 to 4. The scales along the canthus rostralis from rostral to
supraocular usually number from 5 to 7.
The upper preocular is frequently split horizontally, vertically, or both; there
results confusion with both loreals and canthals so that the classification of these
scales and the determination of their contacts, useful in the classification of some
species, is here usually impossible. There is often a small, circular scale between
the two preoculars; this is quite characteristic of this subspecies, but is not inva-
riably present.
The scale rows from labials to orbit usually number 3 or 4; the scales in the
orbital ring average about 9.
The first infralabials are undivided; normally, 2 or 3 are in contact with the
genials on each side.
The mental is triangular. The genials are in a single pair, relatively short
and obtuse. Intergenials are present in only one per cent of the specimens and
submentals in 2 per cent.
In shape the head is subtriangular and depressed, as compared with most
rattlesnake species. The average ratio of body length to head length in adults (over
700 mm. in length) is 24.6. The ratio of the distance across the supraoculars to
the space between averages 2.5.
The average ratio of the length of tail to total length exclusive of rattle is
0.080 in adult males and 0.063 in females.
The largest specimen examined measured 958 mm. (39 in.) when alive.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 157
Color and Pattern.— This snake is light-gray or tan in ground color with a
dorsal series of large and highly irregular blotches which almost obscure the
ground.
The blotches are neither clearly outlined nor of regular form; they consist
partly of darker scales, but more conspicuously of large aggregations of black or
dark-brown punctations. The blotch centers are usually somewhat lighter than
the edges. Toward the tail the blotches become rings. Secondary and, occasion-
ally, tertiary series of blotches are in evidence on the sides. The inter-blotch light
areas are freest of punctations along the mid-dorsal line, but even here the ground
color is seldom spotless. As a result, the live snake usually gives the impression
of a quiet, gray or brown neutrality. The extreme color variations found in pyrrhus
in California and Arizona do not seem to be present in this southern race. Below,
the color is buff, with aggregations of dark spots.
The head is spotted but is neither conspicuously nor regularly marked.
There is a dark line from the eye to a point above the angle of the mouth. The
outer edge of each supraocular usually has a conspicuous, light tip.
The tail rings are alternating ash-gray and black, in some contrast to the rest
of the body. The light are usually wider than the dark rings, thus following
scutulatus rather than atrox.
In number the body blotches vary from 26 to 39, the average being 31.7
±0.23 in the males and 32.0±0.36 in the females. The coefficient of variation
is about 8 per cent in this characteristic.
The tail rings number 3 to 5 in the males, with an average of 3. 8 ±0.06, and
3 or 4 in the females (average 3. 2 ±0.05) .
Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus (Cope)
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
Plate 19, fig. 2 and Plate 20, fig. 1
1866 Caudisona pyrrha Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 308. (Type
locality: Canyon Prieto, Yavapai County, Ariz. Type specimen:
USNM 6606 collected by Dr. E. Coues) .
1875 Crotalus pyrrhus Cope, in Yarrow, Surv. W. of 100th Merid., Vol. 5,
p. 535.
1883 Crotalus conjluentus var. pyrrhus Garman, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zobl.,
Cambr., Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 173.
1894 Crotalus mitchellii (part) Van Denburgh, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2,
Vol. 4, p. 450.
1895 Crotalus Mitchellii pyrrhus Stejneger, Rept. U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893,
p. 456.
1896 Crotalus mitchelli (part) Boulenger, Cat. Snakes, Brit. Mus., Vol. 3, p.
580.
1922 Crotalus goldmani Schmidt, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. 46, Art.
11, p. 701. (Type locality: El Pinon, 5300 ft., San Pedro Martir Mts.,
Lower California. Type specimen: USNM 37573 collected by Nelson
and Goldman) .
158 San Diego Society of Natural History
1929 Crotalus tigris mitchellii (part) Amaral, Bull. Antivenin Inst. Am., Vol.
2, No. 4, p. 82.
1930 Crotalus confluentus mitchellii (part) Klauber, Trans. S. D. Soc. Nat.
Hist., Vol. 6, No. 3, p. 108.
Material. — I have had a considerable field and reptile-house experience with
this form, particularly in southern California, and have seen in excess of four hun-
dred live specimens. The following preserved specimens have been available for
study:
Arizona:
Yavapai County 14
Maricopa County 7
Yuma County 3
Mohave County 3 27
California:
San Bernardino County
Riverside County
Imperial County
San Diego County
Northern Lower California:
Angel de la Guarda Island:
Unknown
Total 185
Range. — C. m. pyrrhus is extensively distributed in rocky situations in cen-
tral and western Arizona, southern California, and northern Lower California.
(See map) . It is certainly present but has not yet been recorded in northwestern
Sonora. The known localities of collection are as follows:
Arizona
Yavapai County: Yuma County:
Canyon Prieto, near Ft. Whipple Mohawk Mts.
( Type local ity ) Tule Mts .
Drake Tinajas Altas Mts.
Hillside Gila Mts.
Date Creek Gonzales Well
Congress Junction 20 mi. N. of Picacho
Maricopa County: 5 mi. N. of Mohawk, near
Wickenburg Gila River
8 mi. SE. of Wickenburg Mohave County:
Hot Springs Junction 2 mi. SW. of Valentine
Cave Creek Chemehuevis Mts.
Black Canyon, 25 mi. N. of Foot of The Needles
Phoenix Topock
Estrella Mts.
Mts. S. of Phoenix
Near Phoenix
21
14
8
96
139
13
5
1
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake
159
San Bernardino County:
3 mi. N. of Topock Bridge
Beal
Klinefelter
Mountain Spring
(N. end Piute Mts.)
14 mi. NE. of Blythe Junction
Gilroy Canyon, Providence Mts.
Turtle Mts.
Twentynine Palms
Key's Ranch
Windmill Tank
Old Woman Spring
9 mi. S. of Old Woman Spring
Cushenbury Spring
Cushenbury Grade
Bet. Cushenbury Spring and
Lake Baldwin
Johnston Ranch below
Lake Baldwin
Forest Home
Lucerne Valley
Deadman's Point
12 mi. S. of Barstow
Oro Grande
Victorville
Riverside County:
Palen Mts.
10 mi. N. of Desert Center
6 mi. SW. of Shaver's Well
5 mi. E. of Mecca
1 mi. S. of Indian Wells
Palm Springs
Murray Canyon near Palm Canyon
Mouth San Andreas Canyon
Whitewater
Santa Rosa Mts.
Coahuila Mt.
Nightingale Ranch
Ribbonwood
Asbestos Spring
Poppet Flat
Vanderventer Flat
Pinyon Flat
Banning
California
Riverside County (continued) :
Schain's Ranch Road, 5 mi. W.
of Banning
Between Idyllwild and Keen Camp
S. Fork, San Jacinto River
Hemet
Temescal Canyon
San Juan Canyon, Elsinore Mts.
5 mi. E. of San Juan Hot Springs
Orange County:
3 mi. E. of Hot Springs in
Elsinore Mts.
Imperial County:
Near Picacho
Near Seeley
Coyote Wells
Myers' Creek Bridge
Mountain Spring
Boulder Park
San Diego County:
Point Loma
Mission Valley
Fall brook
Pala
Escondido
Mission Gorge
Lakeside
El Monte
Lakeview (Johnstown)
EI Cajon
Dehesa
Rincon
Warners Ranch
Valley Center
Lake Wohlford
Sutherland
Santa Ysabel
Ramona
San Vicente
Wildwood
Shady Dell
Padre Barona
EI Capitan Dam
Mussey
Boulder Creek
160
San Diego Society of Natural History
San Diego County (continued)
Twin Brooks
Viejas
Descanso
Alpine
Pine Valley
Suncrest
Japatul
Glen Lonely
Jamul
Lawson Valley
Lyons Valley
Barrett Dam
Deerhorn Flat
Dulzura
Cottonwood
Tecate
Potrero
Campo
Clover Flat
Live Oak Springs
San Diego County (continued)
Palomar Mt.
Cuyamaca Mt.
Laguna Mt.
Laguna Junction
Coyote Canyon
Collins Valley
Culp Valley
Borego Palm Canyon
Tubbs' Spring
San Felipe Valley
Sentenac Canyon
La Puerta (Mason Valley)
Grapevine Spring
Yaqui Well
The Narrows
Vallecito
Boulevard
Jacumba
Carrizo Gorge
Near Mountain Spring
Dos Cabezas
Hipass
There are, in the literature, two Los Angeles County records, namely, Fair-
mont and Lovejoy Springs. It is not improbable that these are the results of inac-
curate identifications, particularly the former, and therefore they are not regu-
larly listed above.
Baja California
East Base, Cocopah Mts.
Volcano Lake
Garcia (S. D. & A. Ry.)
Redondo (S. D. & A. Ry.)
Tecate
8 mi. E. of Valentin
4 mi. N. of San Pedro (32°5')
Laguna Hanson
Descanso (32° 15')
San Antonio (near Socorro)
San Matias (31° 15')
San Jose (31°)
Parral (30°40')
El Pinon, San Pedro Martir Mts.
(Type locality of goldmani) .
Las Huevitas (Lat. 30°)
Angel de la Guarda Island
Lepidosis and Form. — Size large among rattlesnakes. Scale rows at midbody
usually 25 (71 per cent), occasionally 23 (19 per cent), or 27 (10 per cent).
The scales are strongly keeled, except the first row on each side. Ventrals: males
(110 specimens), max. 185, min. 168, av. 177.56±0.21, interquartile range 175.3
— 179.8, coefficient of variation 1.9 per cent; females (53 specimens), max. 187,
min. 163 (170 if one aberrant specimen be omitted), av. 179.25 ±0.39, inter-
quartile range 176.4 — 182.1, coefficient of variation 2.3 per cent. Anal entire.
Caudals: males 28 to 20, average of 110 specimens 23.7±0.10; females 23 to
16, average of 51 specimens 19.1zh0.17. The caudals, while generally entire, may
have a few at either end of the series divided.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 161
The supralabials vary from 13 to 19; they usually number 15 (25 per cent),
16 (36 per cent) , or 17 (27 per cent) ; occasionally 14 (5 per cent) or 18 (6 per
cent) ; rarely 13 or 19 (less than 1 per cent of each) . The infralabials generally
number 15 (20 per cent), 16 (39 per cent), or 17 (26 per cent); occasionally
14 (7 per cent) or 18 (6 per cent) ; rarely 13 or 19 (less than 1 per cent of each) .
The rostral is usually wider than high; however, this is by no means the im-
portant characteristic it has been often assumed, since 18 per cent of the speci-
mens examined were higher than wide and 30 per cent were equal in the two di-
mensions. The prenasals are normally not in contact with the rostral, this lack of
contact being highly characteristic of the present species. However, in 6 per cent of
the specimens examined, contact is made on one side and in 12 per cent on both;
thus 82 per cent run true to form, but in the others this key character partly or
entirely fails. The prenasals are in contact with the supralabials in 24 per cent of
the cases; the contact is entirely prevented in 32 per cent by the extension to the
rostral of the small scales anterior to the pit, and the contact is partly prevented
by these same scales in the remaining 44 per cent. The internasals are indetermin-
ate since the nasals do not ordinarily contact the rostral.
The scales on the crown anterior to the supraoculars number at least 21 and
average about 35. The minimum scale rows between supraoculars vary from 4 to
8, interquartile range 5.2 — 6.5, average 5.9.
Sutures or indentations are present in 9.3 per cent of the supraoculars. The
nasals are 2 — 2. The Ioreals are often identified with difficulty; they vary from 0
to 4, with an average of about 1.5.
The upper preocular is frequently split, horizontally, vertically, or both; in
fact, in only 28 per cent of the cases is it entirely intact, and in no less than 34
per cent is split in both directions.
The scale rows from labials to orbit usually number from 2 to 4. There are
from 7 to 12 scales in the orbital ring, most specimens having 8 or 9.
The first infralabials are often divided (22 per cent divided, 78 per cent un-
divided) .
The mental is triangular. The genials are in a single pair, relatively short
and obtuse. Intergenials are present in 7.8 per cent of the specimens; submentals
in only 1.4 per cent.
In shape the head is subtriangular, and depressed as compared with most
species of the genus. The average ratio of body length to head length in adults
(over 700 mm. in length) is 21.5.
The ratio of the length of tail to total length exclusive of rattle is approxi-
mately 0.072 in adult males, and 0.057 in females.
The largest specimen examined measured 1295 mm. (51 in.); the smallest
303 mm. (12 in.).
Color and Pattern. — This is the most variable of all the rattlesnakes in color
and pattern; its bewildering variety renders any considerable accuracy or consis-
tency of description quite impossible.
The ground color may be white, cream, tan, buff, drab, gray, brown, pink,
orange, or salmon. On this there is superimposed a series of blotches which may
approach hexagons, hour-glasses (with transverse axes), diamonds, rectangles, or
cross-rings. The blotches consist partly of dark-colored scales and partly of dark
162 San Diego Society of Natural History
punctations; these two forms of color application may blend or be in strong con-
trast. The blotches may be pink, salmon, red, brown, gray, black, or mixtures of
these. They are usually highly irregular and indefinite in outline. There is also
present a secondary series of blotches on each side; these may be of the same or
twice the frequency of the main series. Caudad the two series are confluent to
form transverse rings. A tertiary series is sometimes present.
The ground color is usually freest from punctations along the mid-dorsal
line; along the sides gray punctations and even a gray suffusion are likely to be
present, this being particularly the case with Mohave Desert specimens toward
the stephensi range. Black scale tips are often present as in stephensi. Sometimes
the blotches have light centers. The lower surfaces are cream, buff, or pink, usually
blotched or punctated. The head is irregularly blotched or spotted. A postocular
dark line is sometimes present. Supraocular light cross-dashes or light outer edges
are often in evidence.
The tail rings are frequently in considerable color contrast with the body
blotches, the terminal rings being usually black, even though the body be pink.
An ash-gray ground color on the tail, of the atrox and scutulatus type, may be
present.
In some areas this snake maintains a rather consistent coloration. Thus, in
Yavapai County, Arizona, from Wickenburg north it is almost invariably a beau-
tiful pink or salmon-red, a color which, by-the-way, fades badly in preservation,
so that these snakes must be seen alive to observe the full effect. Pink, however,
is not a universal Arizona coloration, since the mountains to the south of Phoenix
produce light grayish-green specimens, while those from the Yuma sector are tan.
In the Elsinore Mountains of Orange and Riverside counties, California, there
is found a color variety in a beautiful shade of orange, with blotches of burnt-
orange. In some sections of the Mohave Desert the snakes are russet-brown.
The lightest specimens I have seen came from the Tinajas Altas Mts., Yuma
County, Arizona. In these the ground color is creamy-white; individuals from this
area originally caused mitchellii to be known as the "White Rattlesnake." (Plate
20, fig. 1 ) . It is said that these snakes blend well with a white granite found in that
vicinity.
However, that these color varieties are not always territorially consistent is
shown by the snakes of San Diego County, where, although grays and browns pre-
dominate, pink, salmon-red, and buff individuals are also present. Occasionally
specimens are found with black scales or blotches on a light-gray ground; this form
has locally been well termed the "granite rattler."
The body blotches number from 23 to 42, the average for the males being
33.7±0.18 and for the females 32.9±0.28. The tail rings average 5.6±0.06 in
the'males (range 4 to 9) , and 4.4dz0.08 in the females (range 3 to 6) .
Crotalus mitchellii stephensi Klauber
Panamint Rattlesnake
Plate 20, fig. 2.
1893 Crotalus tigris Stejneger, North American Fauna, No. 7, p. 214.
1896 Crotalus tigris (part) Boulenger, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. 3, p. 580.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 163
1929 Crotalus tigris tigris (part) Amaral, Bull. Antivenin Inst. Am., Vol. 2,
No. 4, p. 82.
1930 Crotalus conflucntns stepbensi Klauber, Trans. S. D. Soc. Nat. Hist.,
Vol. 6, No. 3, p. 108. (Type locality: 2 mi. W. of Jackass Springs,
6200 ft., Panamint Mts., Inyo County, Calif. Type specimen: MVZ
6699 collected by Dr. Jos. Grinnell) .
1933 Crotalus mitcbellii (part) Stejneger and Barbour, Check List N. A.
Amph. and Repts., 3d Ed., p. 136.
Material. — Of this subspecies there have been available for study, the fol-
lowing:
Nevada :
Mineral County 1
Esmeralda County 6
Nye County 6
Clark County 3 16
California :
Mono County 1
Inyo County 43
Kern County 1
San Bernardino County 5 50
Total 66
About thirty individuals of this form have been seen alive.
Range. — C. m. stepbensi is an inhabitant of the desert-mountain region lying
east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada from Round Valley, Mono Co., California
and southern Mineral County, Nevada, south to central San Bernardino County,
California. (See map) . The southern boundary may be roughly indicated by a
line drawn from Barstow, California to Searchlight, Nevada along which line it
intergrades with pyrrhus. Eastward it ranges at least to the Belted Mts., Nye
County, Nevada, and Boulder Dam, Nevada; its presence beyond the Colorado
River is not yet established. The following are the known localities of collection:
Nevada
Mineral Cou nty : Nye Cou nty :
Endowment Mine, Excelsior Mts. Grapevine Mts., above Salt Wells
Esmeralda County: Bullfrog
7 Mi. N. of Arlemont Near Oak Spring, Belted Range
McAfee Ranch (near Mono O/2 Mi- S., 1 M. S., 4 Mi.
Co. border) SE., l/2 Mi. NW.)
1.7 Mi. S. of Goldfleld Clark County:
Lida Indian Spring Valley
7 Mi. S. of Tonopah Las Vegas Valley
Las Vegas Wash
Boulder Dam Site
Harris Spring, Charleston Mts.
164 San Diego Society of Natural History
California
Mono County: Inyo County (continued):
N. end Round Valley Junction Ranch
Inyo County: Hanaupah Canyon, Panamint Mts.
Rocky Creek above Round Valley (Hananpole or Hannopee)
Birch Creek, W. of Bishop Johnson Canyon, Panamint Mts.
Bishop Creek Goler Canyon, Panamint Mts.
(6, 6V2, 7, 71/2, 9, 10, 1 1 and Near Ballarat (6 mi. S.; 7 and
12 mi. W. of Bishop) 10 mi. SW.)
2 Mi. S. of Aberdeen Shepherd Canyon, Argus Mts.
2 Mi. W. of Independence Little Lake
Independence Creek San Bern ardino County :
Mesquite Spring (N. end Slate Range, NW. of Borax Flat
Death Valley) Willow Creek, Panamint Mts.
Beveridge Canyon 5 Mi. S. of Cave Spring
Lone Pine 4 Mi. NE. of Randsburg
Carroll Creek Odessa Canyon, Calico Mts.
2 Mi. W. of Jackass Spring Near Baker
(Type locality) Coolgardie
Emigrant Canyon, Panamint Mts. Yermo
Coso Valley Kern County :
Dante's View, Black Mts. Last Chance Canyon
Wild Rose Spring Near Mohave
Maturango Spring 6 Mi. E. of Brown
Lepidosis and Form. — Size medium among rattlesnakes. Scale rows at mid-
body usually 23 (73 per cent), occasionally 25 (25 per cent), rarely 21 (2 per
cent) . The scales are keeled, except the first row on each side. Ventrals : males
(32 specimens), max. 181, min. 162, av. 174.44±0.50, interquartile range 171.6
— 172.2, coefficient of variation 2.4 per cent; females (22 specimens), max. 182,
min. 173, av. 178.72±0.40, interquartile range 176.8 — 180.6, coefficient of vari-
ation 1.6 per cent. Anal entire. Caudals: males 28 to 23, average of 33 specimens
25.0±0.16; females 22 to 17, average of 22 specimens 19.4zb0.21. The caudals,
while generally entire, may have a few at either end of the series divided.
The supralabials usually number 13 (20 per cent), 14 (33 per cent), or 15
(39 per cent); rarely 12 or 16 (4 per cent of each). The infralabials generally
number 14 (38 per cent), 15 (42 per cent), or 16 (11 per cent); occasionally
13 (4 per cent) , 17 (3 per cent) , or 18 (2 per cent) .
The rostral is usually wider than high (equal in 13 per cent) and is in con-
tact with the prenasals, although in some cases the prenasals are sutured, thus
starting the granules which are so characteristic of mitchellii and pyrrhus. The
prenasals are normally in contact with the supralabials but such contact is pre-
vented, in 17 per cent of the specimens examined, by the extension to the rostral
of the small scales anterior to the pit; there is partial interference in an additional 4
per cent. The internasals (scales in contact with the rostral between the nasals,
regardless of size or relative position) usually number two; owing to the splitting
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 165
off of upper corners of the prenasals there is one instance of three and another of
four; this out of a total of 60 specimens.
The scales on the crown anterior to the supraoculars vary from 13 to 38 and
average 25.3. The minimum scale rows between supraoculars vary from 3 to 8,
interquartile range 4.9 to 6.1; the average is 5.5
Supraocular sutures are highly characteristic of this subspecies; they are
present in 96 per cent of the specimens. These sutures are of considerable variety;
often they are whorls or longitudinal cuts, particularly at the outer edge. Some-
times these edges are rough as if pieces of scale had been broken away (text fig.
2). The nasals are divided. The loreals vary from 1 to 5, averaging 1.98; there
are two in 41 per cent of the specimens, one in 37 per cent, and greater numbers
in 22 per cent. The scales along the canthus rostralis, from internasal to supra-
ocular, usually number 3, sometimes 2 or 4.
The upper preocular is divided horizontally in 4 per cent, and vertically in
18 per cent of the specimens. This is a division which is still more evident in the
other members of the mitchellii group.
The upper preocular, which is the larger, is not in contact with the postnasal.
In 46 per cent such contact is prevented by the contact of the postcanthal with
the loreal, in 54 per cent by the presence of a small upper loreal.
The scale rows from labials to orbit usually number 2 or 3. Generally the
third and fourth, or fourth and fifth supralabials are in contact with the pit bor-
ders; there is no conspicuous difference in size amongst the supralabials.
The first infralabials are undivided. The mental is triangular. The genials
are in a single pair, relatively short and obtuse. Intergenials are present in 4 per
cent of the specimens; submentals are not in evidence.
In shape the head is subtriangular, flat-topped and low. The average ratio
of body length to head length in adults is 22.8.
The ratio of the length of tail to total length, exclusive of rattle, averages
0.079 in adult males and 0.059 in females.
The largest specimen examined measured 885 mm. (35 in.), the smallest
257 mm. (10 in.) . A specimen 860 mm. long weighed 376 grams. The smallest
female with eggs measured 674 mm.
Color and Pattern. — This subspecies is highly variable in color and pattern,
as if the several desert mountain ranges which it inhabits had produced individual
races. The ground color may be straw, tan, buff, yellow-brown, red-brown, gray,
or blue-gray. Upon this there is superimposed a series of darker dorsal blotches
which, while usually subhexagonal in shape, may approach circles, diamonds,
squares, or rectangles. They are buff, gray, brown, or deep red-brown, and may,
or may not, be sharply contrasting with the ground color. Some of the contrasts
and harmonies, particularly in the browns, are very striking, rendering this one of
the handsomest of rattlesnakes, exceeded only by enyo and molossus.
There is a secondary series of blotches on the sides; at about mid-body the
main dorsal series contacts these so as to form rings, which become narrower and
less sharply in contrast with the ground color toward the tail. At the neck several
dorsal blotches may coalesce to form a longitudinal band. The inter-blotch areas
are lighter dorsally than laterally. Anteriorly the sides are often suffused with a
166 San Diego Society of Natural History
punctated application of gray (even on the brown specimens), a character found
in pyrrhus as well. The dorsal blotches are sometimes even-edged, but are more
often serrated by a border of unicolor scales in the manner of scutalatus. Some-
times the light scales bordering the blotches are conspicuously lighter than the
rest of the ground color. Often the light scales, immediately anterior to the
blotches, are posteriorly tipped with black; this is, in fact, quite characteristic of
the present subspecies.
Northern specimens are darker and more conspicuously and definitely
marked than those from the south; the latter more nearly approach the amorphous
punctations of pyrrhus. Red-brown or dark-brown specimens are the rule from the
northwestern corner of the range in the vicinity of Bishop Creek, California. In
the northeastern corner, in Nevada, blues and grays predominate. The south-
eastern specimens are generally tan, blotched with brown.
The ventral surface is usually buff or tan, with aggregations of darker punc-
tations.
The head is spotted, but less conspicuously and regularly than the body.
Supraocular light cross-marks are usually absent, but the outer edge of each supra-
ocular may be light. There is often a dark dash from the eye to a point above the
corner of the mouth, but in many specimens this is obscured by a characteris-
tic suffusion of gray, which, in the tan or brown specimens, is in rather sharp
contrast with the dorsal color.
The tail rings are usually distinct, but the last two or three, which are
generally black and in strong color contrast with the rest of the body, are not
evenly outlined, and may be partly confluent.
The body blotches vary in number from 30 to 43, the average being 37.0.
The tail rings number 6 to 9 (average 6.8) in the males, and 3 to 6 (average 4.6)
in the females.
CHARACTER SUMMARIES
Having presented separately, for each of the three subspecies of mitchellii.
the essential details of lepidosis, form, and appearance, I deem it desirable to
combine the enumerations of other characteristics, in order to avoid repetition
under each subspecies, since the differences between the three forms are not con-
siderable.
Habitat. — All three subspecies of mitchellii are essentially rock-dwelling
snakes, and to a large extent, but not entirely, are restricted to the wastes of the
southwestern deserts. Here, however, they are not universally distributed; from
the level, sandy plains and the great alluvial fans they are generally absent,
their habitat being in the rocky mountains and buttes which rise above the plains.
Thus, while the range of mitchellii is roughly coincident with those of C. cerastes,
C. scutulatus, and C. atrox in parts of Arizona and California, they are not par-
ticularly active competitors, for locally there is often a rather sharp distinction in
the habitat which each species prefers.
For example, in the Panamint and Death Valley regions we find stephensi
in the lava flows, rocky buttes, and the mountains themselves (to altitudes of at
least 7000 ft.) rather than in the plains between, the latter being inhabited by
cerastes. In the Mohave Desert we find cerastes and scutulatus on the flats>
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 167
and pyrrbus in the mountains, and the same is true in southwestern Arizona
where atrox is included with the plains species. From the Imperial and Coa-
chella Valleys pyrrhus seems absent, although present in all the surrounding
mountains.
In the Peninsula ranges of southern and Lower California, including the
San Bernardinos, San Jacintos, Cuyamacas, Sierra de Juarez, and Sierra San
Pedro Martir, we find pyrrhus ranging into Upper Sonoran habitats and even
touching Transition. Yet, in the chaparral and oaks, it continues to show its
preference for rocky outcrops, although not restricted to them. Here it reaches
altitudes of at least 5300 ft. in areas shared with Crotalus ruber and C. c.
oreganus. But while the latter are equally common westward to the ocean,
pyrrhus rarely is found below the 1200 ft. contour on the coastal slope.
It is in these mountains also that mitchellii, in the subspecies pyrrhus, reaches
its maximum mainland size, specimens slightly exceeding 1220 mm. (48 in.) hav-
ing been accurately measured. Such an individual would weight about 21/2 lb.
(1130 g.). This size is not approached by either stephensi or m. mitchellii.13
These, of course, are exceptional specimens; I would consider 1100 mm. (43 in.)
as representing a "large" adult male pyrrhus in the foothills of San Diego
County. In Arizona and, in fact, throughout the truly desert areas, this
size is not reached, few adults exceeding 920 mm. (36 in.). The Angel de la
Guarda Island specimens are very large, reaching at least 1240 mm. (49 in.).
Stephensi is a smaller snake than pyrrhus, specimens exceeding 850 mm. (33J/2
in.) being exceptional. M. mitchellii, while smaller than pyrrhus, sometimes ex-
ceeds 900 mm. (35 in.) and one specimen 939 mm. (39 in.) has been noted.
However, most of the adult males run about 850 mm. (331/> in.) in length.
From a few areas we have some statistics as to the relative frequency of oc-
currence of mitchellii compared with the other species with which it shares the
range. Thus, in four lots of rattlers brought up from the vicinity of Cape San
Lucas there were 69 m. mitchellii or 17.6 per cent, out of a total of 391 rattlers;
6.4 per cent were enyo, the rest being lucasensis.
In San Diego County, out of 2006 rattlesnakes recorded, only 260 or 12.6
per cent were pyrrhus, for this form was greatly exceeded in number by ruber and
oreganus.
Along the line of the Santa Fe Ry. between Hillside and Wickenburg, Yava-
pai County, Arizona, a collection of 454 rattlers yielded 19 pyrrhus or 4.2 per
cent. The majority were atrox and scutulatus (55.6 and 31.9 per cent) with a few
molossus and oreganus (4.6 and 3.7 per cent). Since these specimens were col-
lected by track maintenance crews it is to be expected that the rock inhabiting
forms would not be as well represented as those preferring the flat-lands.
Thus, it is seen that where mitchellii is in competition with other forms it
usually constitutes only a small part of the rattlesnake population. Several species
of rattlers occur in most of the territory inhabited by pyrrhus and mitchellii
13 A specimen (USNM 64588) 1295 mm. (51 in.) long is contained in the National
Museum. The locality of collection is uncertain, but it is recorded tentatively as Cedros Island.
This I rather doubt, since subsequent collectors have failed to find it there, although other
rattlers (C. exsul) are not uncommon.
168 San Diego Society of Natural History
although they may have the rocky prominences to themselves. Stephensi, on the
other hand, is the sole possessor of most of its range, or, at least, shares it only
with cerastes, with which it is hardly in competition, so clearly does the one prefer
valleys and sand, and the other rocky slopes and mountains.
There is evidence that where mitchelln shares its territory with others it does
not den with them. Thus, a reliable observer reported having seen some twenty
pyrrhus in a shallow cave under a large granite boulder in San Diego County;
there seemed to be no other rattlers present, although both ruber and oreganus
are more common than pyrrhus in that particular place. In another instance, in
December, nine rattlers were found under a single stone; all were young adult
pyrrhus.
Breeding. — Specimens of stephensi have been noted with 6 and 8 eggs;
pyrrhus with 3, 4 (2 specimens) , and 5. Experience with other species leads us to
believe that these pyrrhus broods were smaller than the average for the species.
Habits. — In the field pyrrhus is a distinctly more nervous species than ruber;
rather it resembles oreganus in its alert readiness to defend itself or escape. It will
usually rattle if alarmed. Mrs. G. O. Wiley, however, reports it as easily tamed
as other species, if not more so.
As is the case with most of the western rattlers, particularly the desert forms,
mitchellii is largely nocturnal, especially in summer. However, it will be found
abroad in the daytime in spring, and to a less extent in autumn. Thus, a specimen
of stephensi was seen to issue from a hole at 6:30 p. m., in August. In late March
specimens were observed crossing the road at Bullfrog, Nevada, at 3:00 p. m.,
and near Ballarat, at 6:25 p. m. In the spring, in San Diego County, specimens
of pyrrhus have been observed sunning themselves before rock clefts in which
they took refuge so promptly as to indicate advance consideration of these retreats.
Food. — The snakes of the mitchellii group, as is usual with the larger rattle-
snakes, subsist principally upon rats, mice, and other small mammals. Amongst
these, Dipodomys has been recognized. Young specimens are probably more ac-
customed to lizards, and even the adults do not scorn this prey. Amongst the
species noted in the stomach contents were Uta stansburiana, Cnemidophorus
tessellatus, and Eumeces skiltonianus . One large specimen contained both mam-
mal hair and a Uta. One large mitchellii was observed to eat a ground squirrel
which had been shot some three hours before.
Birds are eaten occasionally. Thus Mr. Dean E. Batchelder informed me he
had found 8 birds, presumably goldfinches, in the stomach of a pyrrhus. All had
been swallowed head first. This was near an aqueduct construction camp where a
lawn, garden, and bird bath had been installed on the desert 10 miles north of
Desert Center, Riverside Co., Calif. Birds had been attracted from great distances
and evidently the snake had lain in wait for them.
Hemipenes. — The hemipenes of the mitchellii group may be described thus:
Completely bifurcate with divided sulcus. Base covered with short, stiff spines,
particularly at the outer shoulders; the branches covered with reticulate fringes.
There is a sharp cleavage between spines and fringes (a characteristic of Crotalus
as compared with Sistrurus, with the partial exception of C. lepidus) . The apices
are calyculate. In shape the two lobes are of medium weight (ratio of length to
diameter about 2.6) similar to the conjluentus group; this is in contrast to the
Klauber— The Speckled Rattlesnake 169
attenuated organs which characterize the atrox group, or the opposite extreme,
illustrated by the short heavy lobes of molossus. The spines cannot be counted
with accuracy, since they vary by imperceptible degrees from mere pustules to full
points. The fringes vary from 27 to 34, averaging about 31.
One of the important variations in the hemipenes of Crotalus is the presence
or absence of spines in the crotch between the lobes. These spines are present in
all subspecies or mitchellii. They are especially conspicuous in mitchellii mitchelln
and stephensi, somewhat less so in the intermediate specimens (pyrrhus) from
California, and are least perceptible in pyrrhus from Arizona.
Fangs. — The fangs of mitchellii, in shape and size, follow closely the con-
jluentus group, that is, they are shorter proportionately than those of terrificus,
adamant eus, and the atrox group. Average adult ratios of body and head length
to fang length (measured from the lower edge of the upper lumen to the tip)
are as follows:
Fang Length Ratios
L/F H/F
Mitchellii 151 5.74
Pyrrhus 107 5.01
Stephensi 128 5.59
Here again we have a substantial difference between mitchellii and pyrrhus,
although one which is obviously correlated with proportionate head size.
Venom. — The physical characters of the venoms of these three subspecies
are indicated in the following table:
Venom Characteristics
Specimens milked
Average yield dry venom per adult snake, mg.
Maximum yield, mg.
Specific gravity
Average MLD
The MLD is taken from data kindly furnished by Dr. Thos. S. Githens of
the Mulford Biological Laboratories of Sharp and Dohme, and represents the
fatal dose for a pigeon of 350 g. weight. From results in other species we would
expert mitchellii, with its small head and short fangs, to have a relatively power-
ful venom, as compared with pyrrhus.14
Rattles. — Studies, as yet unpublished, indicate that the characteristics, and
Jitchellii
Pyrrhus
Stephensi
64
298
13
33
215
73
75
350
129
1.078
1.090
1.088
0.04?
0.50
0.20
H Githens (Journal of Immunology, Vol. 29, p. 171, Aug. 1935) reports two qualities
of mitchellii venom : a "strong" with an MLD of 0.04 and a "weak" with an MLD of 0.50.
The venoms which yielded these results were sent to the biological laboratory from San Diego.
Through correspondence with Dr. Gthens I have ascertained the lot numbers involved in the
several assays and checking the original data I find that three assays yielding an average
MLD of 0.50 contained only pyrrhus venom. One assay resulting in an MLD of 0.04 was
based exclusively on mitchellii venom. Only one assay tends in any way to upset the theory
that the venoms of pyrrhus and mitchellii differ considerably, the latter being the more toxic.
This assay, on a mixture of mitchellii and pyrrhus venoms sent in before the subspecies were
distinguished, also yielded an MLD of 0.04, whereas some figure between the two might
have been expected. I am unable to explain this unless the more powerful venom tends to
mask the weaker.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
9
82
99
111
127
136
144
148
147
146
70
83
96
109
122
131
128
139
138
62
76
91
103
111
120
136
138
140
48
61
75
103
112
116
170 San Diego Society of Natural History
particularly certain measurements, of the rattles, are of considerable interest in
classification. These dimensions are found to be quite consistent, and from them
it is possible to verify relationships and differences. As an instance, the width of
each rattle (where the string is complete and the rattle-number in the sequence
is therefore known) is found of value in classification. In the present study we
have the following data:
Average Width of Rattle in Tenths of Millimeters
Rattle No.
Mitchellii
Pyrrhus (Cal.)
Pyrrhus (Ariz.)
Stephensi
The figures are not particularly trustworthy beyond the fifth rattle for two
reasons; first, a sufficient number of specimens is not available to afford accurate
averages; and, secondly, sexual dimorphism begins to affect the result beyond the
sixth rattle, and therefore for accuracy of diagnosis it is necessary to treat the sexes
separately. However up to the sixth rattle, except in the case of stephensi, of which
comparatively few specimens, even of the first rattles, are available, the figures
are quite reliable. These studies, to be presented elsewhere, show that, within geo-
graphically homogeneous groups, the coefficient of variation of the rattle widths
of the first five rattles usually runs from 5 to 7 per cent and rarely exceeds 9 per
cent. Under such circumstances differences such as those indicated in these tables,
particularly between mitchellii and pyrrhus, can be shown mathematically to be
highly significant.15
While it is not believed advisable to attempt any species differentiation exclu-
sively based on rattle divergences, these certainly should not be neglected as con-
firmatory evidence.
RELATIONSHIPS AND DIFFERENCES
As I have stated before, mitchellii cannot always be distinguished from the
other rattlesnakes by its best known character, namely, the separation of the ros-
tral from the prenasals by small scales or granules; for this character is not uni-
versally positive in either of the southern races, m. mitchellii and pyrrhus, and it
is always negative in stephensi. Furthermore, this prevention of contact is of
sporadic occurrence in other forms, particularly in oreganus from central Arizona.
Nor is the depression of the head, while somewhat evident, the clear-cut and obvi-
ous character which it has been occasionally considered in the past. The same is
true of the shape of the rostral, which is not always wider than high.
In general, it can be said that these snakes are conspicuous amongst the rat-
tlesnakes for the tendency to subdivision of certain head scales (prenasals, can-
thals, loreals, and preoculars in mitchellii and pyrrhus; and supraoculars in
stephensi) , and for the punctated application of color and pattern. Yet there is
sufficient variation and divergence in all of these characters so that simple and
invariable keys are impossible; therefore, considerable judgment and some experi-
15 Employing the usual formula for significance by evaluating the ratio which the dif-
ference between the means bears to the standard error of the difference.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 171
ence are necessary in their application if errors are not to be made. However I do
not think that this is an adverse criterion of the validity of these forms, since the
summation of the differences is impressive; and some differences which are not
particularly useful as key characters, such as the form of the hemipenes, never-
theless are important in the final determination of validity.
The nearest existing relatives to mitchellii are tigris, cerastes, and confluen-
tus (the latter through the subspecies oreganus and lutosus), probably in the or-
der named. These affinities are shown in form, scalation, pattern, and hemipenes,
as will be pointed out.
The characters of lepidosis which are usually employed statistically in dis-
tinguishing species of snakes, are not of particular value in separating the mem-
bers of the jjiitchellii group, either from each other or from some of their near
relations, for a number of rattlers, including the several subspecies of confluentus
and mitchellii, as well as scutulatus and tigris do not differ greatly in these charac-
ters. However, a few tendencies are to be noted.
In scale rows, 25 is the mode in m. mitchellii and pyrrhus, but this is reduced
to 23 in stephensi, which, in this particular, resembles tigris. About half of the
Arizona specimens of pyrrhus have 23 scale rows, a much higher percentage than
is encountered in the California specimens.
Mitchellii is a rough-scaled species, the dorsal scales being sharply ridged
and with raised bosses posterior to the middle of each scale. The latter are more
conspicuous in mitchellii mitchellii, and in southern California pyrrhus, than in
pyrrhus from Arizona or stephensi. However, in none of these snakes are the
bosses so extreme as in cerastes, which is outstanding in this character amongst
our southwestern rattlers; and even this form is exceeded in the prominence of
these dorsal scale protuberances by dunssus. The extreme spinal ridge of durissus
is also absent in mitchellii, enyo most nearly approaching the tropical rattler in
this character.
In ventrals mitchellii and Arizona pyrrhus average slightly lower than Cali-
fornia pyrrhus, but the difference is not conspicuous; stephensi is also low. In this
character tigris is conspicuously different from stephensi, as set forth in the fol-
lowing table:
Average Ventral Scale Counts
Males Females
Mitchellii 176.7 179.5
Pyrrhus (Southern California) 178.3 180.0
Pyrrhus (Arizona) 174.4 175.4
Stephensi 174.4 178.7
Tigris 165.2 168.5
The extent of the difference between stephensi and tigris, as indicated by the
ratio of the difference between the means to the standard error of the difference, is
9.2 for the males and 9.3 for the females. In calculations of this kind any ratio
above 3 is usually considered significant; 9 may be taken as conclusive on this
point, that is to say the difference is real and cannot be attributed to chance differ-
ences in sampling. The differences in caudal scale counts are not important; ste-
phensi and mitchellii are slightly higher than pyrrhus.
It is interesting to note that there is less sexual dimorphism in ventral scales
172
San Diego Society of Natural History
in mitchellii than is apparent in most rattlesnake species. In the mitchellii sub-
species the females average about 3 more ventrals than the males; the confluentus
group and many other rattlers run from 4 to 7.
In labial counts we find pyrrhus somewhat higher than mitchellii, which, in
turn, exceeds stephensi. None of the differences is sufficient to be of interest as a
key character.
Divided first infralabials are quite characteristic of Arizona pyrrhus, being
present in 70 per cent of the specimens; in California pyrrhus they are frequent
in San Bernardino County but are rarely met with elsewhere in the range of
pyrrhus, or in mitchellii or stephensi. Intergenials and submentals are occasion-
ally noted, but are not characteristic of any of these forms.
Of the other head scales, such as the internasals, canthals, inter-supraoculars
(frontals), nasals, loreals, and oculars, whose numbers, contacts, and arrange-
ments are so frequently of value in rattlesnake diagnosis, we can in the mitchellii
group make little use because of their tendency to be split to such a degree that
their classification becomes impossible. For instance, where there is so frequently
a row of scales between prenasal and rostral (as in mitchellii and pyrrhus) the
internasals are indeterminate; canthals and loreals cannot be separated; preocu-
lars are broken vertically, horizontally, or both (text fig. 1), and thus are con-
fused with loreals. But a few differences of importance may be noted in these
scales which may be summarized as follows:
1. Supraocular sutures (text fig. 2) are highly characteristic of stephensi
and will serve to differentiate this form from tigris, and, to a lesser extent from
lutosus. Stated statistically we have the following:
Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii. Lateral view of head showing subdi-
vision of preoculars, loreals, and supralabials.
Fig. 2. Crotalus mitchellii stephensi. Dorsal view of head showing supra-
ocular sutures.
Fig. 3. Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus. End view of head showing absence of
contact between rostral and prenasals.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 173
Supraocular Sutures
(two counts per specimen)
With
Without
Sutures
Sutures Doubtful
120
2 2
0
82 2
26
168 4
Stephensi
Tigris
Lutosus (Cal. and Nev. only)
Supraocular sutures are not infrequent in mitchellii and pyrrhus; they are
quite prevalent in specimens from northern Baja California.
2. Internasals are determinate in stephensi and will distinguish this form
from lutosus. Thus in 60 specimens of stephensi, one had 3 and one had 4 inter-
nasals; all others had 2. On the other hand, in 103 specimens of lutosus from
California and Nevada there were only 4 specimens with less than 3 internasals,
the complete score being as follows (the first number indicating the number of
internasals, the second the number of individuals) : 1/1, 2/3, 3/28, 4/62,
5/6, 6/3. Only California and Nevada specimens of lutosus were used in this
comparison, instead of snakes from all areas, upon the theory that the former,
occupying a territory close to that of stephensi, are the ones most necessary to
differentiate from stephensi. It may be of interest to note that the two aberrant
specimens of stephensi (having more than two internasals) are from near pyrrhus
territory and have an increased number of internasals by reason of the splitting of
the prenasals (a characteristic of pyrrhus) , rather than of the internasals them-
selves, as in lutosus and all the confluentus group.
3. The rostral-prenasal interruption (text fig. 3), while not a universal key
character to mitchellii and pyrrhus as was once supposed, is, nevertheless, usually
indicative. Thus, it is positive in 97 per cent of mitchellii, and about 88 per cent
of pyrrhus. Most of the aberrant specimens of pyrrhus occur in southern Califor-
nia, approaching the territory of stephensi; this is to be expected in view of the
intergradation of the two forms. In stephensi there are no cases of the failure of
the rostral prenasal contact, and the same is true of tigris. The interruption of
this contact, thus shown to be characteristic (but not universally so) of mitchellii
and pyrrhus, does occur in some other species, particularly the subspecies of con-
fluentus; it is most prevalent in oreganus from central Arizona, where about 12
per cent of the specimens have this contact interrupted. Lack of contact has also
been observed in abyssus and in California oreganus.
4. It is characteristic of all the mitchellii subspecies and tigris that the ros-
tral is wider than high; the contrary is usually true in all the confluentus sub-
species. However, the two dimensions are not infrequently equal, especially in
specimens of pyrrhus from southern California, so that at best this is but a con-
firmatory character. Occasionally specimens of pyrrhus have the rostral higher
than wide.
The great variability in pattern and color of all subspecies of mitchellii ren-
ders these characteristics of little use in classification. Outstanding are the punc-
tulate application of color in mitchellii and pyrrhus and the indefiniteness of the
pattern; the gray suffusions on the lateral areas of stephensi and northern pyrrhus;
the black posterior scale tips in many stephensi and some pyrrhus; the scutulatus
174 San Diego Society of Natural History
type of tail rings in many specimens of pyrrhus and mitchellii. But none of these
characters is the sole possession of mitchellii subspecies; even the punctations are
seen to be highly developed in tigris, atrox (although in a different manner),
confluentus from New Mexico (Cope's pulverulentus) , triseriatus, and others.
In number of body blotches and tail rings both pyrrhus and mitchellii fall
below stephensi, and this, in turn, below tigris. However, the dispersion of these
characters is so great that they are not useful as keys.
Coming now to form, we observe that pyrrhus is a somewhat heavier bodied
snake than the other two subspecies. Proportionately it has a slightly shorter tail
than either mitchellii or stephensi. But none of these is conspicuously different
from the atrox or confluentus groups.
It is in head size that really important differences amongst the mitchellii sub-
species are evident; here we have probably the most essential divergence between
mitchellii and pyrrhus, and this in a character which must be presumed to be rela-
tively stable.
The determination of the statistical significance of differences in such
a character as the ratio of the head to body length is a somewhat involved
problem. Such an investigation has been made, but its exposition would be out of
place at this point, and is reserved for future publication. The conclusions con-
cerning rattlesnakes may be summarized as follows:
1. The relationship of the size of the head to the body conforms closely to
a linear equation of the form H = a L+b, the constants a and b being different
for each of the several species or subspecies.
2. Owing to the presence of the constant term b in the regression equation,
the ratio of body length to head length is not constant throughout life; young
rattlesnakes have proportionately larger heads than adults.
3. There is a close correlation between head and body size in any one form,
the coefficient of correlation probably being about +0.85 to 0.90. The dispersion
about the regression line approximates the normal curve of error. The dispersion
remains nearly proportional throughout life, although increasing slightly with
age. The coefficient of variation about the regression line is from 2.5 to 3.5 per
cent in homogeneous groups.
To simplify the problem in the present instance we can restrict our investiga-
tion to adult groups of approximately the same body size; if this be done the con-
stant term b may be neglected, since the ratio L/H will be practically constant
for each subspecies in any short length-range. The results of such a study of re-
stricted adult groups are as follows, all specimens having been measured under
the same conditions of preservation:
Adult Head-Length Ratios
Length
Length
Head Length
Number of
Range
A verage
A verage
Ratio
Sp
ecimei'.s
mm.
mm.
mm.
L/H
Mitchellii
46
725-915
784
31.9
24.6
Pyrrhus (Calif.)
41
720-932
815
37.9
21.5
Pyrrhus (Ariz.)
14
700-895
775
35.9
21.6
Stephensi
20
720-872
783
34.4
22.8
Tigris
22
577-770
673
26.4
25.6
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 175
Thus it is seen that there is an essential difference in this character (which
our investigations lead us to consider stable and consistent) between pyrrhus and
mitchellii, and between stephensi and tigris. It will be noted that the average size
of the specimens of mitchellii is slightly less than the average for California
pyrrhus, and the tigris average is less than stephensi. Since L/H increases with
growth, if the average length were the same in the two cases the differences in
the L/H ratios would be slightly greater than is shown in the table.
As a further proof of the difference between mitchellii and pyrrhus the re-
gression lines for the L — H relationships were determined; all specimens were re-
duced to the same standard body size and the hypothetical head length for each
specimen was calculated on the assumption that the deviation of any individual
from the regression line for that subspecies remains constant (in percentage)
throughout life. By this method it was determined that the ratio of the difference
in the means of the head sizes to the standard error of the difference was over 17,
which indicates that the difference is a real one and not attributable to the acciden-
tal composition of the group available for study (i. e., sampling errors) . On the
other hand between Arizona and California pyrrhus there was found to be no
significant difference, the corresponding ratio being only 0.4.
Tigris has proportionately the smallest head amongst all the rattlesnakes;
it is of interest to note that it is closely approached by mitchellii; on the other hand
pyrrhus and stephensi approximate the rattlesnake mode in the body-head ratio.
That these differences in the head dimensions between mitchellii and pyrrhus,
and between stephensi and tigris are not merely an exaggeration of a minor sta-
tistical deviation will be at once apparent to any one having the opportunity to
compare adult specimens of these forms in life. It is to be remembered that there
are proportionately similar differences in head width and in depth as well as in
length; there is therefore a difference in bulk approximately equal to the cube of
any linear dimension. The result is so striking that there is no difficulty in segre-
gating these forms at a glance when adults of approximately the same body length
are available.
As might be expected, fang length is closely correlated with head length16
and thus the fangs repeat the differences observed in the ratio of head size to
length of body overall. But here we find that the differences are even more im-
pressive, for tigris and mitchellii not only have shorter fangs than stephensi and
pyrrhus because of their smaller heads, but have, in fact, fangs which are dispropor-
tionately shorter even where snakes of the same head size are taken. With relation
to the body lengths overall, the discrepancy is still greater. This is apparent from
the following table showing data for the subspecies under consideration and their
relatives:
Average Fang-Length Ratios
L/F H/F L/F H/F
Mitchellii 151 5.74 Tigris 165 6.11
Pyrrhus 107 5.01 Lutosus 131 5.49
Stephensi 128 5.59 Cerastes 98 4.83
(L = body-length overall; H= length of head; F= length of fang, upper lumen
to point) .
16 The regression equation is of the form F=a H - b.
176 San Diego Society of Natural History
The resemblance of mitchellii to tigris rather than to pyrrhus, and of
stephensi to lutosus rather than to tigris is at once evident.
Venom differences, at present imperfectly known, have already been set forth.
I would anticipate that mitchellii would again show an affinity to tigris rather
than pyrrhus, but its MLD has only been tentatively determined. Githens reports
tigris venom to be the most toxic of any of the 22 subspecies of rattlers thus far
investigated.
The study of the rattles of the rattlesnake, from the standpoint of species
differences is so involved that publication of these data must be reserved for an-
other place. Suffice it to say that mitchellii is well differentiated from pyrrhus.
Tigris more nearly resembles pyrrhus than stephensi. Mitchellii has the largest
rattles of any known rattlesnake, up to and including the fifth rattle, a most sur-
prising fact in view of its relatively small size. It considerably exceeds its relative
pyrrhus and is in fact approached most closely by adamanteus and lucasensis. The
first of these being the largest of rattlesnakes, its possession of large rattles is not
unexpected.
The hemipenial characteristics of the mitchellii group afford the clearest
differentiation from the confluentus group, for although both of these have organs
of somewhat the same ratio of lobe length to diameter (thus sharply different
from the attenuated organs of the atrox group on the one hand and the globular
habitus of molossus on the other) the confluentus group is without spines in the
central crotch while these are always present in the mitchellii group. Here pyrrhus
shows a closer affinity to lutosus and oreganus than do mitchellii or stephensi, for
the latter have patches of spines in the cleft while in pyrrhus (especially those
from Arizona) the spines in this area are usually few and not particularly large.
In this character tigris resembles stephensi; cerastes also has a cleft-patch.
ISLAND SPECIMENS
The following Gulf of California island specimens are available for study:
Angel de la Guarda 5
San Jose 1
Espiritu Santo 3
Ceralvo 1
It is interesting to survey these for indications of incipient differentiation
from the mainland forms, although there are not sufficient specimens upon which
to premise descriptions of new species unless the differences be very wide.
First, we find, based on the most important difference (head proportion),
between mitchellii and pyrrhus, that the Angel de la Guarda specimens are
pyrrhus, while those from San Jose and Ceralvo are mitchellii, which is quite what
would be expected geographically. The Espiritu Santo specimens are between the
two mainland forms, although somewhat nearer mitchellii than pyrrhus; in ratde
dimensions they are somewhat closer to the latter, but for the present we will con-
sider them as mitchellii.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 177
In ventrals the Angel de la Guarda specimens are distinctly higher than most
of the specimens of pyrrhns, while those from the other islands have fewer scales
than the average of mitcbellii. There are indications that both differences would
be significant, were enough specimens available to determine the dispersions of
the island specimens more accurately. The caudals show no deviations of interest.
The labials are rather low in the Angel de la Guarda specimens, and supraocular
sutures are prevalent, showing in this last character an affinity for the specimens
from the mountains of Lower California.
The Angel de la Guarda specimens are very large; they are pink or straw
and usually have black scale tips; in color they resemble Arizona specimens rather
than those from California. It is quite possible, I think, that USNM 64588, the
largest known pyrrhus, may have come from Angel de la Guarda instead of
Cedros Island, as has been presumed.17
The other island specimens are also pink, with the exception of that from
Ceralvo, which is gray. We conclude that these island forms have been so long
separated from the mainland that differentiation has begun, but it is not sufficient
to permit taxonomic separation, at least not until much larger series are available.
It is unfortunate that the type specimen of mitcbellii (USNM 52911/2)
has been lost and that Cope did not give the head measurement. He records this
snake as being 44 in. (1118 mm.) long, which is so much larger than any other
specimens from the Cape that we are disposed to doubt the accuracy of the local-
ity. As was so often the case in those days the specimen was probably recorded
from the locality from which it was sent, rather than the point of collection. The
color and pattern descriptions also do not fit mitcbellii.
We know from the tail length that the specimen was a male. The ventral
scale count, given as 198, is so much higher than any other Cape male specimen
(max. 181) that the specimen was either a freak or there has been a miscount.
Calculations indicate an extremely small chance of such a high count, assuming
that the dispersion follows the normal curve of error (which other studies indi-
cate to be the case) , for the deviation of this specimen is over six times the stand-
ard deviation. We conclude that the derivation of this specimen from Cape San
Lucas is exceedingly doubtful, and if all the facts were known a shifting of names
might be necessary.
CONCLUSIONS
Crotalus mitcbellii is a valid species of rattlesnake containing three
well differentiated subspecies. C. m. mitcbellii, C. m. pyrrhus, and C. m.
stephensi. Of other existing species their closest relatives are C. tigris,
C. cerastes, C. c. oreganus, and C. c. lutosus. C. m. mitcbellii shows an
affinity to tigris; while pyrrhus and stephensi have important resemblances
to oreganus and lutosus.
17 Schmidt, 1922, p. 700.
178 San Diego Society of Natural History
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am indebted to the following individuals and institutions for the
loan of important material, or other favors in connection with this inves-
tigation: Mr. J. R. Slevin of the California Academy of Sciences; Drs.
Leonhard Stejneger and Doris M. Cochran of the United States Na-
tional Museum; Drs. A. W. Herre and W. H. Rich of Stanford Uni-
versity; Drs. Jos. Grinnell and J. Linsdale of the Museum of Vertebrate
Zoology, University of California, Berkeley; Mr. K. P. Schmidt, Field
Museum of Natural History; Mr. H. R. Hill, Los Angeles Museum;
Dr. R. B. Cowles and Mr. Chas. M. Bogert, University of California at
Los Angeles; Pomona College; M. F. Angel, Museum National D'His-
toire Naturelle, Paris; Dr. A. H. Wright, Cornell University; Mr. R.
Conant, Philadelphia Zoological Society; Dr. T. Barbour and Mr. A.
Loveridge of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University;
Dr. G. K. Noble, American Museum of Natural History; Dr. E. H.
Taylor, Kansas University; Mrs. H. T. Gaige and Mr. H. K. Gloyd,
University of Michigan; Mr. H. W. Fowler, Academy of Natural Sci-
ences, Philadelphia; Mrs. Belle Benchley and Mr. C. B. Perkins, Zoologi-
cal Society of San Diego.
The following have presented me with live or preserved specimens
which have been of the greatest service in this investigation: C. C. Lamb,
J. R. Pemberton, Miss Ada Meling, the late A. H. Schlanze, Maj. Chap-
man Grant, Mrs. G. O. Wiley, A. P. Artran, C. M. Perkins, Chas. M.
Bogert, L. H. Cook, T. C. Biggs, G. W. Kuns, M. E. Spivey, Thos.
Fitzmorris, C. L. Evans, Dr. C. E. Burt, F. E. Walker, C. L. Davis, E. L.
Bulpitt, H. K. Gloyd, P. M. Klauber, O. N. Arrington, A. N. Handley,
R. R. Humphrey, Dr. E. H. Taylor, C. B. Perkins, Dr. C. T. Vorhies.
Of the utmost importance have been the specimens received from
the Santa Fe Railway Company in central Arizona, and the live collec-
tion brought to the San Diego Zoological Society from the Cape region
of Lower California by Fred Lewis of the Yacht Stranger. Without the
latter large and uniform series the differences between mitchellii and
pyrrhns would not have been so apparent.
I have been greatly assisted by Messrs. L. H. Cook, Robert Hoard,
and P. M. Klauber in the making of scale counts, and by Mrs. Elizabeth
Leslie and Miss Eileen Carmody in tabulations and computations. The
sketches are by Mr. Norman Bilderback, and the map and photographs,
by Mr. L. C. Kobler.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake 179
BIBLIOGRAPHY
There are listed here certain papers important in the history of the classifi-
cation of Crotalus mitchellii, and our knowledge of the character, range, and
habits of the species.
Amaral, A. do
1927 Crotalus goldmani Schmidt, 1922, A Synonym of C. mitchelli Cope,
1861. Bull. Antivenin Inst, of Amer., Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 47-48.
1929 Studies of Nearctic Ophidia. Ill — Notes on Crotalus tigris Kenni-
cott, 1859. Bull Antivenin Inst, of Amer., Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 82-85.
Belding, L.
1887 Reptiles of the Cape Region of Lower California. West Am. Scien-
tist, Vol. 3, No. 24, pp. 97-99.
Blanchard, F. N.
1925 A Key to the Snakes of the United States, Canada and Lower Cali-
fornia. Papers of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Let-
ters, Vol. 4, Part 2, pp. 1-65.
BOULENGER, G. A.
1896 Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum, Vol. 3.
Brown, A. E.
1901 A Review of the Genera and Species of American Snakes, North of
Mexico. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila, Vol. 53, Part 1, pp. 10-110.
Cope, E. D.
1861 Contributions to the Ophiology of Lower California, Mexico and
Central America. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, pp. 292-306.
1866 On the Reptilia and Batrachia of the Sonoran Province of the Nearc-
tic Region. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, pp. 300-314.
1900 The Crocodilians, Lizards, and Snakes of North America. Rept. U.
S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, pp. 153-1294.
Coues, E.
1875 Synopsis of the Reptiles and Batrachians of Arizona; with Critical
and Field Notes, and an Extensive Synonymy. Report upon Explo-
rations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian. Vol. 5, Chap. 5,
pp. 585-633.
Garman, S.
1883 The Reptiles and Batrachians of North America. Mem. Mus. Comp.
Zool., Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. xxxi+185.
Kennicott, R. (in Baird, S. F.)
1859 United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. Reptiles of the Boun-
dary, pp. 1-35.
Klauber, L. M.
1927 Some Observations on the Rattlesnakes of the Extreme Southwest.
Bull. Antivenin Inst, of Amer., Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 7-21.
1930 New and Renamed Subspecies of Crotalus confluentus Say, with
Remarks on Related Species. Trans. San Diego Soc. of Nat. Hist.,
Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 95-144.
180 San Diego Society of Natural History
Klauber, L. M. (continued)
1931a A Statistical Study of the Snakes of the Southern Border of Califor-
nia. Bull. Zool. Soc. of San Diego, No. 8, pp. 1-93.
1931b Crotalus tigris and Crotalus enyo, Two Little Known Rattlesnakes
of the Southwest. Trans. San Diego Soc. of Nat. Hist., Vol. 6, No.
24, pp. 353-370.
Mearns, E. A.
1907 Mammals of the Mexican Boundary of the United States. Bull. U-
S. Nat. Mus., No. 56, pp. xv+530.
Meek, S. E.
1905 An Annotated List of a Collection of Reptiles from Southern Cali-
fornia and Northern Lower California. Field Mus. Zool. Ser., Vol.
7, No. 1, pp. 1-19.
MOCQUARD, M. F.
1899 Contribution a la Faune Herpetologique de la Basse-Calif ornie.
Nouv. Arch. Mus. Nat. Hist., Ser. 4, Vol. 1, pp. 297-344
Schmidt, K. P.
1922 The Amphibians and Reptiles of Lower California. Bull. Am. Mus.
Nat. Hist., Vol. 46, Art. 11, pp. 607-707.
Stejneger, L.
1891 Crotalus pyrrhus in California. West Am. Scientist, Vol. 7, No. 59,
pp. 165-167.
1893 Annotated List of the Reptiles and Batrachians Collected by the
Death Valley Expedition in 1891, with Descriptions of New Species.
North American Fauna, No. 7, pp. 159-228.
1895 The Poisonous Snakes of North America. Rept. U. S. Nat. Mus.
for 1893, pp. 337-487.
Stejneger, L. and Barbour, T.
1933 A Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles. 3d Ed.
Harvard University Press, pp. xiv+185.
Streets, T. H.
1877 Contributions to the Natural History of the Hawaiian and Fanning
Islands and Lower California. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7, pp.
1-172.
VanDenburgh, J.
1894 Notes on Crotalus Mitchellii and "Crotalus Pyrrhus." Proc. Cal.
Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 4, pp. 450-455.
1922 The Reptiles of Western North America. Occas. Papers Calif.
Acad, of Sci., No. 10, Vol. 1, Lizards; Vol. 2, Snakes and Turtles,
pp. 1-1028.
Yarrow, H. C.
1875 Report upon the Collections of Batrachians and Reptiles. Report
upon Explorations and Surveys West of the 100th Meridian, Vol.
5, Chap. 4, pp. 509-584.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake
Plate 19
V
■ m
%
Fig. 1. Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii. San Lucan Speckled Rattlesnake.
Adult male, collected at La Rivera, Baja California, by C. C. Lamb.
;, • ■;
.^1^'*^
^■•:. •■
Fig. 2. Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.
Adult male, collected at Yaqui Well, San Diego County, California, by E. E.
Benson.
Klauber — The Speckled Rattlesnake
Plate 20
Fig. 1. Cro talus mitchellii pyrrhus. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.
Adult male, collected in Tinajas Altas Mts., Yuma Co., Arizona, by Dr. C. T.
Vorhies.
Fig. 2. Crotalus mitchellii stephensi. Panamint Rattlesnake. Adult male,
collected 2 mi. S. of Aberdeen, Inyo Co., California, by F. E. Walker.
&*8*6 ^
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 20, pp. 185-276, figs. 1-112
A KEY TO THE RATTLESNAKES
WITH SUMMARY OF CHARACTERISTICS
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
December 7, 1936
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 20, pp. 185-276, figs. 1-112
A KEY TO THE RATTLESNAKES
WITH SUMMARY OF CHARACTERISTICS
RY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
December 7, 1936
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction 187
The Status of the Rattlesnakes 187
List of Species and Subspecies 190
Validity 193
Nomenclature 193
Condensed Alphabetical Synonymy 195
Summary of Characters 197
Use of Key 198
Rattlesnake Ranges 200
Summary of Rattlesnake Life History 201
Habitats 201
Economic Status 202
Habits 202
Food 204
Size 205
Reproduction 205
Control 205
Rattlesnake Enemies 206
Commercial Value 206
Senses 207
Rattles 208
Fangs 208
Venom 209
Snake Bite and Treatment 211
The Biting Mechanism of the Rattlesnake (figures) 216
Glossary 220
Method of Employing the Key 226
Acknowledgments 226
Key 227
Maps 250
Photographs 257
Index 276
A KEY TO THE RATTLESNAKES
WITH SUMMARY OF CHARACTERISTICS
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
INTRODUCTION
The presentation of an identification key to the rattlesnakes appears
desirable at this time since none is now available which incorporates the
changes and additions resulting from recent taxonomic researches. The
papers describing new subspecies are scattered in the literature and it would
seem well to co-ordinate the results in a single publication in order that
they will be more generally recognized by the nonspecialist in this field.
Hence the publication of the key at this time, even though further changes
resulting from investigations in taxonomy and nomenclature are to be
expected in the future.
Recent researches in rattlesnake venoms have disclosed some rather
surprising species differences both in toxicity and physiological effects.
Differences in venom strength of an order of 60 to 1 have been indicated ;
and there appear to be differences in the relative proportions of hematoxins
and neurotoxins. Under such circumstances, if our remedial technique
is to be improved, it is important that species be differentiated in case
reports. It is hoped that this key will serve a useful purpose in permitting
physicians and others interested in the snake-bite problem to identify ac-
curately the snake involved.
THE STATUS OF THE RATTLESNAKES
The following summary concerning the status of the rattlesnakes is
presented to permit the non-herpetologist to orient himself with respect
to the position of the group herein discussed.
Rattlesnakes comprise a number of species of venomous snakes be-
longing to the family Crotalidae. They are found only in the Western
Hemisphere and reach their greatest profusion in the southwestern United
States and northern Mexico. All rattlesnakes have at least one rattle*
even when born, and the user of this key is presumed to be certain that he
has a rattlesnake at hand, since the key is not intended to be of service in
identifying other snakes, whether venomous or harmless.
Rattlesnakes and other members of the family Crotalidae are pit
vipers, so called because of their possession of a sensory organ, probably
auditory in purpose, in the form of a pit or deep depression, plainly
visible on either side of the head below and back of the nostril (fig. 6) .
* Of course occasionally a rattlesnake may lose the end of his tail through accident and with it his
identifying rattles, which thereafter will not be regenerated. But the tail will remain only as a stump;
no sharp tailed snake is a rattlesnake in disguise, as a surprising number of people seem to think possible.
San Diego Society of Natural History
In this the members of this family (Crotalidae) differ from the Old World
vipers Of the family Viperidae, sometimes called the true vipers, which do
not possess pits. The true vipers and pit vipers have this in common:
the venom fangs are seated in a rotatable bone (the maxillary) whereby
when not in use they lie folded back against the roof of the mouth, from
which position they may, at will, be rotated forward and downward into
the biting position perpendicular to the upper jaw. There are many forms
of dangerously venomous snakes which are not vipers, including the
cobras, mambas, coral snakes, etc.; these have shorter, permanently erect
fangs, at the front of the upper jaw.
By no means all of the members of the family Crotalidae are rattle-
snakes. The pit vipers of this family are divided into the following
genera, of which only the first two are rattlers:
Genus
Crotalus
Ststrurus
Bothrops
Lac bests
Common Name
Rattlesnakes
Ground Rattlesnakes
Characteristics Habitat
Possess rattles; North & South
scales on crown. America
Possess rattles; North America
plates on crown.
Neotropical Pit Vipers Without rattles ; North & South
scales on crown; America
large posterior
subcaudals.
Bushmaster
Trimeresurus Asiatic Pit Vipers
Agkistrodon Moccasins
Without rattles ; Central & South
scales on crown; America
small posterior
subcaudals
Without rattles; Asia
scales on crown.
Without rattles; North America;
plates on crown. SE. Europe;
Asia
Some herpetologists, feeling that the genera Bothrops and Trime-
resurus are insufficiently distinct to warrant separation, combine them
under the latter name.
The rattlesnakes comprise the most important group of venomous
snakes to be found in the United States. The only dangerously venomous
snakes occurring in this territory except rattlesnakes are the following:
Mtcrurus fulvius fulvius (Linne), 1766.
Southeastern Coral Snake.
North Carolina to southern Florida; westward and southward along
the Gulf lowlands into Mexico; northward in the Mississippi Valley
to Ohio and Indiana.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 189
Micrurus julvius barbouri Schmidt, 1928.
South Florida Coral Snake.
Extreme southern Florida.
Micruroides euryxanthus (Kennicott), I860.
Sonoran Coral Snake.
Southern border of Arizona and New Mexico, and south into Mexico.
Agkistrodon mokasen mokasen Beauvois, 1799.
Eastern Copperhead.
Massachusetts west to Illinois and from these south to northern
Florida and eastern Texas, including the intervening states.
Agkistrodon mokasen laticinctus Gloyd and Conant, 1934.
Broad-banded Copperhead.
Western and central Oklahoma southward to western and central
Texas.
Agkistrodon piscivorus (Lacepede), 1789.
Water Moccasin
Virginia south throughout Florida, westward along the Gulf to the
Rio Grande and north in the Mississippi Valley to Illinois.
Thus it will be seen that there are found in the United States four
species (six subspecies) of venomous snakes other than rattlesnakes. It
is true that there are other, moderately venomous snakes in the southwest,
including certain species of the genera Leptodeira and Trimorphodon.
However it is doubtful whether the bite of one of these would be dan-
gerous to a human being. The fangs are in the back of the mouth and
are grooved rather than hollow ; they are therefore not mechanically well-
designed to inject venom into a wound in a large animal, although no
doubt effective in subduing such small prey as lizards.
The copperheads and moccasins, being pit vipers, can be readily
recognized by the presence of the pit and by their possession of rotatable
fangs in the front of the upper jaw. These criteria will serve to distin-
guish them from various harmless snakes with which they are often con-
fused, particularly certain water snakes of the genus Natrix. The coral
snakes, small inoffensive-appearing creatures, may in their turn be recog-
nized by the arrangement of the rings of their pattern. The coral snakes
are ringed with black, red, and yellow; and it is characteristic of them
that there is always a yellow ring between successive red and black rings.
This is different from the color sequence in various harmless forms which
are often taken for coral snakes, such as certain king snakes of the genus
Lampropeltis, and other snakes of the genera Rhinocheih/s, Sonora, Chilo-
meniscus, and Cemophora.
The above remarks on the recognition of dangerous snakes apply
only to the United States. In Mexico, and more especially in Central and
South America, there are many more species of venomous snakes other
than rattlesnakes ; for the latter do not occupy the dominant position there
which they do in our country. As we go southward we encounter an
increasingly complex variety of coral snakes (Micrurus) and a bewildering
array (possibly 50 forms) of pit vipers of the genus Bothrops* to say
* One of the most important of these tropical pit vipers is the fer-de-lance, Bothrops atrox,
190 San Diego Society of Natural History
nothing of the bushmaster, Lachesis muta, and another moccasin, Agkistro-
don bilineatus. Also in these areas various back-fanged snakes become so
large that they may well be considered dangerous to man, although I have
heard of no serious accidents from their bites. Thus it is not as simple,
south of our borders, to determine which snakes are venomous and which
harmless, although the pit vipers can still be recognized by their pits, and
most of the coral snakes by the color arrangements of their patterns.
Having given this brief nontechnical survey of venomous snakes
in the Americas other than rattlesnakes, we now return to the consideration
of this group alone.
LIST OF SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES
In this key the following species and subspecies of rattlesnakes of
the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus are recognized as valid:
1. Crotalus durissus durissus Linne, 1758.
Central American Rattlesnake.
Southern Mexico to Costa Rica.
2. Crotalus durissus terrijicus (Laurenti), 1768.
South American Rattlesnake.
Costa Rica to Argentina.
3. Crotalus unicolor van Lidth de Jeude, 1887.
Aruba Island Rattlesnake.
Aruba Island, Dutch West Indies.
4. Crotalus basiliscus (Cope), 1864.
Mexican West-Coast Rattlesnake.
West Coast of Mexico from Sinaloa to Oaxaca.
5. Crotalus enyo (Cope), 1861.
Lower California Rattlesnake.
Central and southern Baja California.
6. Crotalus molossus molossus Baird and Girard, 1853.
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake.
West Texas to central Arizona and south to northern Durango.
7. Crotalus molossus nigrescens Gloyd, 1936.
Southern Black-tailed Rattlesnake.
Central Mexico from Durango to Puebla.
8. Crotalus adamanteus Beauvois, 1799.
Eastern Diamond Rattlesnake.
Coastal plains of the southeastern states.
9. Crotalus cinereous Le Conte in Hallowell, 1852. *
Western Diamond Rattlesnake.
Arkansas to southeastern California and south to San Luis
Potosi.
10. Crotalus tortugensis Van Denburgh and Slevin, 1921.
Tortuga Island Diamond Rattlesnake.
Tortuga Island, Gulf of California.
* Previously known as Crotalus alrvx Baird and Girard, 1853.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 191
11. Cro talus lucasensis Van Denburgh, 1920.
San Lucan Diamond Rattlesnake.
Southern Baja California.
12. Crotalus ruber Cope, 1892.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake.
Coastal southern California, and northern and central Baja
California.
13. Crotalus exsul Garman, 1883.
Cedros Island Diamond Rattlesnake.
Cedros Island off Baja California, Pacific side.
14. Crotalus scutulatus (Kennicott), 1861.
Mohave Rattlesnake.
Southeastern California to west Texas, and south to the central
Mexican plateau.
15. Crotalus viridis viridis (Rafinesque) , 1818.*
Prairie Rattlesnake.
Western Great Plains from Alberta and Saskatchewan to extreme
northern Mexico.
16. Crotalus viridis nuntius Klauber, 1935.
Arizona Prairie Rattlesnake.
Northeastern Arizona.
17. Crotalus viridis abyssus Klauber, 1930.
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake.
Grand Canyon of Arizona.
18. Crotalus viridis lutosus Klauber, 1930.
Great Basin Rattlesnake.
The Great Basin between the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada.
19. Crotalus viridis concolor Woodbury, 1929.
Midget Faded Rattlesnake.
Eastern Utah and western Colorado.
20. Crotalus viridis oreganus Holbrook, 1840.
Pacific Rattlesnake.
Pacific Coast from British Columbia to central Baja California.
Also Arizona.
21. Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii (Cope), 1861.
San Lucan Speckled Rattlesnake.
Southern half of Baja California.
22. Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus (Cope), 1866.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.
Southern California, western Arizona, and northern Baja Cali-
fornia.
23. Crotalus mitchellii stephensi Klauber, 1930.
Panamint Rattlesnake.
Southern Nevada and east-central California,
* Previously known as Crotalus confluentus cunfluentus Say, 182 3,
192 San Diego Society of Natural History
24. Crotalus tigris Kennicott, 1859.
Tiger Rattlesnake.
Southern Arizona, and northern and central Sonora.
25. Crotalus cerastes Hallowell, 1854.
Horned Rattlesnake; Sidewinder.
Deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern
Mexico.
26. Crotalus polystictus (Cope), 1865.
Mexican Lance-headed Rattlesnake.
Tableland of central Mexico.
27. Crotalus horridus horridus Linne, 1758.
Timber Rattlesnake.
Eastern United States, Maine to Oklahoma.
28. Crotalus horridus atricaudatus Latreille, 1802.
Canebrake Rattlesnake.
Coastal plain of South Atlantic and Gulf states; lower Missis-
sippi Valley.
29. Crotalus lepidus lepidus (Kennicott), 1861.
Eastern Rock Rattlesnake.
From west Texas south to northern San Luis Potosi.
30. Crotalus lepidus klauberi Gloyd, 1936.
Green Rock Rattlesnake.
Mountains of southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and
extreme west Texas south to Jalisco.
31. Crotalus triseriatus triseriatus Wagler, 1830.
Mexican Spotted Rattlesnake.
Central Mexican plateau.
32. Crotalus triseriatus pricei Van Denburgh, 1895.
Arizona Spotted Rattlesnake.
Southeastern Arizona to Durango.
33. Crotalus stejnegeri Dunn, 1919.
Long-tailed Rattlesnake.
Mountains of eastern Sinaloa and western Durango.
34. Crotalus willardi Meek, 1905.
Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake.
Southern Arizona to Zacatecas.
35. Sistrurus ravus (Cope), 1865.
Mexican Ground Rattlesnake.
Central Mexican plateau.
36. Sistrurus miliarius miliarius (Linne), 1766.
Carolina Ground Rattlesnake.
From North Carolina to central Alabama.
37. Sistrurus miliarius barbouri Gloyd, 1935.
Southeastern Ground Rattlesnake.
The Gulf lowlands from Georgia to Mississippi ; Florida.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 193
38. Sistrurus miliarias streckeri Gloyd, 1935.
Western Ground Rattlesnake.
Southern Missouri to Louisiana and west to central Texas.
39. Sistrurus catenatus catenatus (Rafinesque), 1818.
Eastern Massasauga.
Central New York west to eastern Oklahoma.
40. Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus (Say), 1823.
Western Massasauga.
Southwestern plains from central Kansas to northern Tamaulipas
and southeastern Arizona.
While the ranges of the several forms are broadly indicated in the
above table, more specific and detailed range limits will be found under
each species or subspecies in the key itself. For page references to key
characters and descriptions, and cross references to the appropriate maps
and photographs of each species see the index.
VALIDITY
Decisions as to the validity of the several species and subspecies
of rattlesnakes recognized are based on studies carried on by the writer
during the past eight years. Scale counts and other data have been avail-
able on about 8000 specimens. All except four of the forms have been
seen alive.
NOMENCLATURE
Although during the past two years I have given considerable time
to a study of rattlesnake nomenclature, in the preparation of this key it
was first decided to make no fundamental departures from current prac-
tice in the technical names employed, even though the validity of several
might be questioned. It was feared that shifting some of the names long
established in the literature might be a handicap to the adoption of the
key; which I hoped would prove of practical value. Therefore the key
first went to press with only minor changes in current usages.
But meanwhile I have had a further opportunity to discuss this
phase of the situation with some of my herpetological friends. They
have pointed out that as the key is presumed to clarify certain species
differences, and as a long time must elapse before a second edition can
be issued, such changes as are certain to be required eventually should
be made at this time. To make the changes later, in a subsequent paper,
would render the key obsolete only a short time after its issuance, and
add to the confusion. This seems to be a logical view.
I know that to some these changes will appear a useless and over-
technical imposition. But this is not hair-splitting nor the evidence of a
contentious desire to disturb the peace. The changes will inevitably be
made some day as studies of the species and literature continue, and "it is
wiser for the present generation to bear with the temporary inconvenience
of a few changes than to transmit to future generations our nomen-
194 San Diego Society of Natural History
clatorial problems, augmented a hundred fold by the addition of the
ever-increasing number of systematic units made possible by the like
increase in the amount of literature."*
The important changes from current usage which I find necessary are
as follows: (1) substitute Crotalus cinereous Le Conte in Hallowell,
1852 for Crotalus atrox Baird and Girard, 1853; (2) substitute Crotalus
vtridis (Rafinesque), 1818 for Crotalus conjluentus Say, 1823, affecting
all the conjluentus subspecies; (3) employ Crotalus durissus Linne, 1758
as the species name of the neotropical rattlesnake, relegating terrificus
(Laurenti), 1768 to subspecific status as the name of the South American
form; and finally (4) use tergeminus (Say), 1823 as the subspecific
name of the western massasauga rather than edwardsii Baird and Girard,
1853.
The reasons which have dictated these decisions are summarized here-
under. I deem it undesirable at this time to give more than a brief out-
line of the factors involved, reserving for future publication a more com-
plete exposition of these and other questions affecting rattlesnake nomen-
clature. It is not impossible that other changes will be found necessary
as the work proceeds; and in any case it will be advisable to place on
record the bases of decision where some currently used, but disputed
names, have been retained.
(1) Cinereous antedates atrox. Although the description (Proc.
Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. 6, No. 5, pp. 177-182, 1852) is included
under Hallowell's description of Crotalus lecontei (an invalid synonym
of Crotalus riridis), nonetheless the description of Crotalus cinereous, as
LeConte sent it to Hallowell, is printed in full in this publication. The
snake which LeConte describes is not the same as Hallowell's lecontei,
which the latter thought to be the case; on the contrary it is an excellent
description of the western diamond rattlesnake and it was collected in an
area (along the lower Colorado Riverj) where no other species could be
confused with it. Opinion No. 4 of the Commission seems to be exactly
in point: "Manuscript names acquire standing in nomenclature when
printed in connection with the provisions of Art. 25, and the question as
to their validity is not influenced by the fact whether such names are
accepted or rejected by the author responsible for their publication."
(2) Rafinesque's description of his Crotalinus viridis (Am. Mon.
Mag. and Crit. Rev., Vol. 4, No. 1, p. 41, Nov. 1818) leaves no question
as to his meaning. The description, though brief, is clearly recognizable,
especially when reinforced by the type locality. The upper Missouri
* International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, Opinion No. 12, Smithsonian Special
Publication No. 1938, p. 20, 1910. .
t The description concludes with the words "Colorado, March. 1851 from which one might
suppose that this specimen was taken in what is now the state of Colorado. But we know from LeConte s
paper on Coleoptera in Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. Y., Vol. 5, pp. 125-216 at p. 125, that he was
collecting along the Colorado River in Dec. 1850 and Mar. 1851, and in the valley of the Gila in Jan.
and Feb. 1851. In assigning type localities to his insects he uses such terms as "Deserta fluminis Colo-
rado; ad flumina Colorado et Gila, Martio; ad (lumen Colorado circa millia XXX a mare;" or simply
"Colorado." Thus it is clear that the type locality of cinereous is the Colorado Desert in the Yuma
area. From the high dorsal and ventral scale counts we may even venture the guess that the specimen
came from the California side of the river.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 195
Valley is the center of population of the prairie rattlesnake; is was ex-
tremely plentiful in those days and, in fact, still is in many areas. No other
rattler is found on the upper river. Two other rattlesnakes occur on the
lower Missouri, the timber rattler and the massasauga, but we know that
Rafinesque, in describing liridis, had neither of these in mind, for he de-
scribed them as C. cyanurus and C. catenat/a, respectively, in the same
paper in which he described viridis.
(3) I have no desire at this time to revive the horridus-durissus-
terrificus—adamanteus nomenclatorial discussion, always a fruitful source
of argument. It is evident, however, that durissus Linne, 1758 must
either take precedence over terrificus Laurenti, 1768 or it must fall entirely
as unrecognizable; it is not a nomen nudum since a description is given
and there was a type specimen, although it has been lost. Therefore it is
either a species name or it should not be used at all; it cannot be revived
with a date subsequent to 1758 to become a subspecies of terrificus, as
has been done by some authors. For the present I retain durissus as the
species name of the neotropical rattler, for while the caudal scale count
(24) of the type seems low for this form, the black rhombs with light
centers are characteristic of it over large areas in Mexico. This leaves
terrificus as the South American subspecies.
(4) I prefer tergeminus to edwardsii as the name for the western
massasauga, since I think it describes this rather than the eastern subspecies.
1 have discussed this with Mr. H. K. Gloyd, who has in preparation an
extensive work on Sistrurus and we are in agreement on this point, which
he will cover fully in one of his papers.
CONDENSED ALPHABETICAL SYNONYMY
In a work of this character it is impossible to include a synonymy
under each species. The following condensed alphabetical list of synonyms
is given in order that users of the key may ascertain the disposition
which the present writer has made of the specific names hitherto proposed
which he does not recognize as valid. The reasons dictating the decisions
will be offered more fully in a subsequent publication.
In the case of each specific name only the intention of the original
describer is considered ; the shifts and reallocations made by subsequent
authors, often giving the name a scope foreign to the purpose of the
original describer, are omitted from presentation. Several species are
listed which are not rattlesnakes but, being described under the genus
Crotalus. are sometimes listed in synonymies of this genus.
Americana Catesby, 1743. Syn. atricaudatus. Pre-Linnean name with-
out validity.
Atrox Baird and Girard, 1853. Syn. cinereous.
Boicjuira Lacepede, 1789. Syn. durissus.
Cascavella Wagler in Spix, 1824. Syn. terrificus.
Catesbaei Fitzinger, 1826. Nomen nudum. Syn. atricaudatus.
(Ex Hemprich, 1820?)
196 San Diego Society of Natural History
Cerberus Coues, 1875. Syn. oreganus. May later be recognized as a
subspecies covering the southern half of the range of this form.
Collirhombeatus Amaral, 1926. Syn. terrificus.
Collilineatus Amaral, 1926. Syn. terrificus.
Concolor Jan, 1859. Nomen nudum. Not to be confused with concolor
Woodbury, 1929, which is valid.
Confluentus Say, 1823. Syn. viridis.
Consors Baird and Girard, 1853. Syn. tergeminus.
Cumanensis Humboldt, 1833. Syn. terrificus.
Cyanurus Rafinesque, 1818. Syn. horridus.
Decolor Klauber, 1930. Syn. concolor Woodbury.
Dryinas Linne, 1758. Probably syn. durissus.
Edwardsii Baird and Girard, 1853. Syn. tergeminus.
Elegans Schmidt, 1922. Syn. ruber.
Exalbidus Boddaert, 1783. Syn. durissus.
Fasciatus Higgins, 1873. Composite syn. horridus and others.
Goldmani Schmidt, 1922. Syn. pyrrhus.
Gronovii Laurenti, 1768. Description too brief for recognition.
Hallow elli Cooper in Cronise, 1868. Nomen nudum.
Helleri Meek, 1905. Syn. oreganus. :
Immaculatus Latreille, 1802. Probably syn. durissus.
Intermedins Troschel in Miiller, 1865. Syn. triseriatus.
Intermedins Fischer, 1882. Syn. triseriatus besides being preoccupied by
intermedins Troschel above.
]imenezii Duges, 1877. Syn. polystictus.
Kelly i Amaral, 1929. Syn. scutulatus.
Kirtlandi Holbrook, 1842. Syn. catenatus.
Lecontei Hallowell, 1852. Syn. viridis.
Loeflingii Humboldt, 1833. Syn. terrificus.
Lucifer Baird and Girard, 1852. Syn. oreganus.
Lugubris Jan, 1859- Composite syn. triseriatus and polystictus.
Melanurus Jan, 1859. Nomen nudum. Syn. atricaudatus by locality.
Messasaugus Kirtland, 1838. Syn. catenatus.
Mexicana Jan, 1863. Nomen nudum.
Minor Catesby, 1743. Syn. miliarias. Pre-Linnean name without
validity.
Mnltimaculata Jan, 1863. Nomen nudum. Syn polystictus by figure
published in 1874 but this was subsequent to description of
polystictus Cope.
Mutus Linne, 1766. Not a rattlesnake.
Omiltemanus Giinther, 1895. Syn. triseriatus; may have subspecific
validity for extreme southern area where ventral scale counts
are high.
Orientalis Laurenti, 1768. Description too brief for recognition; prob-
ably not a rattlesnake.
Omatus Hallowell, 1854. Syn. molossus.
Pallidas Giinther, 1895. Syn. triseriatus.
Table 1. Summary of Rattlesnake Characters
' 8*d« .. 5.1-p™.
■tate
s
™w.® " '
Venlr.1 Sola
SUhc.Ud.l S„l«
,.,„,.«.u
SipiKcaUn
"SEEsT
Boh
T... Eh...
C. duri&sus durissus
C. dunK-us terrificus
42
1.
1,
(25) 27—29—31
(25) 27— M (31)
170— 175— 184 1
171 — 181 — 190f
25—80—83
20—23—28
12—15—19
13—16—2(1
4— 6—11
2—2.4—5
20—25—32
7—8.6-IO
5—6.3—8
166—170—178
171—176—180
22—28—31
2(1—22—21
11—14—17
i4_i5_ia
1— 5— 9
1—2.3 — 1
19—24—28
4—6.1—8
3 — 1.5— 6
3
M
27
160—162—163
28
22
13
13
4
2
—
—
_
91
I.
2.5—27—29
1821-190—200
1891-196—208
161—169—177
24—30—37
18— 21—29
U_15—18
13—16—20
2— 5— in
2—2.8—5
26—33—41
5—8.7-11
1- 6.7—9
C. enyo
61
M
23—25—27
159—164—168
22—25—28
18—19—23
12—13—15
11—14—16
11—18—3(1
2—4.2—6
28—33—12
3—6.0—8
4- 1.6—7
C. molossus molossus
154
130
L
I.
25—27—29
(23) 25—27
178—188—198
182—193—201
172—178—186
22—25—29
18—21—25
14—17—2(1
15—18—21
4— 7—16
2—2.7—7
20—32—40
21—24—27
16— 2(1—2 1
13—16—19
14—17—19
4— 6—10
2— 2.1— 5
17—28—34
C. adamanteus
46
682
L
L
27—29 (31)
(28) 25— 27 (29)
165—171—175
170—182—193
174—178—182
173—185—196
27—30—32
19—26—31
22—2 1—26
16—20—26
12—14—16
12—15—18
15—18—21
14—17—2(1
10—21—33
1—6.2—8
3—4.5—8
26—30—34
25—35 — 15
5—6.9 1"
3—5.3—8
3—1.3—6
2—1.1-6
28
1
25—2? 1 180—184—19(1
183—186—189
16—18—19
17—20—25
14—16—18
12—16—19
14—17—18
13—18—21
9—14—19
4— 1.4— 6
32—37—40
20—30—38
4— 5.3— 7
3—1.7—6
3—3.4—1
2—3.9—5
C. lucasensis
C. ruber
C. exsul
348
1
(25) 27—29 (31) 179— 189— 199 183—193—2113
22— 25— 21i
i:i—2l—ll
3—5.9—9
291
L
(25) 27—29—31 185—193—203 ! 188—197—206
21—26—29
16—21—26
13—16—19
14—18—21
11—24—10
4—6.4—9
_>;.— 36— 11
3 — 50— 7
2—3.9—5
22
M
27—29 (31) 188—191—195 J 192— 194— 196
18—22—26
17—19—23
14—17—19
1.5—17—19
17—24—10
6—7.7—9
30—32—35
3 1.1—5
3—3 7—1
393
1
(21) 23 25 27 (29) 166—178—190 167—181—192
21— 25— 29
15—19—25
12—15—18
12—16—18
6—11—21
1—2,1-5
27—36 — 14
3—5.0—8
2—3.7—6
C viridis viridia
1886
L
,23) 25—27—29 1164—178-189 170-185-196
21—26—31
14—20—26
10—15—18
11 — 16—19
6—22—45
1—3.3—7
3:1 — 13—55
6—9.8-15
4—7.4-11
190
M
(21) 2:'— 25 (27) 163—171—181 i 169—177—182
21—2.5—28
11—19—22
12—15—17
12—15—19
12—21—12
2—3.6—8
C viridis abyasua
32
M
(23) 25—27 1173—178—185 179—184—191
21—25—29
18—20—23
13—16—18
14—16—18
23—34 — 18
4- 6 6—8
38—42 — 18
7—8.2-12
6— 6.9— 8
C. vindis lutosus
394
L
23—25—27 (29) 171—179—189 J 174—184—196
18—23—29
18—19—25
12—15—19
13—16—19
11—31—50
3—6.5-10
32—40—19
5—7 1 10
1—5.6—8
C viridis concotor
23
M
23—25 (27) 166—178—180 173—179—182
21—24—27
16—18—21
11—14—16
13—1.5—16
17—34—45
1—5.9—9
37—12—17
7 — 3 .5-11
6—7 1-1"
C. viridis oreganus
1394
L
23— 25— 27 (29) 158—174—191) > 165—178—191
18—24—29
15—19—26
11—1.5—18
13—16—20
7—25—50
2— 5.0— S
23 34 46
3—5.1-10
2—3.9—8
C mitchellii mitchellii
93
M
(23) 25-27 171—177—183 172—179—186
22—25—28
16—20—23
13—16—19
13—16—17
20—3; — 16
8—5.5—8
26—32—39
3— 3.8— 5
3—3.2—4
C. mitchellii pvrrhus
215
L
(21) 23—25—27 168—178—185 168—179—185
20—24—28
16—19—23
13—16—19
14—16—19
21—35—52
4—59—8
23—33 — 12
1 5 6- 9
3—4 5—6
C. mitchellii stephenai
Til
M
(21) 23—25 166—174—181
173—179—182
23—2.5—28
17_19_22
12—14—16
13—1.5—18
13—25—38
3— 5.. 5 — 8
30—37-43
5—6.6—9
3—1.5—6
C. tigris
17
,\1
21-23-25 (27)
158—165—172
164—169—174
23—25—27
16—19—21
11—14—15
U— lj— 16
11 — 17 — 37
3—1.8—8
37—43—52
6—8.0-10
I—6.0—7
C. cerastes
316
M
(19) 2;— 23— 25
132—142—151
135—145—153
17—21—26
14—17—20
10—12—15
Hi— 13— 16
12—19—34
2—1.3—6
30—36—47
3— 4.7— 1
2—3.8—7
18 1
M
2:.— 21
162—168—177
169—177—186
25—27—29
17—2(1—23
13—11—15
11—14—16
6— 8—10
1— 2.9— 5
35 — 12—1?
5—6.1—7
1—5.1—7
C horridui horridua
123 J
1.
21—23—25
160—168—173
161—172—178
20—24—29
16—20—24
10—13—16
11—14—17
1—17—35
3—6.4 in
15—23— 28
1 . hon ! - atricmidatiu
58
1.
(21) 23—25
lfil — 171 — 17*>
168—17.5—181
24—27—30
20—22—25
12—14—16
13—15—18
6—17—38
5—6.6— 9
23—26—29
C. lepidui lepidua
22
S
21—23
l 18—160 -166
154—161—167
22—25—27
19—19—21
11 — 12 — 13
Hl—11—12
6— 9—16
1— 2.9— t
16—18—24
3 — 1.0—5
3—3.2—4
klauberi
133
S
(21) 23 (25)
152—161—171
155—163—172
21—25—28
17—20—24
10—12—14
9—11 — 13
:-,— 8—13
1—2.7—4
13—17—21
1—2.8—7
1—2.2—1
r. triaeriatus triseriatus
69
s
21—23—25
141—152—1615
25—28—32
17—21—26
9—12—14
9—11—13
4— 8—12
•1-2.7-4
22—38 -57
1—6.1-11
2 — 1.7—9
C tnseriatus pricei
111?
s
2/— 23
150—157—167
152—162—171
19—25—29
43 — 14 — 16
18—21 -23
8— 9—12
8— Kt— 13
:,_ 7—11
10—16—21
19—34—55
1
1—2.3— 3
37—51—4311
4—7.4-10
2—6.2—9
C itejnegeri
3
s
2.5—27
25—27 (29)
174—177—181
—
14—15—15
11—16—17
10—11—13
in— 11— 12
9—11—13
10—12—16
11—13—11
6—7.0—8
3—7.3—9
40 — 12 — 13
20—23—29
11—12-12
1—3.0—1
2—30—I
C. willardi
32
s
145—151—158
117—155—160
142—146—149
25— 28— 32
21—24—29
12—14—17
16
s
27—23
138—145—150
26—28—30
20—23—25
9—11—12
9—10—12
9—10—12
10 — 12 — 14
1
25 -28—31
25—32 — 11
30—37—14
22—30 — 10
24—31—39
31—38—45
4— 5.2— 6
6—9.5-13
•.'■ L0.6 1)
8- 10.2- 13
5—6.4—8
7—8.1-10
3— 3.5 — 1
5—8.0-12
10-11.2-13
7—9.3-12
4—5.4—7
3—6.2-^8
S miliarius miliariua
76
s
21-23 (25)
21—23
122—131—136
128—135—143
123—128—135
130—138—145
138—149—155
130—135—140
134—142—146
123—130—135
138—143—117
143—152—160
28—33—37
31—34—37
30—34—38
23—28—32
28—30—33
25—29—32
27—30—33
26—31—31
19—23—27
21—25—27
I.SSi
28
99
77
33
s
M
M
(19) 21—23
(21) 23—25—27
23—25
TOTAL
7918
S
FiSbS^Bi
»The figure in il
■
jsitrts
2£ S3MA
-T'fiTur,.",'- th'-'mm.
s
;Ksa
;*T£5S
m:sb
r*
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 197
Palmeri Garman, 1887. Syn. lepidus.
Piscivorus Lacepede, 1789. Not a rattlesnake (A. piscivorus).
Pulverulentus Cope, 1883. Syn viridis.
Pulvis Ditmars, 1905. Probably based on an albino C.d. durissus, but
might be C. unicolor. More material is required for a decision.
Rhombifer Latreille, 1802. Syn. adamanteus.
Salvini Giinther, 1895. Syn. scutulatus. May be a valid southern sub-
species.
Simus Latreille, 1802. Syn. durissus.
Sonoraensis Kennicott, 1861. Syn. cinereous.
Strepitans Daudin, 1803. Description inadequate; probably syn. durissus.
Tesselatus Hermann, 1804. Cannot be recognized; resembles t riser iat us
in scale counts, and durissus or adamanteus in size and pattern.
-SUMMARY OF CHARACTERS
To permit an additional check on the determinations which may be
made by the use of this key, Table 1 is presented, giving some of the
more important scale counts of the various species and subspecies. If it
be found that the specimen under consideration differs extensively in some
of these characters from the numerical range given in the table the result
of the determination may be viewed with suspicion and a recheck should
be made.
The setting forth of scale-count data in abbreviated form presents
certain difficulties. The usual method of giving minimum, maximum, and
average shows nothing as to dispersion, that is, how closely most of the
specimens cluster about the mean; and if either the maximum or mini-
mum represents a freak or defective individual (as is not infrequently the
case) or an error in counting or sexing, the mental picture of the disper-
sion is distorted, overemphasis being placed on a single specimen out of
the many which may have been examined. This is particularly true where
broods of young have been included, since they often seem to contain
freaks (especially if bred in captivity) which probably would not survive
in nature. As an example of such a freak we have a defective juvenile
female lucasensis with 170 ventrals; the lowest normal individual has 183.
Again as a sample adult freak we note an oreganus with 33 scale rows,
while no other specimen out of 1343 has more than 29 and only 6 have
that many.
Even the average leaves much to be desired when we deal with a
form which is territorially variable, since the resulting figure is dependent
on the origin of the individuals comprising the group averaged. Thus
male cinereous average 185.0 ventrals in California and 177.7 in southern
Texas ; obviously the relative numbers from each area which may be con-
tained in the composite cinereous group will affect the average.
Only a graphic presentation, or a tabulation of the variation of each
item in percentages, will give a true picture of the dispersion, but in a
condensed table this is impossible. So also is the presentation of the in-
198 San Diego Society of Natural History
terquartile range and the probable error of the mean, which are of interest
in a complete statistical statement.
For these reasons, while I have set forth in Table 1 the minimum,
average, and maximum of each item, the minima and maxima are not
always the extremes recorded; rather they are what might be termed the
normal extremes, eliminating the solitary individuals here and there which
seem to be freaks.
The numbers of scale counts available are also given as an indication
of the validity of the figures. Obviously, where only a few specimens
have been at hand, neither numerical ranges nor averages can be considered
of much value.
USE OF KEY
The key is prepared in the usual dichotomous form, in which the
selection is consecutively limited to one of successive pairs of alternatives.
In the present instance, to facilitate reference, the alternatives are desig-
nated by the letters "a" and "b." Where one of the two leads directly
to a species (and thus to a conclusion) , the arrangement is such that the
"b" alternative is selected to take this course.
No identification key can be made infallible when the forms are
closely related or intergrade; and, in the case of the rattlesnakes, because
of the great variability in their lepidosis and patterns, it has been par-
ticularly difficult to select key characters which lead invariably to the cor-
rect conclusion. This is not an argument against the validity of the species
and subspecies which have been recognized; many characters which are
important in taxonomic studies are unsuitable for use in keys because they
presuppose the availability of other specimens for comparative purposes.
Other characters require special preparation and are therefore seldom at
hand, as, for instance, venom and extruded hemipenes. Even the scale
counts, which are of primary importance in classification when handled
statistically, are often of little use as key characters because of overlapping.
Thus, while it can be shown that the difference between the number of
ventral scales in scutulatus and cinereous is highly significant mathematical-
ly, there is a sufficient overlap so that the character becomes virtually useless
in a key. Besides, a key must usually shunt out a single species from a
group (those remaining undetermined at each point) and there is seldom
a case in which some member of the group fails to overlap considerably,
in these statistical characters, the single species it is desired to key out.
In accuracy of determination the present key leaves much to be de-
sired. This is because of the frequency of aberrant specimens which
deviate from the mode. For example, in pyrrhi/s we have occasional
specimens which have prenasals in contact with the rostral; and some
specimens of ruber have undivided first infralabials, while conversely,
some cinereous specimens have these scales divided. The internasal criterion
(see 23b) in selecting viridis and its subspecies, although the best
character available, fails in an appreciable number of cases, as shown
in the following table:
Specimens
Per
cent
Tested
Failures
Failures
1837
37
2.0
185
8
4.1
30
1
3.2
335
21
5.9
19
2
9.5
1142
170
12.9
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 199
Viridis viridis
Viridis nuntius
Vhidis abyssus
Viridis lutosus
Viridis concolor
Viridis oreganus
Total 3548 239 6.3
Oreganus, it will be noted, is conspicuously the worst offender.
Where possible, more than one key character has been set forth so
that the selected path may be verified. As a result the key is no doubt
subject to criticism on the score of prolixity; yet I know of no other way
to secure even approximate accuracy with a group such as the rattlers, in
which a single universally consistent key character is so seldom available
for any species. Condensed keys often lead to unsatisfactory determina-
tions in large genera, especially where a single specimen (rather than a
large series from one area) is to be identified, as anyone will testify who
has tried to use the existing keys for such genera as Pituophis, Thamno-
phis, Sceloporus, and Ufa. In such keys long experience in the genus
must be had before the key can be applied with accuracy.
In order to minimize further the effect of the key failures, a brief
color description is incorporated with each alternative which leads finally
to a species or subspecies; but the antithetical description is not given
unless the pattern, or color, constitutes a part of the key. Occasionally
footnotes direct attention to special deviations or to certain precautions
which will reduce inaccurate findings.
Where color and pattern are a part of the key one should not only
allow for the ordinary fluctuations within a species but must be on the
lookout for melanistic or albinistic individuals (fig. 111). Partial albinos,
with one or more color-principles lacking, are also met with; these are
particularly confusing unless normal specimens from the same area are
available for comparison. Preserved specimens, which are faded or from
which the epidermis has been rubbed away through continued handling or
drying, thus changing both color and pattern, must be guarded against in
making comparisons. Preservation tends to dull the brighter colors into
neutral grays and browns; this is especially true of red and yellow. Speci-
mens which have been long in captivity sometimes rub their snouts on
the barriers so continuously as to deform the rostral and internasals in
shape and arrangement; such changes should be noted where the key uses
these scales.
Under each species the range has been set forth, as far as known,
and there should be no hesitancy in using this as a check on the determina-
tion, when the locality of collection of the specimen is available. Of
200 San Diego Society of Natural History
course if the specimen keys to a species known to occur only a short
distance from the place of collection, the identification may be presumed
to be accurate, for range extensions are to be expected in the future as
larger and more thorough collections become available. On the other
hand, if, for example, a Pacific Coast specimen is found to be horridus or
adamanteus, the error must be in the key or its use, since neither of these
species occurs within a thousand miles of that territory. The key is a
working tool; imperfections are to be expected and therefore all informa-
tion available on the specimen, including the locality, should be used to
verify the determination.
RATTLESNAKE RANGES
The ranges are described as closely as the available specimens and
records permit. To facilitate these descriptions tabulations and large-scale
maps were prepared for each species or subspecies; altogether .several
thousand locality records were available, although comparatively few were
at hand in the case of some of the rarer forms. In some areas — this is
particularly true of Mexico — the authoritative records are rather scanty
and the results have been somewhat generalized. Usually territories listed
as within the range of a species are limited to those from which specimens
or authentic records have been available; but in some instances where it is
evident that a species occurs in intervening territory between two records,
its presence there has been assumed.
Due allowance has been made for the character of certain early
records. In the days of the Indian wars in the West, material was often
gathered from a considerable area, yet was labeled by the recipient museum
with the locality of the fort or army post from which it was sent. As a
further complication these posts were sometimes moved for considerable
distances without change of name. Therefore these old records have been
neglected if they appear questionable, as indicated by currently available
specimens and the present knowledge of habitat preferences.
Published locality records of species whose definitions have been con-
fused in the literature have been discarded unless verified by specimens.
Examples: trtseriatus confused with polystictus; cinereous with scutulatus;
durissus with basiliscus or molossus, and the latter with each other.
It should be understood that when an area is specified as the range
of a species this does not mean that it is to be found universally dis-
tributed throughout that area. In some sections the encroachments of
civilization, such as industrial and agricultural developments, irrigation, the
cutting of forests, or drainage of marshes, have caused the disappearance
of species from whole districts which they once inhabited. And even
where natural conditions remain, a species is often not spread evenly
throughout a territory. This is particularly true in the southwest, where
ecological conditions vary greatly within short distances owing to changes
in altitude or topography. Thus while three rattlesnakes may be said to
occupy the same geographical area (a county, for example), one may
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 201
occur only on the plains, another amongst rocky foothills, and the third
upon the higher peaks. None is found uniformly distributed over the
entire area, yet the county would be included in the designated range of
all three. Space limitations have made necessary the same type of gen-
eralization in the range maps which accompany this key.
SUMMARY OF RATTLESNAKE LIFE HISTORY
While it is impossible, within the scope of this key, to present a
complete account of the life history of the rattlesnakes, it is desirable not
to leave this feature untouched. The following paragraphs outline some
of the more important or interesting facts concerning rattlesnakes and their
ways. The necessity for abridgment has required rather broad generali-
zation on some phases, and therefore this brief discussion should not be
judged too severely by those already familiar with the subject.
Habitats. — While most species of rattlers thrive in arid or semi-arid
areas, particularly in rocky or brushy country, there are others which are
not averse to swamps or timbered lands. Some forms, such as C. tri-
seriatus. seek mountain areas; Cm. Stephens'! prefers rock-strewn canyons;
C. cerastes is at home in sandy desert wastes. In California, rattlers (C.i .
oreganus) are found at an altitude of 11,000 ft., and in parts of Mexico
C.t. triseriatus occurs up to 14,500 ft. They have been found on the sands
of the seashore only a few feet from the waves and occasionally have been
seen swimming in the sea as well as in lakes. While no rattlesnake is as
aquatic as the water or garter snakes, they will take to water at times, and
the little known C. polystictus may be semiaquatic. Rattlers being heavy
bodied, are less arboreal than many other species of snakes ; however they
occasionally climb trees, no doubt in search of squirrels or birds. They
are sometimes found crawling through chaparral well above the ground.
Clumps of cacti are favorite refuges of some of the western forms, which
are not impeded by the spines.
An adherence to a certain ecological niche cannot always be specified
for a given rattlesnake. It is not only that some forms are more tolerant
than others, which is the case, but that a species may be restricted in
ecological range in one area and not in another, owing possibly to com-
petition or other more obscure conditions. Thus scutulatus is a snake of
the flatlands in the Mohave Desert; in Arizona it is not only a desert,
but a foothill and even a mountain form. In Arizona cinereous is an Upper
as well as Lower Sonoran form, but in southern California it is exclusively
a desert inhabitant ; here it has never secured a foothold even on the lower
mountain slopes, probably owing to the competition of the closely related
ruber. Hence in these brief notes it has often been impossible to cite the
habitat preferences of a form because of this variability within a species.
It is probable that in pre-Columbian times at least one species of
rattlesnake was found in every part of what is now the United States
excepting eastern Maine, upper Michigan, northern Wisconsin, central
and northern Minnesota, eastern North Dakota, and Washington and
202 San Diego Society of Natural History
northern Oregon west of the Cascade Mountains. The higher mountains
were likewise untenanted, the altitude not invaded depending on local
conditions. While in southern California rattlers have been observed at an
altitude of 11,000 feet, further north and in the Rockies the more rigorous
climate holds them to lower levels.
Where a species is approaching its toleration limit (in habitat con-
ditions) its range may be highly irregular and intermittent. Thus only the
lowlands in mountainous territory may be inhabited (as is the case, for
example, in central Idaho and western Montana) and the range may be as
irregular and broken as are the contours of the river- valleys, with further
modification resulting from the nature of the exposure, for snakes range
higher on slopes with a southern exposure.
As far as numbers of forms are concerned Arizona is the headquarters
of the rattlesnakes, no less than 15 subspecies being found within the
limits of that state. However, because of their restriction to certain eco-
logical niches, as previously mentioned, it is doubtful whether more
than 5 or 6 species actually meet in any one locality.
While rattlers have been exterminated in many industrial and agri-
cultural areas, it is probable that in a few places they are now even more
numerous than in primitive times. This may be the case where agri-
cultural development, or the destruction of competitive predators, have
served to increase the supply of rats, mice, gophers, ground squirrels,
and the other rodents upon which most of the species feed.
Economic Status. — Rattlers are of considerable economic importance
in many areas, since they serve as a check on destructive rodents. How-
ever, one would hardly recommend their protection, particularly adjacent
to cities, because of the danger to humans inherent in their presence. It
would be best if they could be replaced by other snakes such as the bull
snakes, gopher snakes, and rat snakes, which have an equal economic
value (in the destruction of harmful rodents) but, being harmless, do not
have the one outstanding objectionable quality of the rattlesnakes, namely,
their venomous character. Incidentally it may here be stated that when
a person, through mental laziness, refuses to discriminate between harm-
less and venomous snakes, and kills all snakes at sight, he is defeating the
very purpose of his act. Every time he kills a harmless gopher or king
snake he is making room in the economic scheme of things for one more
rattler, for the number of these snakes is limited by the available food
supply.
Habits. — While rattlesnakes are diurnal in spring and autumn, they
are largely nocturnal in summer, this being especially true of the species
found in the Upper and Lower Sonoran Zones. In the spring when they
first issue from hibernation, they are abroad in search of food and mates,
and are rather careless of concealment. At this season they are occasionally
found in pairs, but the widespread belief that if one rattler be killed its
mate will shortly appear at the scene of the tragedy is quite erroneous.
Later they become secretive, their activities being restricted largely to the
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 203
evening hours or night, when the heat is not excessive, and when the
rodents which constitute their principal food are abroad. In the daytime
they seek refuge in ground holes, in the shade of dense thickets, or under
rocks. In the arid Southwest no rattlesnake can stand the direct heat of
the summer sun. Under such conditions even the desert sidewinder will
succumb within ten or fifteen minutes.
In the colder climates rattlers hibernate together in large numbers,
going into hibernation about mid-October and emerging in mid-April, the
dates varying somewhat with latitude and altitude. In some areas rocky
retreats are preferred; in others, prairie dog towns or other ground holes.
In milder climates the snakes do not gather in large groups for hibena-
tion but seek separate refuges. Here they may come out briefly at any
time during the winter if there is a warm spell.
Rattlers are secretive and timid. When approached they will usually
remain quiet in order to avoid detection, and when discovered will en-
deavor to escape if given an opportunity. It is only when they are
frightened and cornered that they will stand their ground with a strident
warning to the intruder. Stories of rattlers chasing a person are probably
the outgrowth of instances wherein the man stood between the rattler
and his natural refuge, usually the nearest bush or rock cleft. Rattlers
will not strike unless they are disturbed or frightened; they are not in-
nately vicious, but seek only to defend themselves or escape. They do not
always rattle before striking, as this depends on the disposition of the
individual snake and the nature of the disturbance which has alarmed
him. They can bite without coiling, but cannot strike without first
throwing themselves into the loose S-shaped coil with raised forebody
which constitutes the striking posture (fig. 108). The strike is merely a
forward lunge of the head and rarely exceeds half the length of the snake ;
if the snake is violently excited, it might reach three quarters. At the end
of the strike the mouth is widely opened and the forward pointing fangs
(fig. lc) are driven into the victim. The strike is made with such rapidity
that the forward drive of the head cannot be followed with the eye; one
can see only the white blur of the open mouth where the direction of
motion is reversed. The head is retracted more slowly. The mouth is
not opened until near the end of the strike; rattlers do not threaten their
enemies with open mouth as sometimes pictured.
The resting coil (fig. 109) in which rattlers are usually found is
quite different from the striking coil. A rattler cannot strike when in the
resting coil, but if alarmed rears up and quickly throws himself into his
characteristic defensive posture. The striking coil not only facilitates a
possible forward lunge but also bodily maneuver, for in this posture the
snake can move backward or to either side where a safe retreat may offer;
but meanwhile he faces his foe, ready to strike if the enemy comes within
range. A big rattler, thoroughly alarmed, is something both to see and
hear. Not only is the rattle sounded continuously but the cornered snake
inhales and exhales with a violent hiss; the posterior body is flattened;
204 San Diego Society of Natural History
and the protruding tongue is held alternately pendent, and vertically erect,
with the tips widespread.
Rattlers, in the striking coil, rear up to about 6 to 12 inches with the
head a trifle lower than the lateral curve of the neck; they strike slightly
downward, usually well below 12 inches, so that heavy leather boots or
puttees afford good protection for the legs. A large rattler can puncture
thin flexible leather. Crotdus durissus has a striking posture resulting in
a higher strike than that of our nearctic rattlers. Since rattlesnakes are not
naturally vicious and do not attack unless disturbed, the principal danger
to hiker or hunter results from walking along a trail without watching his
step so that a rattler which has not been seen may be trod upon. Under
such circumstances a rattler would bite without coiling or a warning rattle.
Occasionally accidents happen to persons climbing about amongst rocks
and placing their hands in a fissure in which a rattler lies concealed, or in
walking abroad at night without a light. Farmers trimming shrubbery
sometimes suffer from having disturbed a rattler lurking there. To city
folk the best advice is, "Watch where you place your hands and feet; don t
put them into places you can't see."
Rattlers, being thick of body, crawl rather slowly. Usually they adopt
a sinuous motion (fig. 110) ; sometimes progression is caterpillar-like and
they leave an almost straight trail. The sidewinder has a peculiar rolling
motion, developed for efficient transit over loose sand. In this, with head
anchored, the body is thrown to the side in a loop, after which the head
is moved. The resulting track is not continuous, but is a series of short
lines advancing en echelon.
Food. — Rodents, such as rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs,
gophers, rats, and mice, comprise the natural food of most species. Birds
are occasionally eaten. Some of the smaller species, such as lepidits, tn-
seriatus, and cerastes, are largely lizard feeders, although they do not scorn
small rodents when obtainable. Rarely other snakes are eaten.
Rattlesnakes always strike and poison their prey; that is what the
venom is for — to kill the prey; as a means of defense it is secondary and
incidental. The prey is struck but not held by the rattler. The small
animals quickly succumb to the venom and are then eaten, usually head
first. The stomach juices of the rattler are very powerful and every part
of the prey is digested except hair or feathers. It is probable that in their
natural state they feed at approximately weekly intervals, if a full meal is
obtained.
Rattlers do not feed well in captivity and many die of self-imposed
starvation if disease does not supervene. They do not charm their prey
but secure it by stealth, lying in wait for it to come within range of the
deadly stroke. Most animals placed in a cage with rattlers show no fear
of them. A hungry rat with no other food available will sometimes kill
a rattler in whose cage it has been placed as food. Zoo visitors are heard
to express surprise that two or more rattlers can be placed in the same
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 205
cage without an immediate fight. As a matter of fact being peaceful, they
get along well with each other and with other snakes.
Size. — The largest of rattlesnakes is the Eastern Diamond, C. ad am mi -
tens, which reaches a length somewhat in excess of 2400 mm. (8 ft.) and
a weight of more than 15 pounds. This is the largest, that is the heaviest,
of all venomous snakes; the longest is the king cobra. Other very large
species are C. cinereous and C. durissus. The smallest rattler is probably
C. willardi or C. stejnegeri. which scarcely reach 590 mm. (2 ft.) ; the
latter is also the rarest (in collections), only 3 specimens being available
to date. For a rough classification of rattlesnakes as to length, see the
appropriate column in Table 1.
Adult male rattlesnakes average larger than females by about 8 per
cent; they are also somewhat more plentiful. Males can be distinguished
from females by their relatively thicker and longer tails ; in the females
there is a distinct reduction of diameter where the tail begins, while in the
males the taper at this point is more gradual. Rattlesnake growth is quite
rapid during the first two years of life, after which it is much slower.
The young of rattlesnake species having an average ultimate length of
1220 mm. (4 ft.) will be about 265 mm. (IOV2 in.) at birth. Rattlesnake
lengths determined from skins are inaccurate owing to stretching.
Reproduction. — Our nearctic rattlesnakes mate in the spring, soon
after leaving hibernation. The young are born between mid-August and
early October, depending on the species and the geographical area in-
habited. Although many kinds of snakes lay eggs, others, including
rattlesnakes, are born alive. Broods vary in size from 2 or 3 to 30 or
more, but average about 10. Female rattlesnakes give birth to their first
broods when three years of age. Young mothers have smaller broods;
also the smaller species have fewer young. Young rattlesnakes shift for
themselves immediately after birth; occasionally a mother is found with
her young, which probably have been born but a few hours before, or
they are using a common retreat. The long-existent theory that parent
rattlesnakes swallow their young for protection is not true.
Control. — Various methods of rattlesnake control have been tried,
such as the use of snake-proof fences, blasting them out of dens, or poison-
ing them in such dens with liquids or gases. These means are not often
effective; results are much more likely to be achieved by curtailing their
food supply, that is, by eliminating the rodents upon which they feed.
However, the great concentration of rattlesnakes at hiberating time does
offer an opportunity to destroy large numbers within a short period. This
is especially true in the colder climates. A. M. Jackley of South Dakota
has devised means for capturing rattlers leaving hibernation, and has been
successful in securing great numbers of C.i. viridis. Whether such de-
struction is to be recommended on economic grounds is an open question.
Bounties have been proposed but cannot be recommended, since they often
lead to the importation of snakes from other areas. Hair ropes, of course,
are entirely ineffective in keeping rattlesnakes out of a camp; a snake
206 San Diego Society of Natural History
which does not hesitate to crawl over cactus could hardly be expected to
notice a hair rope.
Forest and brush fires cause great destruction of rattlesnakes, as they
do of all animals occurring in the devastated area. Autos kill many
snakes upon the highways.
Rattlesnake Enemies. — Aside from man, the principal enemies of the
rattlesnakes are birds and other snakes. Hawks and owls are sometimes
observed carrying rattlers or other snakes in their talons. Ravens have
been seen to attack young rattlers. A number of kinds of harmless
snakes, including especially king snakes and racers, feed frequently or
occasionally on other species of snakes, and rattlers are amongst those
which fall prey to them. The attitude of the king snake toward rattle-
snakes is often misunderstood. King snakes do not range about spoiling
for a fight with a rattlesnake; however, when in search of food a young
rattlesnake is as tempting a morsel as any other. Some mammals, in-
cluding a South American skunk, are known to kill snakes. The mortality
amongst young rattlesnakes is high, for they are especially vulnerable to
birds and snakes. When they have reached maturity they are too much for
some of their erstwhile enemies to handle.
Various of the hoofed animals, especially pigs, deer, and goats, are
known to kill rattlesnakes, as well as other species. Snakes are said to be
scarce where goats habitually graze.
Commercial Value. — Rattlesnake skins are used in the manufacture of
such ornaments as belts, slippers, hat bands, purses, and the like. The
flesh is edible and in Florida has been canned on a commercial basis. The
venom when carefully segregated by species, purified by centrifuging and
dried, is used in the treatment of horses in preparation of antivenomous
serum; and has certain other medicinal uses upon which research is now
being carried forward. Rattlesnake oil is sometimes in demand in certain
oriental trade circles.
The snakes themselves are in sporadic demand for snake shows, car-
nivals, zoological gardens etc. Prices, when there is a market, range from
$.50 to $10.00 each, depending on the size and species. The commoner
kinds are often sold by weight, bringing from twenty to fifty cents per
pound. With the exception of a few experienced and well organized
firms which supply much of the American market for these products, few
persons are successful in making a livelihood from any phase of the rattle-
snake business, since the demand for snakes or snake products is at best
sporadic and uncertain.
Finding snakes and catching them are matters of experience. Various
kinds of noose-sticks are used for picking them up.* A practiced eye
can discover snakes which the novice will overlook, as has often been
demonstrated in the field by pointing to a patch of rocks amongst which
* For methods of catching and shipping rattlesnakes, see Klauber: Notes on Herpetological Field
Collecting. S. D. Soc. Nat. Hist., Collecting Leaflet No. 1, pp. 1-10, 1935.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 207
a snake lies in plain sight. A person who does not know what to look
for will have great difficulty in locating the reptile.
The largest catches can be made about dens in the autumn or spring.
In desert areas one catches snakes at night by driving on black paved
roads, against which background the light-colored snake shows strongly
under the glare of the headlights.
Rattlesnake farms, except for their possible exhibition value, are not
often successful. In these farms the population is not replenished by
breeding, but by acquiring fresh material continuously in the wild, it
being impractical to breed snakes in captivity. Caged rattlesnakes are
afflicted with diseases and a variety of internal and external parasites which
shorten their lives. Rattlers seldom take food naturally in captivity, but
often live for a year or more without it. However they must have water.
Rattlers in captivity quickly become lethargic; after a short time they
are accustomed to human beings and do not greatly resent handling. Un-
due familiarity with rattlesnakes, however, is to be decidedly discouraged,
as a sudden fright may result in a serious accident. A considerable pro-
portion of snake-bite cases in this country results from handling captive
snakes. Pulling the fangs out is an easy, but not a lasting, safety measure,
since they will be shortly replaced ; and if the operation is carried deeper
and the reserve fangs or venom glands are removed, the snake usually dies
within a short time.*
Senses. — Zoo vistors, unfamiliar with snakes, frequently are heard
to confuse the snake's fangs (which cannot be seen unless the snake
yawns) with its tongue. The tongue is a harmless and delicate organ,
probably auxiliary to the sense of smell; or it may be partly auditory in
function. It is frequently advanced and retracted, especially if the snake
is in an unusual situation; with it the snake seems to be sensing his sur-
roundings. An angered or defensive rattlesnake not only protrudes the
tongue to the fullest extent but also alternately points it vertically up-
ward and downward. These motions are not hurried, but are made with
deliberation. The rattler's tongue is bifurcate and, in nearly all species,
is black. When on the alert the tips are spread wide apart.
Rattlers, like other snakes, have ears, but they are without external
aural openings. The hearing seems to be dull. The sight also is not of
the best, judging by the frequency which captive rattlers are seen to miss
their prey, even when it is within easy range. Possibly they see better at
night. A short time prior to changing its skin a snake's eye coverings
appear bluish and almost opaque. There is an exudation of a liquid
between the old and new skins designed to facilitate shedding. At such
times the snake is nearly blind. A day or so before exuviation the eye
clears up.
The unique pit (fig. 6) which characterizes the snakes of the family
Crotalidae (the pit vipers) is another sense organ, the purpose of which is
uncertain, but is thought to be auditory.
* Re effect of captivity on rattlesnakes, see Klauber: A Herpetological Review of the Hopi Snake
Dance. Bull. Zool. Soc. S. D., No. 9, p. 32, 1932.
208 San Diego Society of Natural History
Rattles. — The rattle is used for the purpose of warning away enemies
which are large enough to cause possible injury to the snake. It is not
employed (as has been sometimes stated) to warn prey; this would be
contrary to reason. It is not a mating call as has been suggested; in ex-
cursions through snake-infested country during the mating season I have
never heard a rattle sounded except by a snake that has been disturbed by
my companions or myself.
In vibrating the rattle the tail is shaken at the rate of from 45 to
60 cycles per second, the speed depending both on the individual snake
and the temperature. The sound, which is caused by the impingement
against each other of the interlocking segments of the rattle string, cannot
be distinguished as discrete impacts, for it is much too rapid; it is a hiss
not unlike escaping steam. A large rattler can be clearly heard at a dis-
tance of a hundred feet or more; to have one of these suddenly let go
immediately under one's feet is startling indeed. On the other hand, some
species — S. miliarius for example — have such small rattles that they can
scarcely be heard at a distance of a few feet.
The first rattle, or prebutton, is always lost with the first shedding
of the skin, which occurs within a day to a week after birth, leaving the
permanent button exposed ; subsequently the snake acquires an additional
rattle with each shedding. Snakes at an age of one year have from 3 to
6 rattles, the number depending on the species of snake and the duration
of its seasonal activity. Thus the age of a rattler can only be approxi-
mated from the number of rattles, and then only if the button be present,
showing that the string is complete. Rattles are lost through wear, so that
strings exceeding 15 segments are extremely rare. I have not seen one
with more than 13 segments which still retained the original button.
Adult snakes usually have from about 5 to 10 rattles; the loss of the ad-
ditional segments is not a detriment to the snake since long strings are
inefficient vibrators. Rattlers living in places where they are seldom dis-
turbed— for example on Tortuga Island — tend to have long strings. The
same is true of species — such as the sidewinder — which inhabit sandy
areas, for here the rattles do not often catch in the clefts of rocks or
shrubs, nor are they abraded by rough objects. Long sets of rattles can
be easily faked, which accounts for most of the phenomenal strings which
have been reported.
The rattle consists of a horn-like material which is exuded and
solidified on a corrugated matrix of tissue prior to the shedding of an old
skin. The method whereby each new rattle is advanced one corrugation
ahead of its predecessor and yet remains interlocked with it, is mechani-
cally quite complex. It is effected by a wave action of tissue.
I wish to repeat that rattlers do not invariably sound their rattles be-
fore striking. Some are so peaceful — C. ruber for example — that they will
neither rattle nor strike except under great provocation.
Fangs. — The fangs are two greatly elongated curved teeth at the front
of the upper jaw. Normally they are folded back against the roof of the
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 209
mouth (fig. lb), whence they may be rotated forward and downward into
the striking or biting position (figs. Id and le) . Of this fang rotation the
snake has voluntary control; the fangs are not automatically tilted as the
snake opens his mouth. The movements of the two fangs on the op-
posite sides of the head are independent of each other. When in the
resting position they are covered by a white protective sheath of tissue,
which is partially pushed back from the points as the fangs are advanced.
The fangs are hollow and have an upper and lower opening, the latter
just above the point (fig. lg) . The venom is conducted from the venom
gland, which lies back of the eye, through a duct to the upper opening
(fig. ll) and thence through the tubular fang to the orifice above the
point, thus constituting a perfect natural hypodermic needle. Rattlesnake
fangs are replaced at regular intervals even though they are unbroken. On
each side of the head there is a pair of maxillary sockets which the active
fangs occupy alternately (figs, lg and lh). While replacement is under
way the old fang may remain in place while the new fang is being
ankylosed in the adjacent socket; thus for a short time the rattler may
have two fangs on a side. The reserve fangs, from which replacements
are made, lie in an orderly series behind each functional fang. There are
approximately eight on each side in successive stages of development from
rudiments to almost complete fangs. As the reserve is drawn on for re-
placements additional buds appear, so there is no decrease in the number
in reserve. In each individual fang, development takes place from the
point upward. The fang develops as a tube, notwithstanding the central
longitudinal suture (fig. lg) which indicates that a remote ancestral form
had fangs with open grooves, as is the case with some groups of venomous
snakes today. The fangs of the several species of rattlesnakes differ some-
what in curvature and in length proportionate to the size of the head. The
curvature aids in imbedding the fangs as the mouth closes.
Venom. — Rattlesnake venom is a yellow liquid having a specific
gravity of about 1.08. It may be dried, without serious modification in
toxic properties, by heating to 100° F; when dry it will retain its potency
indefinitely. In drying, the venom loses about three-quarters of its
weight. Dried venom has a yellow crystalline appearance, although the
flakes are not true crystals.
The venom is primarily a means of securing food; venomous snakes
practically always secure their prey by striking and poisoning it. In ef-
fect the venom not only kills the prey but is said to aid in its digestion.
There are considerable differences, both in toxicity and physiological ef-
fects, in the venoms of the several rattlesnake species, some being 60
times as powerful, drop for drop, as others. Some are primarily hema-
toxic; others neurotoxic.
The yield of venom per snake varies greatly amongst the different
species of rattlesnakes, even though the snakes may be of similar size.
The following are a few adult averages, the figures representing the yield
in milligrams of dried venom: C. cinereous. 270; C. v. viridis, 80; C. r.
210 San Diego Society of Natural History
oreganus, 140; C. m. mitchellii, 33; C. m. pyrrhus, 215; C. cerastes, 32;
C. tigrif, 11. A general, but not universal rule, is that rattlers which give
low quantitative yields proportionate to their sizes have the most power-
ful venoms. So far as now known C. tigris has the most powerful and
C. ruber the weakest venom. C. durissus seems to have a combination of
high yield with powerful venom and therefore may be considered the most
dangerous of the rattlesnakes. The maximum venom recovery from a
single snake at a single milking was from a large C. cinereous; this pro-
duced 3.9 cc. of liquid or 1145 mg. of dried, purified venom. This is
the highest record among over 4000 rattlesnakes that I have milked, and
1 know of no greater quantity reported from any kind of venomous snake.
A satisfactory procedure in "milking" large rattlers is as follows: An
assistant catches the snake immediately behind the head by means of a
noose-stick, and holds it with the head resting on the edge of the table.
When the snake is so caught and held it has no opportunity to reach
any object with its fangs and thus waste venom. The operator by means
of a metal hook catches the snake's upper jaw under the rostral plate
and tips the head back. Then the rim of a porcelain cup is introduced
below the fang points, and the fangs are drawn downward and forward
into the erected position. Since the head is tipped back and steadied
by the hook while the cup approaches, the snake can neither see the cup
nor slash at it until it is in position to catch any venom expelled.
As the fangs are drawn forward, the edge of the cup is pressed
steadily against them; this tends to hold the head firmly and gives the
snake a feeling of something yielding on which to bite. The hook is
now withdrawn, and the operator, further forcing the head against the cup
with his index finger, presses the venom glands with the thumb and third
finger. The snake will usually eject some venom in an attempt to bite
when it feels the steady pressure of the cup against the fangs, but in all
cases the flow is increased by the mechanical manipulation of the glands.
Holding the snake with a noose-stick is not a suitable method for the
smaller rattlesnakes, whether juveniles of the larger species or adults of
the smaller, since their heads will not protrude far enough beyond the
holding strap to permit manipulation. With these small specimens (say
under 800 mm.) an operator can work most efficiently alone. In this process
a centrifuge tube or test tube is firmly attached to a stand or vise. The
snake is caught by pressing the head against the table with a short straight
stick and is then grasped behind the head with the left hand. Using the
metal hook to tip the head back, the fangs are hooked over the edge of the
stationary tube and the glands are manipulated with the fingers of the
right hand. The operator can keep the tail of the snake from thrashing
about by placing it between himself and the work table, and then leaning
against it.
Many operators recommend the use of a thin rubber or parchment
cover for the venom cup or tube, to be bitten through by the snake. This
may be justified for short-fanged snakes, but I have not found it efficient
with rattlesnakes, since it impedes rapidity of operation, and does not
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 211
increase the yield. When a diaphragm is used, venom is frequently spilled
on it before the fangs penetrate; and as the fang points cannot be seen
after they have gone through the diaphragm, it is impossible to observe
the effectiveness of the manipulation of the glands, or when the flow
has ceased.*
In the wild, snakes are presumed to use only a small quantity of their
venom in securing their prey, for no more is needed to cause the death
of these small creatures within a minute or so. Rattlers have complete
muscular control of the quantity of venom discharged, and naturally will
not waste it. In biting an enemy in anger they probably eject from one
half to two thirds of the quantity which may be secured by manipulation
in the milking process.
It is presumed (but not definitely known) that a snake in the wild
would replenish empty venom glands within two weeks or less. In cap-
tivity the secretion is much slower; snakes milked at successive intervals
of two weeks show a sharply declining supply. For this reason a con-
tinual accession of fresh specimens is necessary for an adequate supply of
venom.
Young snakes have venom at birth, but because of their small size it
is quite limited in quantity; the bite of such an infant would probably be
painful but not dangerous. Very old snakes show evidence of a declining
venom secretion.
Snake Bite and Treatment. — Although rattlesnakes are moderately
plentiful in many areas in the United States which are frequented by large
populations, especially on week-end excursions, hunting or fishing trips,
or by hikers or campers, rattlesnake bite constitutes a relatively small ac-
cident risk; not to be compared, for example, to the chance of a highway
accident. The naturally inoffensive and secretive character of the snakes,
and the fact that people going abroad are usually well protected about the
legs, reduce accidents. Only in a few areas of our country is the snake
bite problem sufficiently important to warrant much attention.
The gravity of a rattlesnake bite is something which cannot be closely
defined or predicted, any more than one might predict the seriousness of a
fall, without knowing the exact circumstances surrounding the accident,
such as the height of the fall, the character of the surface struck, etc.
And in a snake-bite case the conditions are even more obscure, since there
are important factors which cannot be ascertained, even after the accident
has occurred. So no one can give an off-hand opinion as to the gravity of
such a case; and correspondingly, while there should be no desire to ex-
aggerate the gravity, it will be best, in the interest of safety, to over-treat
rather than under-treat the case, provided a proper treatment is used. In
any event the victim should remain under close observation for at least
48 hours.
Some of the more important variable factors involved in snake-bite
cases are the following:
* For the methods used in venom recovery and purification see Klauber: The Collection of Rattle-
snake Venom. Bull. Antivenin Inst, of America, Vol. 2, No. 11, 1928.
212 San Diego Society of Natural History
( 1 ) The size, vigor, and health of the victim, these being important
in determining absorptive power and resistance to venom.
(2) The allergy complex of the victim; his susceptibility to protein
poisoning; sensitization (anaphylaxis), or partial immunity imposed by
previous bites and treatment. Some individuals are so susceptible to
venom that the mere handling of it causes typical asthmatic symptoms
lasting for 24 hours or more ; most persons under similar circumstances are
entirely unaffected.
(3) The psychological condition and nature of the victim; extreme
fear and apprehension will affect heart action and therefore rapidity of ab-
sorption; and it is not impossible that there may be more direct reactions.
(4) The site of the bite, which will be less dangerous in the ex-
tremities, or in tissues where absorption will be less rapid (fat, for ex-
ample) , as compared to a bite near the vital organs or penetrating a vein.
(5) The nature of the bite, whether a direct stroke with both fangs
fully imbedded, or a glancing blow or scratch. The movement of the vic-
tim (jumping backward, for instance) may cause a partially ineffective
bite; or a bone may be struck, thus causing imperfect penetration. The
snake may misjudge his distance and have the fangs only partially erected
at contact, thus resulting in only slight penetration; or he may, for the
same reason, eject venom before the fangs are imbedded.
(6) The protection afforded by clothing, which, by interposing
thickness, will permit less depth of fang penetration, and will cause the
external and harmless absorption of part of the venom. Only the point
of the fang may penetrate the skin, in which case there will be no venom
injection, for the orifice is well above the tip (fig. li).
(7) The number of bites; occasionally an accident involves two or
more distinct bites.
(8) The length of time the snake holds on; it may withdraw or be
torn loose before injection takes place. This is likely to be more im-
portant with the elapine snakes, with their less specialized fangs, than
with such long- and hook-fanged snakes as the rattlers.
(9) The extent of the anger or fear upon the part of the snake. The
muscles which wring the venom glands and thus inject venom are sep-
arately controlled from the biting mechanism. The snake's natural ten-
dency is to withhold venom, since this is his means of securing prey; but
if hurt or violently angered he is likely to inject a large part of the venom
contained in the glands.
(10) The species and size of the snake, affecting venom toxicity and
physiological effects, venom quantity, and (by reason of length and
strength of fangs) depth of injection. The age of the snake is likewise
important; not only are young snakes less dangerous because of their
smaller size (and therefore reduced quantity of venom) but also the
venom is less toxic, judging from the reduced proportional recovery of
solids upon evaporation. Snakes which have passed their prime also
probably secrete less venom and of a reduced quality.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 213
(11) The condition of the venom glands, whether full, or partially
depleted or evacuated by reason of recent feeding, defense, ill health, or
captivity. The season of the year (proximity to aestivation or hibernation)
may also cause a variation, but this is not definitely known.
(12) The condition of the fangs, whether entire or broken, lately
renewed or ready for shedding.
(13) The presence, in the mouth of the snake, of various micro-
organisms, some of which, gaining access to the wound, may, abetted by
the anti-bactericidal effect of the venom, entail serious sequelae.
(14) The nature of the instinctive first aid treatment, if any, such
as suction, or circulation stoppage by pressure.
To conclude, with variable factors of such importance, it is to be ex-
pected that some cases will prove extremely grave, whereas others may
cause little or no discomfort. It is the latter class (which really require
no treatment) that have given an entirely fictitious value and reputation
to some of the remedies which have been proposed, for the patient re-
covers in spite of the remedy, rather than through its use.
In general, it can be said that even with the crudest treatment, or
with no treatment of any kind, rattlesnake bite would probably not be
fatal in more than 10 per cent of the cases, although greater with some
especially dangerous species. Snake bite is likely to be more serious in
the case of children, since the ability of a body to absorb venom without
fatal results, varies with the weight. With proper treatment the mortal-
ity from rattlesnake bite should be less than 3 or 4 per cent.
In the case of an accident of this kind, be sure that the snake which
has inflicted the wound is a venomous snake. Many harmless snakes will
bite fiercely when trod upon or captured, but their bites are without any
untoward effects; they are no more serious than a scratch and should be
given a like antiseptic treatment. Nevertheless, there are authentic in-
stances in which grave results and even death have been caused by fear
following the bite of a harmless snake.
The actual injection of rattlesnake venom into a wound is followed
immediately by severe local pain in almost every case, and this should be
used as a criterion in determining whether the bite is that of a rattler, and
if venom has actually been injected. With most species a marked swell-
ing is also evident within a very short time.
Assuming that a person has actually been bitten by a rattlesnake, the
following procedure should be adopted by the victim and his companions,
if any be present:
( 1 ) The victim should not become unduly alarmed or excited, and
should not run, for to do so will speed up the circulation and the rapidity
with which the venom is absorbed. Remember that few cases of rattle-
snake bite are fatal.
(2) Apply a tourniquet between the bite and the heart. This may
be a shoe string, necktie, or a rubber band. Rubber tubing makes the
214 San Diego Society of Natural History
best tourniquet. Do not tie it too tightly. Complete stoppage of the
circulation is unnecessary and undesirable, but the venous flow should
be impeded. Loosen the tourniquet briefly at 15 minute intervals.
(3) With a sharp instrument, such as a razor blade or a knife, make
a cross-incision over each fang mark, or connect the two with a single in-
cision. The depth should be about equal to that of the fang, say a quarter
of an inch if the snake is of moderate size. Before using, sterilize the
cutting instrument if possible, using iodine, alcohol, or the flame of a
match.
(4) Apply suction to the wound and the incisions thus made, either
with the mouth or using one of the cupping or suction devices* which
have been placed in first-aid kits for this purpose. Apply this continu-
ously for at least half an hour. In a healthy person with good teeth
there need be no fear of getting venom into the mouth or stomach with
untoward results.
(5) If antivenin is available, use it in accordance with the instruc-
tions accompanying the syringe. However, do not depend upon it as a
cure-all. Remember that antivenin and suction are not mutually exclu-
sive; use antivenin if available, but the suction procedure should be car-
ried through in any case.
(6) If swelling or discoloration progresses up the limb, additional
cross incisions should be made above this point and suction should be ap-
plied there, the tourniquet having been moved above the swelling. It is
best to put on a second tourniquet before removing the first.
(7) If the patient is faint, give a cup of strong coffee or a teaspoon-
ful of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a glass of water.
(8) Get the patient to a doctor or hospital as soon as possible, secur-
ing a physician experienced in previous snake-bite cases if one be avail-
able.
(9) Do not do any of the following things: Do not use potassium
permanganate. Do not give whiskey. Do not burn or cauterize the
wound, since this will interfere with the all-important suction and drain-
age. Don't use "folk-lore'' remedies; they are a waste of time when
time is valuable.
(10) If the physician in charge of the case has not had previous
experience he can secure advice from the United States Public Health
Service by wire. The case should be closely watched for the first 24
and preferably the first 48 hours. Some cases have been lost because the
decline in the prominent hemorrhagic symptoms (evidenced by local swell-
ing and discoloration) seemed to indicate that the danger was past, to be
followed by a sudden and unexpected onset of neurotoxic symptoms. It
* The rubber-bulb type is probably to be preferred since it will continue its action without an
operator.
Klauber— Key to the Rattlesnakes 215
is suggested that physicians called upon to treat rattlesnake bite, study the
publications of the United States Public Health Service, or those of Dr.
Dudley Jackson of San Antonio, who has had a wide experience in this
field ; also the literature accompanying some of the suction devices now
on the market in safety-first kits,* and the publications accompanying
antivenin ampuls contain much useful information. It should be remem-
bered, however, that these directions may be slightly biased as there has
been some factional disagreement concerning the relative merits of anti-
venin and suction. I repeat that antivenin and suction are not mutually
exclusive remedies ; both should be used extensively in serious cases. The
victim should always be typed so that a blood transfusion, if necessary,
may be made without delay. Neurotoxic symptoms, frequently involving
paralysis of the respiratory center, call for additional antivenin treatment
The physician will use intravenous injections of glucose and normal salt
solution as necessitated.
The carrying of kits containing suction devices (there are several
good ones on the market) is to be recommended to campers, hunters, or
others going into rattler infested country. This is said without any de-
sire to frighten people or to exaggerate the chance of snake bite, which is
indeed remote. It is, however, a reasonable insurance precaution.
The above brief remarks on the treatment of rattlesnake bite do no
more than skim the surface. It must be remembered that most of the
experience in this country has been in the treatment of cases of C. cine-
reous bite and that of closely allied species. Rattlesnake venom is an
exceedingly complex protein poison, having a variety of effects, neurotoxic,
hemolytic, cytolytic, anti-bactericidal, etc. These effects probably differ
considerably in the several species. It is well known that the venom of
C. durissus differs extensively in its effects from that of C. cinereous and
some of our more common nearctic species. We may well expect that
future research will show that others of our North American rattlers have
quite different effects than has C. cinereous. This in turn may influence
the development of antivenins and otherwise profoundly change the pres-
ent recognized methods of treatment. Polyvalent antivenins cannot be
made as effective as those to counteract the bite of specific snakes. Prob-
ably this is one of the reasons why Brazilian anticrotalus serum has been
so successful; as there is but one species of rattlesnake in that country the
antivenin is specific. In our country the situation is quite different. I
anticipate that the future will see the venoms of our rattlers grouped in
classes, with an antivenin for each class, although this could not be a suc-
cessful commercial venture. In extensive areas of the country, where only
one or two species of rattlers occur, only a single class would be required.
* The directions accompanying the Dudley First Aid Kit are particularly complete with respect
to the procedure of the suction treatment, both in the field and hospital.
216 San Diego Society of Natural History
THE BITING MECHANISM OF THE RATTLESNAKE
Explanations of figs. 1 to In inclusive.
Fig. 1. Dorsal View of Skull of Crotalus (C. ruber).
The bones of the rattlesnake skull are thin and delicate. One of the
distinguishing characters of snakes is the lack of a bony connection
between the anterior ends of the mandibles, there being only an elastic
ligament between these outer ends. This arrangement greatly facilitates
the distension of the jaws, and by the independent action of the two
sides, permits swallowing objects which are large relative to the
size of the head.
Fig. la. Ventral View of Skull.
Note that the fangs are shown in the two outer maxillary sockets.
This location is one of pure chance; with equal justification both
might have been shown in the inner sockets, (see figs, lg and lh),
or one in an inner and the other in an outer socket. As explained
below, the fangs occupy the sockets alternately, and there is no
synchronism in occupancy between the two sides of the head.
Fig. lb. Lateral View of Skull.
The fang is folded against the roof of the mouth in its resting posi-
tion. The lower jaw is dropped slightly, and the reserve fangs are
omitted for clarity. This is not a cross section of the skull; it is a
view of the outside from the left.
Fig. lc. Lateral View of Skull.
The mouth is wide open and with the fangs directed forward in the
position assumed at the end of the strike.
LEGEND: THE BONES OF THE RATTLESNAKE SKULL
(Figs. 1 to le, inclusive)
1 Prexamilla (premaxillary) 12. Mandible (mandibular)
,,,,,, 12a Dentary
2. Prefrontal (lachrymal of some au- 12b AmCuiar
thors) 13. Pro-otic
3. Frontal !4 Exoccipital (lateral occipital)
4. Parietal 15. Poison fang
5. Basisphenoid 16. Mandibular teeth
6. Squamosal (supratemporal of some H. Pterygoid teeth
authors) 18- Palatine teeth
7. Maxilla (maxillary or supermax- 19. Supraoccipital
illary) 20. Stapes (or columella auris)
8. Palatine (palatal) 21. Postfrontal
9. Pterygoid (internal pterygoid) 22. Basioccipital
10. Ectopterygoid (external pterygoid or 23- Nasal
transpalatine) 24. Turbinal
11. Quadrate 25. Vomer
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
217
23 2 3 21 10 4 13 6 20 II 14
Fig. la.
Fie. lc.
218 San Diego Society of Natural History
Figs. Id and le. The Fang Tilting Mechanism.
The bones of the skull are indicated as a linkage. Fig. id shows the
fang at rest against the roof of the mouth; in fig. le the change in
the angle between the frontal-parietal-supratemporal and the quadrate
tilts the fang forward into the biting position by pushing forward on
the maxillary. The fang is not rotated forward automatically by the
opening of the mouth; the tilting is controllable, otherwise the fangs
would interfere with swallowing food. Each fang may be tilted
independently, as the bones on one side of the head are independent
of those on the other.
Fig. If. Lateral View of Fang Seated in Maxillary.
Figs, lg and lh. Front View of Fang.
Fig. lg shows a fang in the inner maxillary socket; in fig. lh the
next succeeding fang has been seated in the outer maxillary socket,
while the fang shown in fig. lg has dropped out. In this way suc-
ceeding active fangs occupy the two sockets alternately. (It should
be noted that, because of the curvature of the fang, the lower part, in
these figures, is viewed at an angle. This makes the orifice appear
closer to the point than is really the case. See fig. li).
Fig. li. Point of Fang (Perpendicular view).
Figs, lj and Ik. Cross Sections of Fang.
Fig. lj shows a cross section of the fang at the upper end just below
the lower edge of the maxillary in which it is anchored. Fig. lk is a
cross section just above the lower orifice.
Fig. ll. Phantom Lateral View of Rattlesnake Head.
This illustrates the location of the venom gland and duct in relation
to the fang.
Fig. lm. The Position of the Reserve Fangs.
The reserve fangs do not tilt with the active fang but remain in place
against the roof of the mouth.
Fig. In. Diagram Showing Fang Succession.
The two large circles represent the maxillary sockets, the left-hand
being occupied by a functional fang. When this is ready to drop
out, reserve fang No. 1 advances and becomes anchored in the vacant
socket on the right. Later, when No. 1 is about to be superseded, No.
2 advances into the left-hand socket. Thus, the replacements are
made periodically. New buds also appear periodically, so that, in all,
about 8 reserves, in consecutive stages of development, are always
present. The reserves which will ultimately be seated in the left-
hand socket are separated from those intended for the right by a mem-
branous wall. It should be understood that this discussion has had
reference exclusively to the condition on one side of the upper jaw.
There is a duplicate set of sockets and reserve fangs on the other side.
In this diagram the reserve fangs have been spread out for reasons of
clarity. Actually they lie closely bunched in a membranous sac above
the active or functional fang, in the position indicated in fig. lm.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
219
Fig. If-
PULP
CAVITY.
-VENOM
CANAL
Fig. 1
Fig. lh.
PULP
CAVITY
VENOM
CANAL
Fig. lj. Fig. Ik.
MAXILLARY
BONE
Fig- Li.
VENOM GLAND
VENOM DUCT
VENOM FANG
Fie. U.
Fig. lm.
220
San Diego Society of Natural History
GLOSSARY
While many users of this key will be familiar with the technical
terms employed, such as the names of the scales used in herpetological
classification, there may be others, especially physicians interested in snake-
bite cases, who may not have had occasion to employ them. In addition
there are certain peculiarities of the rattlesnakes which render it desirable
to explain a few of the terms to those who have not worked in this group.
For these reasons an illustrated glossary has been included.
Anal plate: The large plate covering the vent (fig. 3). It marks the division
between body and tail.
Apical scale-pit s: A pair of depressions faintly evident on the posterior end of
each scale ; usually most evident dorsally near the tail.
Body blotches: These are counted from the posterior edge of the head to the anus;
the tail rings are not included. On the sides there are usually additional
series of smaller blotches known as the lateral or secondary blotches, often
in several rows, one below the other. In many species of rattlesnakes,
especially on the posterior half or third of the body, the main dorsal
blotches merge with the laterals to form crossbars or rings.
Button: See rattles.
Canthals: The border scales of the crown between the internasals and the supra-
oculars (fig. 5). For intercanthals see prefrontals.
Canthus rostralis: The outer edge of the flat area of the crown where it turns
downward on the side, extending from the rostral to the supraocular
(fig- 5).
Caudals: See subcaudals.
Frontal: The large plate between the supraoculars in Sistrurus (fig. 4). In
Crotalus, this space is filled with scales more or less irregularly disposed
(fig. 5) and is referred to as the frontal area, and the scales as the inter-
supraoculars.' When the "minimum scales between the supraoculars"
are specified, the path traversing the fewest scales is meant; this is usually
at the anterior part of the frontal area.
Genials: The genials or chin-shields are a pair of enlarged scales back of the first
infralabials (figs. 7 and 8). Occasionally the posterior tips of the first
infralabials are cut off to form an extra pair of triangular scales which
are called intergenials (fig. 46). Snakes other than rattlesnakes often
have two pairs of genials, an anterior and posterior.
Gulars: The small scales covering the underside of the head between the two rows
of infralabials and not otherwise specifically named (fig. 8).
Head marks: Although there is a considerable variation in the head marks of the
rattlesnakes there are some which occur in many species ; these are indi-
cated as to general position and direction in figs. 9 and 10. The light
supraocular crossbars in some species are present only on the supraoculars
and not in the intervening frontal area.
Infralabials: See labials.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
221
BODY LENGTH OVER-ALL
"LENGTH-
Fig. 2. Methods of measurement.
Fig. 2a. Method of counting dorsal scale rows.
,LAST VENTRAL
l ,ANAL
,FIRST SUBCAUDAL
Fig. 3. Ventral view of tail with nomenclature.
ROSTRAL
^-INTERNASALS
^-PREFRONTALS
_ --FRONTAL
_-,- SUPRAOCULARS
-PARIETALS
Fig. 4. Nomenclature of head scales of Sistrurus.
222 San Diego Society of Natural History
Intercanthals: See prefrontals.
lnternasals: The scales in contact with the rostral from nasal to nasal regardless
of size (figs. 4 and 5). In most rattlesnakes there are two; in viridis
generally three or more (fig. 49).
Inter supraoculars: See frontal.
Labials: Bordering the mouth above are the supralabials (or upper labials) which
extend from the rostral to the rictus of the mouth or commissure (figs. 6
and 7). The rostral is not counted as one of the supralabials. Similarly
the infralabials (lower labials) extend along the lower lip from the
mental to the angle of the mouth (figs. 6, 7, and 8). The first pair
of infralabials are sometimes divided transversely (fig. 42).
Lengths: The length over-all (or body length) is measured from the tip of the
snout (rostral) to the forward edge of the proximal rattle (fig. 2).
Head length is measured from the rostral to a line joining the posterior
tips of the mandibular bones. Tail length is from the anus to the for-
ward edge of the proximal rattle.
Loreals: The scales (one or more) on the side of the head between the postnasal
and the preocular (fig. 6). No species of rattlesnake is regularly without
at least one loreal on each side, although rarely an individual will have
none.
Mental: The triangular scale at the anterior tip of the lower jaw (figs. 7 and 8).
Occasionally the posterior tip of the mental may be cut off to form a
submental (fig. 47).
Nasals: A pair of scales on either side of the nostril, called respectively, the
prenasal and postnasal (figs. 6 and 7).
Oculars: The scales surrounding the eye. The supraoculars are large and jut over
the eyes (fig. 6). In front of the eyes there are usually two preoculars,
the upper larger, the lower narrow and crescent shaped. Back of, and
below the eye, are the postoculars and suboculars. It is usually difficult
to determine which scale should be considered the lowest postocular, and
which the first subocular.
Parietals: A pair of large plates posterior to the supraoculars and frontal in
Sistrurus (fig. 4). This area is occupied by irregular scales in Crotalus
(fig. 5).
Pit: A deep depression on the side of the head below and back of the nostril
(fig. 6) ; this is the external opening of a sensory organ, probably
auditory in function. Where the pit-border scales are mentioned, those
constituting the internal rim or lip are meant, rather than those which
are completely external to the pit.
Postnasals: See nasals.
Postoculars: See oculars.
Prefrontals: In Sistrurus the two large plates posterior to the internasals (fig. 4).
In Crotalus, with a few exceptions of which durissus is an example,
this space (often referred to as the prefrontal area) is filled with irregu-
larly disposed scales called the intercanthals (fig. 5).
Prenasal s: See nasals.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
223
CANTHUS ROSTRALIS
NOSTRIL--
PREFRONTAL AREA--
(iNTERCANTHALS)
FRONTAL AREA
(iNTERSUPRAOCULARSj
INTERNASAL
,-PRENASAL
,-^CANTHALS
SUPRAOCULAR
Fig. 5. Nomenclature of head scales of Cro talus, dorsal view.
LOREALS^
CANTHALSV 1
POSTNASAL
NOSTRIL-..
PRENASAI _J~
ROSTRAL--
PIT-
FIRST SUPRALABIAL
MENTAL -
FIRST INFRALABIAL--
LOWER PREOCULAR'
.UPPER PREOCULAR
^.SUPRAOCULAR
,''' /POSTOCULARS
LAST SUPRALABIAL
--LAST INFRALABIAL
Fig. 6. Nomenclature of head scales of Crotalus, lateral view.
-SUPRAOCULAR
PREOCULARS —
PIT —
SUPRALABIALS
INFRALABIALS*--
CANTHALS
.--INTERNASAL
--POSTNASAL
PRENASAL
ROSTRAL
--FIRST SUPRALABIAL
"GENIAL
VlRST INFRALABIAL
Fig. 7. Nomenclature of head scales of Crotalus, front view.
224 San Diego Society of Natural History
Preoculars: See oculars.
Rattles: The rattle terminology is illustrated in figs. 11 and 12. The proximal
rattle is that next the tail and is the one most recently added to the string.
The button (or rattle-button) is the first permanent rattle acquired by a
young snake, the rattle present at birth (the prebutton) being invariably
lost with the first exuviation. The button remains as the posterior
terminus of the rattle-string until lost by breakage; it is usually present
in juveniles or young adults, but rarely in older specimens. In some
snakes, particularly if only one or two rattles have been lost, it is a
trifle difficult to tell whether the button is still present; however this can
be ascertained quite definitely with a little practice in the study of
juvenile termini. The rattle width of any segment is measured as indi-
cated in fig. 12. It is to be noted that the measurement (to secure the
greatest width) is not exactly vertical, this being the result of the asym-
metry in the rattle shape designed to prevent the rattle from dragging on
the ground as the snake crawls. In this key the widths of the proximal
rattle and the button are occasionally used.
Rostral: The large scale on the front of the nose (figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7).
Scale-boss: A knobby prominence or swelling on the posterior part of each scale,
particularly evident on the middorsal rows of some species. It is to a
certain extent independent of the keeling (or central ridge on each
scale) which is present on all but the one or two lowest dorsolateral rows
in all rattlesnake species.
Scale roics: Where the number of dorsal scale rows is given, the number at mid-
body is meant, beginning with the row next to the ventrals on one side
and ending with the corresponding row on the other (fig. 2a). Oc-
casionally the scale rows at the center of the tail are referred to; these
should be counted midway between the anal plate and the anterior edge
of the proximal rattle.
Subcaudals: The subcaudals (caudals or urosteges) are counted beginning with
the first scale on the mid-ventral line posterior to the anal plate and end-
ing with the last scale anterior to the proximal rattle (fig. 3). Divided
scales, that is, those having mid-ventral sutures, frequently found toward
the beginning or end of the series, are treated as if undivided. The
fringe of small and irregular scales which occasionally covers the an-
terior edge of the rattle is not counted as a caudal.
Supralabials: See labials.
Supraoculars: The large plates above each eye (figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7). Also see
oculars.
Suture: A division or crease between two scales or plates, or the parts of a plate.
Tail rings: The dorsal rings between the anus and the proximal rattle. They are
often obscure and can only be counted approximately.
Ventrals: The large plates on the belly. In counting the ventral plates (sometimes
called the gastrosteges) the count is begun with the first scale on the
underside of the head which is distinctly wider than long (fig. 8), and
ends with the scale anterior to the anal plate, but does not include the
the latter (fig. 3).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
225
, MENTAL
FIRST INFRALABIALS
-•=.-GENIALS
, -FIRST VENTRAL
-LAST INFRALABIAL
(«•-- RICTUS OF MOUTH
OR COMMISSURE
VENTRALS OR
GASTROSTEGES
Fig. 8. Nomenclature of head scales of Crotalus, ventral view.
GHT
SUPRAOCULAR
CROSSBAR
Fig. 9. Head pattern of Crotalus, Fig. 10. Head pattern of Cro-
dorsal view. talus, lateral view.
, WIDTH OF RATTLE
-PROXIMAL RATTLE
Fig. 11. Complete rattle with
button.
TERMINAL RATTLE
(NOT ORIGINAL BUTTON)
Fig. 12. Incomplete rattle.
226 San Diego Society of Natural History
METHOD OF EMPLOYING THE KEY
Start at 1 and decide whether the specimen to be identified is cor-
rectly described by paragraph la or by lb. If the former be the case,
the snake belongs to the genus Sistrurus; if the latter, to the genus Cro-
talus. Assume, in this instance, that it is a -Crotalus. Note that the bold-
faced figure 7 appears at the end of the final line in paragraph lb ; this is
an instruction to proceed to the paragraphs headed 7a and 7b. Now
decide which of these alternative descriptions fits the specimen in hand.
If it fits description 7a, note that the bold-faced figure 8 appears at the end
of .the last line of the description; you are therefore next to choose
between paragraphs 8a and 8b. If, on the contrary, course 7b is found to
be the proper one, then the specimen is Crotalus stejnegeri and the identi-
fication is concluded. Thus by successive selections of one of pairs of
alternatives a final decision is reached.
When an identification has been made it is recommended that the
color description, the range, and the photograph (if one is given) be also
checked against the specimen and its data, so that an inaccurate con-
clusion may be avoided, even if some peculiarity of the specimen, or
ambiguity in the key, has caused a wrong turning at one of the branch
points. The table of scale counts may also serve as a check.
It should be observed, with reference to the line drawings in the
text (figs. 1-64), that the stippling is usually not for the purpose of indi-
cating punctations in the pattern of the snake but more often serves to
suggest the even application of some color other than black.
****** * *
The writer will welcome correspondence with users of this key
calling his attention to errors or discrepancies. New locality records, es-
pecially if verified by live or preserved specimens (heads or skins are
usually sufficient for identification), will be much appreciated in order that
the range maps may be more accurate in future publications.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
. To the many persons and institutions which have assisted me by the
gift and loan of specimens during this investigation of the rattlesnakes I
shall make acknowledgments in subsequent papers. At this time however
I wish to give credit for the line drawings in this key to Mr. Norman
Bilderback, and for the photographs, maps, and also the lettering on the
drawings to Mr. Leslie C. Kobler, both of San Diego.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
227
KEY
1 a. Top of head with large plates anteriorly (usually 9 in number)
including a single frontal and a pair of large, symmetrical parietals
in contact (fig. 13).* Genus Sistrurus 2
1 b. Top of head with scales of varying size; more than one scale in
the frontal area; parietals, if enlarged, not in contact, nor sym-
metrical (fig. 14). Genus Crotalus 7
2 a. Rostral not curved over the snout (fig. 15) ; canthus rostralis
sharply angled ; dorsal series of body blotches about equal in width
and length, or shorter (along the snake) than wide. 3
2 b. Rostral curved over the snout (fig. 16) ; canthus rostralis rounded,
not sharply angled ; dorsal series of body blotches distinctly longer
than wide (fig. 17). A pattern of dark-brown blotches on a light-
brown ground-color, with a lateral series on each side shorter
(longitudinally) and usually darker than the dorsal series.
Sistrurus ravus
A small area of the Mexican plateau including: eastern Mexico (state),
southern Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, northeastern Puebla, west-central Veracruz,
and northern Oaxaca (fig. 73).
3 a. Upper preocular usually in contact with postnasal ; usually 3 supra-
labials in contact with the pit-border scales (fig. 15) ; 11 or more
dorsal scale rows at center of tail ; rattles larger, width of proximal
rattle being contained in body length (over-all) less than 90
* Deviations of snakes of the genus Sistrurus from the standardized arrangement of the nine large
plates on the crown (as illustrated in fig. 13) are not particularly rare, but such deviations usually consist
of small and insignificant extra scales detached from the posterior end of the frontal or, less often, from
the rostral. It is quite rare to find the nine large plates themselves seriously distorted in arrangement,
although specimens have been noted with a central prefrontal and a canthal on either side. None of
these aberrant specimens will be confused with any Crotalus individual if the criteria given in the key-
be followed, for although there are Crotalus species (durissus for example) which have large paired inter-
nasals and prefrontals (fig. 56), they lack the single frontal, and the paired and conterminous parietals
of Sistrurus.
Fig. 13. Dorsal head plates of
Sistrurus (S. c. catenatiis).
14. Dorsal head scales of
Crotalus (C. cinereous).
228
San Diego Society of Natural History
times, or in head length less than 6 times ; no red or orange in the
interblotch spaces on the middorsal line. Sistrurus catenatus
(For subspecies continue on to 4)
3 b. Upper preocular not in contact with postnasal; usually 2 supra-
labials in contact with pit-border scales (fig. 18) ; 10 or less dorsal
scale rows at center of tail ; rattles smaller, width of proximal rattle
being contained in body length more than 90 times, and in head
length more than 6 times ; usually with red or orange between the
blotches on the middorsal line. Sistrurus miliarius
(For subspecies continue on to 5)
4 a. Undersurface dark, heavily clouded with black blotches, often
almost solid black (fig. 19) ; scale rows usually 25 ; body blotches
usually less than 37. A pattern of square, red-brown, or black
blotches on a gray-brown ground; sometimes unicolor black.
Sistrurus catenatus catenatus
(Fig. 106).
From central New York westward to eastern Oklahoma including:
New York from Madison County west; southern Ontario, south and
west of the line Spanish — North Bay — Port Hope; extreme western
Pennsylvania; northern and central Ohio; lower Michigan (including
Bois Blanc Island); central and northern Indiana; Illinois; southern
and western Wisconsin; eastern and southern Iowa; extreme south-
eastern Nebraska ; Missouri ; eastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma,
intergrading here with S.c. tergeminus (fig. 73).
Fig. 15. S. c. catenatus, showing
rostral not curved over snout;
also preocular contacting post-
nasal.
Fig. 16. S. ravus, showing rostral
curved over snout.
Fig. 17. S. ravus; body pattern.
Fig. 18. S. miliarius, showing
preocular separated from post-
nasal.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
229
4 b. Undersurface mottled or spotted, the dark areas being less exten-
sive than the light (fig. 20) ; scale rows often 23; body blotches
usually more than 36. A pattern of dark red-brown blotches on a
gray-brown ground. Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus
(Fig. 107).
The southwestern plains including: central and southwestern Kansas;
extreme southeastern Colorado; central and western Oklahoma; the
plains areas of central and southern New Mexico; extreme south-
eastern Arizona; Texas, west of the Brazos River; and extreme
northern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Intergrades with S.c. catenatus in east-
ern Kansas and Oklahoma (fig. 73).
5 a. Dorsal coloration brown or light-gray ; ventral surface cream, mod-
erately flecked with brown or gray ; head markings distinct ; lateral
spots in 1 or 2 series. 6
5 b. Dorsal coloration dark-gray to black; ventral surface white, heavily
blotched with dark-brown or black; head markings obscure; lateral
spots in 3 series Sistrurus miliarius barbouri
(Fig. 104).
From extreme southern South Carolina (where it intergrades with
S.m. miliarius) and southern Georgia, south throughout Florida and
westward across southern Alabama to southeastern Mississippi, inter-
grading with S.m. streckeri in the Pearl River Valley (fig. 73).
6 a. Dorsal scale rows usually 21; dorsal spots wider than long and
with irregular edges ; lateral spots usually higher than wide ; ven-
tral spots confined to individual plates.
Sistrurus miliarius streckeri
(Fig. 105).
From the Pearl River Valley of southeastern Louisiana and western
Mississippi (where it intergrades with S.m. barbouri) westward
through Louisiana and eastern Texas (north of Lat. 28°) to Long.
98° ; also north through Arkansas to southern Missouri and west to
central Oklahoma; also southwestern Tennessee (fig. 73).
6 b. Dorsal scale rows usually 23; dorsal spots oval or subcircular,
edges even; lateral spots usually round; ventral spots usually oc-
cupying two adjacent plates. Sistrurus miliarius miliarius
(Fig. 103).
Fig. 19. S. c. catenatus; ventral
pattern.
Fig. 20. S. c. tergeminus ; ventral
pattern.
230
San Diego Society of Natural History
7 a.
7 b.
8 a.
8 b.
From extreme southern South Carolina (where it intergrades with
5./;?. barbouri) north throughout South Carolina and eastern North
Carolina to the Pamlico River. Also central Georgia and central
Alabama (fig. 73).
Males with less than 40 subcaudals; females with less than 35
subcaudals; adults with proximal rattles wider than 3^mm. 8
Males with more than 40 subcaudals; females with more than 35
subcaudals; rattles very small, width less than 3V2 mm. in adults.
A pattern of about 40 black-edged, olive-gray diamonds on a gray-
brown ground. Crotalus stejnegeri
The mountains of southeastern Sinaloa and western Durango in
Mexico (fig. 71).
Outer edges of supraoculars not extended into raised and flexible
hornlike processes (fig. 21). 9
Outer edges of supraoculars extended into raised and flexible
hornlike processes distinctly pointed at the tip (figs. 22 and 23).
Dorsal scales strongly keeled and with posterior bosses. Ground
color cream, straw, pink, or light-gray, with a central series of
square, brownish blotches, often with yellow or orange on the
middorsal line. Crotalus cerastes
(Fig. 95).
The deserts of the southwest including: California east of the Sierra
Nevada and the southern California coastal ranges, from Lat. 37° 30'
southward; Nevada south of Lat. 37° 30'; west-central and south-
western Utah; Arizona south and west of the line Kingman — Miami —
Nogales; extreme northwestern Sonora; the transmontane desert area
of northeastern Baja California from the U. S. border south to Lat.
29°40' (fig. 71). A species preferring sandy deserts but sometimes
found on rock-strewn flats. (Note: In the Southwest the range of
cerastes, is popularly supposed to be considerably more extensive than
Fig. 21. Lateral head scales of
Crotalus (C. cinereous).
Fig. 22. C. cerastes, showing
hornlike supraocular (lateral
view) .
Fig. 23. C. cerastes (front view).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
231
is here depicted, since in many areas all young rattlesnakes are termed
"sidewinders", leading to confusion with the real cerastes. While
further collecting may be expected to develop some range extensions,
this most highly specialized of our desert snakes cannot possibly exist
in some areas where it has been said to occur, but from which no
authentic specimens have ever been forthcoming).
9 a. Tip of snout and canthus rostralis not raised into a sharp ridge
(fig. 24) ; no central light line on rostral and mental. 10
9 b. Tip of snout and canthus rostralis raised into a sharp ridge, by
bending up of the outer edges of internasals and canthals (fig.
25) ; rostral and mental usually marked vertically by a narrow,
light line on a red-brown ground (fig. 26). Body pattern of
large, brown or red-brown blotches separated by narrow light
areas, the blotches being often without definite outlines on the
sides; tail pattern terminating in logitudinal bands rather than
crossbars. Crotalus willardi
(Fig. 102).
Highland areas from extreme southern Arizona to Zacatecas, Mexico
including: the Santa Rita and Huachuca mountains in Arizona; and
the Sierra Tarahumare and Sierra Madre in eastern Sonora, western
Chihuahua, Durango, and western Zacatecas (fig. 72).
Fig. 24. Cross-section of Crotalus
head (C. m. mitchellii), showing
absence of internasal ridge.
Fig. 26. Head of C. willardi,
showing light line usually pres-
ent on rostral and mental.
Fig. 25. Cross-section of C. wil-
lardi head, showing internasal
ridge.
Fig. 27 C. poly st ictus, showing
indentation on upper edge of
prenasal.
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San Diego Society of Natural History
10 a.
10 b.
11 a.
11 b.
Head width usually greater than 60 per cent of the length; pre-
nasal not deeply indented by a lateral bulge in the first canthal
(fig. 21) ; paired intercanthals, if present, not distinctly longer
than wide. 11
Head long and narrow, maximum width less than 60 per cent of
length; prenasal deeply indented by a lateral bulge in the first
canthal (fig. 27) ; paired intercanthals longer than wide (fig. 28) ;
usually 8 scales in two transverse rows on top of the head anterior
to the supraoculars and intersupraoculars (maximum variation 6 to
10) ; dorsal pattern usually of parallel rows of dark-brown ellipti-
cal blotches, the major axes of which are longitudinal to the snake
and with narrow gray-brown interspaces (fig. 29) ; ventral surface
heavily mottled with dark-brown or black. Crotalus polystictus
The tableland of central Mexico from Zacatecas to Oaxaca including:
southern Zacatecas, eastern Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Distrito
Federal, west-central Veracruz, Oaxaca, and probably the intervening
states of Aguascalientes, Queretaro, Hidalgo, Mexico, Morelos, Tlax-
cala, and Puebla (fig. 69). Unverified reports from southern Jalisco
and eastern Colima.
No paired dark vertebral stripes on the neck; or if present, not
extending as much as 1% head-lengths before meeting the first
dorsal blotches; vertebral process less sharp and prominent; dorsal
scales without such prominent posterior bosses.* 13
A pair of dark vertebral stripes 1 to 3 scales wide on the neck,
bounding a lighter middorsal stripe about 3 scales wide, and ex-
tending posteriorly 1% head-lengths or more before meeting the
first dorsal blotches ; spinous process sharp and ridge-like ; posterior
head scales and dorsal scales strongly keeled and with conspicuous
posterior bosses ; usually with only 4 and rarely with more than 6
large flat scales on the crown anterior to the supraoculars and
intersupraocubrs. Crotalus durissus
(For subspecies continue on to 12)
* There are rare instances of paired vertebral stripes in viridu; these can readily he differentiated
from durissus by the presence of more than 6 scales in the internasal — prefontal area. Similarly occa-
sional specimens of durissus occur in which the characteristic anterior paravertebral stripes are replaced
by blotches. As far as we now know any rattlesnake from Central or South America ;hould be classified
as durissus, except that umcolor may occur in Nicaragua.
Fig. 28. C. polystictus. showing
paired and elongated inter-
canthals.
Fig. 29. Dorsal pattern of C.
polystictus.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
233
12 a. Light scale rows (one scale wide), laterally bounding the dark
paravertebral stripes (or dorsal blotches) in strong color-contrast
with the next scales below on the sides (fig. 30) . A pattern of
brown dorsal diamonds on a brown ground color, without strong
contrast between the dorsal and lateral areas.
Crotalus durissus terrificus
(Fig. 75).
South America and eastern Central America including: Argentina,
Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, eastern Peru, eastern Ecuador,
the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, and central and eastern Costa
Rica where there is intergradation with C. durissus durissus (figs. 65
and 66). Presence in Panama and Canal Zone somewhat doubtful.
12 b. Light scale rows (one scale wide), laterally bounding the dark
paravertebral stripes (or dorsal blotches) but little or no lighter
than the lateral areas next below (fig. 31). A pattern of dark-
brown or black dorsal diamonds (usually with light centers) in
strong contrast to the cream, yellow, gray, or light-brown ground
color of the sides. Crotalus durissus durissus
(Fig. 74).
Southern Mexico and Central America including: the Mexican states
of Michoacan, Guerrero, Distrito Federal, central Puebla, central and
southern Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan, and
probably also Morelos, Mexico, Tlaxcala, and Quintana Roo ; Guate-
mala, British Honduras, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua (fig.
66). The area of intergradation with C. durissus terrificus seems to
be approximately central Costa Rica, although the change is so gradual
that specimens between Honduras and Panama may be difficult to allo-
cate, the pattern being somewhat dependent on altitude.
13 a. Upper preocular not split vertically; or, if split,* the anterior sec-
tion not conspicuously higher than the posterior and not curved
over the canthus rostralis in front of the supraocular ; prenasal not
As is frequent in mitchellti and occasional in triseriatus.
^m
Fig. 30. Dorsal neck pattern of
C. d. terrificus.
Fig. 31. Dorsal neck pattern of
C. d. durissus.
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San Diego Society of Natural History
curved under the postnasal (fig. 21) ; the pattern not of widely
separated crossbars or rings. 15
13 b. Upper preocular split vertically, the anterior section being higher
than the posterior and curved over the canthus rostralis in front
of the supraocular; prenasal curved under the postnasal (fig. 32) ;
usually a pattern of widely separated crossbars (fig. 33).
Crotalus lepidus
(For subspecies continue on to 14).
14 a. A dark stripe passing backward from the eye to the angle of the
mouth (fig. 32) ; dorsal pattern of crossbars often not strongly
differentiated from the ground color; ventral surface mottled. A
pattern of 13 to 22 brown or black blotches or crossbars on a
punctate background of gray, brown, or pink flecked with gray,
the blotches being separated by a much greater distance (neglect-
ing rudimentary* or obsolescent blotches which are often present)
than the longitudinal extent of the blotches; tail usually pink or
reddish, crossed by 4 or less widely separated brown rings.
Crotalus lepidus lepidus
(Fig. 98).
West Texas and northeastern Mexico including: the trans-Pecos region
of Texas (especially the Davis and Chisos mountains, but excluding
the El Paso area, where it is replaced by C.l. kla-uberi), and Valverde,
Real, and Maverick counties; Coahuila, northern San Luis Potosi, and
probably northern Zacatecas (fig. 69).
14 b. No dark postocular stripe; dorsal pattern of crossbars sharply con-
trasting with the ground color; ventral surface punctated. A
pattern of 14 to 21 dark reddish-brown, or black blotches, or
crossbars on a background of green, blue-green, or blue-gray, the
blotches being separated by a much greater distance than their
longitudinal extent (fig. 33) ; tail usually cream or pink, crossed
by 4 or less widely separated brown rings. A subspecies pre-
ferring mountains. Crotalus lepidus klauberi
(Fig- 99).
Southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, the El Paso area in
Texas, and north-central Mexico including: the Santa Rita, Huachuca,
* Occasionally these are almost as evident as the fundamental bars thus producing a pattern of
closely adjacent bands.
Fig. 32. C. I. lepidus, showing
split upper preocular and pre-
nasal curved under postnasal.
Fig. 33. C.l. klauberi; dorsal
pattern.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
235
Dragoon, and Chiricahua mountains of southeastern Arizona ; the
Franklin, Magdalena, Pinos Altos, Mimbres, Animas, Big Hatchet,
and Dog mountains of southern New Mexico; El Paso County, Texas;
and mountain areas in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Durango,
southern Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, eastern Nayarit, and northern and
eastern Jalisco (fig. 69).
15 a. Prenasals in contact with rostral (fig. 34) ; upper preocular not
divided, or if divided (as in a few triseriatus), the loreal con-
spicuously longer than high. 17
15 b. Prenasals usually separated from the rostral by small scales or
granules (fig. 35) ; upper preoculars often divided, horizontally,
vertically, or both (fig. 36); rostral usually wider than high; a
pattern of dorsal blotches essentially comprising aggregations of
punctations. 16
16 a. Head smaller; length of head contained in adult body length more
than 24 times; original rattle-button (fig. 11), if present, more
than 7.5 mm. wide. A pattern of dark-gray or brown, punctated
blotches on a gray or tan background.
Crotalus mitchellii mitchellii
(Fig. 91).
Distrito del Sur of Baja California, Mexico, intergradation with C.
mitchellii pyrrhus occurring approximately along the border of the
two districts; also the islands of Ceralvo, Espiritu Santo, San Jose
(Gulf Coast), and Santa Margarita (Pacific Coast). Fig. 69.
16 b. Head larger; length of head contained in adult body length less
than 24 times; original rattle-button, if present, less than 7.5 mm.
wide. A pattern of red, gray, brown, or black, punctated blotches
on a cream, tan, buff, gray, pink, salmon, fawn, or brown back-
Fig. 34. Head scales of Crotalus;
front view (C. cinereous).
Fig. 35. C. m. pyrrhus; front
view, showing separation of ros-
tral from prenasals; also rostral
wider than high.
Fig. 36. Cm. mitchellii; lateral
view showing split upper pre-
ocular.
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San Diego Society of Natural History
ground; often with posterior black tips on some dorsal scales
between blotches Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus
(Fig. 92).
Southern California, western Arizona, and northern Baja California
including the following: California south of the line Barstow—
Ivanpah (approximate line of intergradation with Cm. stepbensi)
and east of Long. 118° (but absent from the San Gabriel Mountains
and the coastal plain) ; the southern tip of Nevada; Baja California
south to the northern boundary of Distrito del Sur (where inter-
gradation with mitchellii mitchellii is to be expected) ; Isla Angel de la
Guarda; extreme northwestern Sonora; west-central and southwestern
Arizona, inside the line Peach Springs — Williams — Casa Grande — Ajo
(fig. 69). A species preferring rocky habitats.
17 a. Tail of alternating black, and light ash-gray rings, both colors
being in sharp contrast with the posterior body color (fig. 37),
which may be gray, dark-gray, cream, pink, red, red-brown, or
olive-brown.* 18
17 b. Tail not of alternating black, and light ash-gray rings in strong
color-contrast to the body color immediately anterior to the tail.
23
18 a. Dark and light tail rings of approximately equal width (fig. 37) ;
postocular light stripe, if present, intersects the supralabials from
1 to 3 scales anterior to the angle of the mouth (fig. 38) ; minimum
scales between supraoculars 3 or more (fig. 14) ; no definite line
of demarcation between the scales in the frontal and prefrontal
areas ; proximal rattle black. Cinereous group 19
* Many other species of rattlers have barred tails but it is characteristic of the cinereous group that
there is a sharp transition in color at the beginning of the tail, whereas in the others there is no sharp
contrast between the posterior body rings and the anterior tail rings. The cinereous-type tail has the ap-
pearance of having been attached to the wrong snake.
Fig. 37. Tail pattern of cinereous
group.
Fig. 38. C. cinereous; lateral
head marks.
Fig. 39. C. scutulatus; lateral
head marks.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
237
18 b. Dark tail rings narrower than light; postocular light stripe, if
present, passes backward above the angle of the mouth (fig. 39) ;
minimum scales between the supraoculars rarely more than 2 ; a
definite division line or suture between the scales in the frontal
and prefrontal areas (fig. 40) ; lower half of proximal rattle light
in color. A pattern of brown hexagons or diamonds on a green,
olive-green, or brown background ; light scales bordering the dark
diamonds are unicolor, it being characteristic of this species that
the blotch edges follow the scales and do not cut them.
Crotalus scutulatus
(Fig. 84).
From the Mojave Desert in California southeastward to south-central
Mexico including: Kern, Los Angeles (Antelope Valley), and San
Bernardino counties in California but only eastward of the Tehachapi,
San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains ; the desert valleys of
Lincoln and Clark counties, Nevada ; extreme southwestern Utah ;
Arizona south and west of the line Williams — SafFord; extreme south-
western New Mexico ; trans-Pecos Texas ; northeastern Sonora, Chi-
huahua, eastern Durango, southern Coahuila, southwestern Tamaulipas,
Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and southeastward at least to Tlaxcala, no
doubt including the intervening Mexican plateau states of Guanajuato,
Queretaro, and Hidalgo (fig. 66).
Fig. 40. Dorsal head scales of C.
scutulatus showing paired inter-
supraoculars.
Fig. 41. Chin shields of Cro-
talus; first infralabials undivided.
Fig. 42. Chin shields of Cro-
talus; first infralabials divided.
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San Diego Society of Natural History
19 a. First infralabials usually not divided transversely (fig. 41) ; general
color cream, buff, gray, or gray-brown (sometimes pink or red in
central Arizona or New Mexico) ; dark punctations conspicuous
in markings. 20
19 b. First infralabials usually divided transversely (fig. 42) ;* general
color pink, red, brick-red, red-brown, or olive-brown; dark punc-
tations weakly in evidence or absent from markings. 21
20 a. Upper preocular usually not in contact with the postnasal and no
upper loreal present (fig. 43) ; head smaller in proportion to
body. Pattern of dark-brown, punctated diamonds with lighter
centers on a gray background, and with light borders of the
diamonds often absent laterally. Crotalus tortugensis
(Fig- 81).
Tortuga Island in the Gulf of California (fig. 67).
20 b. Upper preocular usually in contact with the postnasal (fig. 44),
or such contact prevented by an upper loreal (fig. 45) ; head pro-
portionately larger. Pattern of brown dorsal diamonds consisting
* A considerable proportion of California cinereous have divided first infralabials and one must em-
ploy the pattern criteria to judge California specimens or he will be improperly led to course 21 instead of
20. The blotches of cinereous are always strongly punctate, those of ruber almost unicolor.
Fig. 43. Snout of Crotalus; no
contact between postnasal and
preocular.
Fig. 44. Snout of Crotalus; con-
tact between postnasal and pre-
ocular; also between prenasal
and first supralabial.
Fig. 45. Snout of Crotalus; up-
per loreal present; no contact
between prenasal and first supra-
labial.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
239
of aggregations of punctations on a cream, buff, gray, gray-brown,
or (rarely) reddish background. Crotalus cinereous
(Figs. 80 and 108).
From Arkansas and Texas south to central Mexico and west to Cali-
fornia including the following: extreme southeastern Missouri; north-
eastern, central, and west-central Arkansas; western and southern
Oklahoma; Texas (except the Panhandle and east of Long. 95°) ; New
Mexico south of Lat. 36° but not including the mountains of the
central-west; Arizona south and west of the line Ash Fork — Clifton;
the southern tip of Nevada ; the desert areas of Riverside and Im-
perial counties, California, touching extreme eastern San Diego
County; extreme northeastern Baja California; and the Mexican states
of Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, San Luis
Potosi, and the northern tip of Veracruz; also Tiburon Island in the
Gulf of California; probably present in northeastern Durango and
northern Zacatecas (fig. 67). Has been introduced and seems to
have gained a foothold in Vernon County, Wis.
21a. Intergenials usually absent (fig. 41) ; prenasals generally in contact
with first supralabials (fig. 43) ; tail rings complete, or broken
only on the middorsal line; adults exceed 900 mm. 22
21b. A pair of intergenials usually present (fig. 46) ; generally no con-
tact between the prenasal and first supralabial (fig. 45) ; dark tail
rings often broken laterally; size smaller, adults rarely exceeding
900 mm. A pattern of red, circular, and ill-defined blotches on a
pinkish ground color. Crotalus exsul
Cedros (Cerros) Island off the Pacific Coast of Baja California (fig.
67).
22 a. General color pink, red, brick-red, or red-brown; usually no light
areas present within the diamonds; light preocular stripe 1 or 2
scales wide,* dull and often obscure; supraocular light crossbars
usually absent. A pattern of reddish, almost unicolor, diamonds
on a pinkish ground color. Crotalus ruber
(Fig. 83).
* Preferably to be determined at the second row of scales above the supralabials if the scales are regular.
Fig. 46. Chin shields of Crotalus ;
intergenials present.
Fig. 47. Chin shields of Crotalus;
submental present.
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San Diego Society of Natural History
The Californias from Lat. 34° to Lat. 26° including southeastern Los
Angeles County, Orange County (excluding the coastal plain) River-
side County (west of the desert), San Diego County, and extreme
southwestern Imperial County, California; Baja California, Mexico,
from the northern border to the vicinity of Comondu, but excluding
the deserts of the north lying east of the Sierra Juarez and Sierra San
Felipe; also the adjacent Gulf of California islands of Angel de la
Guarda, Pond, South San Lorenzo, San Marcos, and Monserrate
(fig. 67).
22 b. General color brown, olive-brown, or yellow-brown; light areas
usually present within the diamonds; light preocular stripe 3 or
more scales wide, bright and conspicuous ; supraocular light cross-
bars usually in evidence. Dorsal pattern of brown or olive-brown
blotches on a buff background. Crotalus lucasensis
(Fig. 82).
The southern part of the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico, from
Lat. 25° 30' to the Cape; the adjacent islands of Santa Margarita and
San Jose (fig. 67).
23 a. Two internasals (fig. 48). 29
23 b. More than two internasals i. e. scales between nasals, and in
contact with rostral, regardless of size or position* (fig. 49).
Crotalus viridis
(For subspecies continue on to 24).
24 a. Light postocular stripe 1 or \xk scales wide and clearly outlined
(fig. 50) ; body blotches commonly subrectangular, with even
edges and usually with a narrow light border (fig. 52).
25
* I have already stated (p. 198) that the internasal criterion will occasionally fail properly to key out
viridis and its subspecies. It may be noted at this point that if the snake is from California west of
the Sierra Nevada, from Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, northern Nevada, Idaho, Montana,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Wyoming, Utah (except the extreme southwest), Colorado, the Dakotas, western
Nebraska, or western Kansas one may safely take course 24 even tnough the snake have only 2 internasals.
Fig. 48. Crown of Crotalus
showing two internasals.
Fig. 49. Crown of Crotalus
showing four internasals.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
241
24 b. Light postocular stripe 2 or more scales wide, often indefinite or
absent (figs. 10 and 51) ; body blotches, if in evidence, commonly
diamonds, ellipses, or if rectangles, with edges rough or serrated,
and often without narrow light borders. 26
25 a. Color usually green or olive-green; less often olive-brown or
brown; scale-rows 27 or 25 ; dorsal scale rows at the center of the
tail 13 or more; adult size exceeding 850 mm. A pattern of even-
edged dark-brown rectangular or subhexagonal blotches usually
surrounded by a thin light line. Crotalus viridis viridis
(Fig- 83).
The Great Plains from Long. 97° to the Rocky Mountains and from
southern Canada to extreme northern Mexico including the following:
southwestern Saskatchewan (south of the South Saskatchewan River
and west of Long. 107°30') ; southeastern Alberta (south of the Red
Deer River and east of Long. 113°); Montana, except the higher
mountains in the west; the Lemhi Valley in Idaho; Wyoming east of
the Rockies; Colorado (except in the higher mountains, and in the
basins of the Colorado and Green rivers west of the Continental
Divide) ; extreme southeastern Utah and northeastern Arizona (San
Juan River basin) ; New Mexico, except the mountains of the west-
center; extreme northeastern Sonora and northern Chihuahua near the
U. S. boundary; southwestern North Dakota (west of the Missouri
River but including the first tier of counties on the eastern bank) ;
western South Dakota (limiting counties Hand and Jerauld) ; western
Nebraska; central and western Kansas (limiting counties Riley and
Geary); Oklahoma west of Woods and Custer counties; Texas west
of Long. 97° and north of Lat. 30° (fig. 68). The rattler of the
western Mississippi basin plains.
Fig. 50. Lateral head pattern of
C. v. viridis.
Fig. 51. Lateral head pattern of
C. v. oreganus.
Fig. 52. Dorsal pattern of C. v.
viridis.
242 San Diego Society of Natural History
25 b. Color, pink, red, or red-brown;* scale rows 25 or 23; dorsal scales
at the center of the tail 12 or less; adult size rarely exceeding
650 mm Crotalus viridis nuntius
(Fig. 86).
Northeastern and north-central Arizona from the New Mexican line to
Cateract Creek including the following: the basin of the Little Colo-
rado River; the southern part of the Apache Indian Reservation; the
Hopi Indian Reservation; and the Coconino Plateau, from the south
brink of the Grand Canyon south to U. S. Highway 66 (rig. 68).
26 a. Color darker, not straw, cream, or yellow; adult size larger, over
650 mm. 27
26 b. Color straw, cream, or yellow; blotches often only faintly in evi-
dence or obsolete in adults; adult size smaller, usually under
650 mm Crotalus viridis concolor
(Fig. 89).
The basins of the Colorado and Green rivers including: a small area
in southwestern Wyoming; Utah east of Long. 111° and north of the
San Juan River (intergradation with viridis viridis is indicated in this
river valley) ; western Mesa, southwestern Delta, and northern Mont-
rose counties in western Colorado (fig. 68).
27 a. Adult color other than vermilion or salmon; body blotches in
evidence, or body black. 28
27 b. Adult color vermilion or salmon; body blotches tending toward
obsolescence in adults. Crotalus viridis abyssus
(Fig. 87).
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National
Park, Arizona from the north to the south rim (fig. 68).
28 a. Ground color lighter, usually buff or drab; body blotches occupy
less or but little more longitudinal space than interspaces; sec-
ondary series of lateral blotches little in evidence; a pattern of
dark-brown dorsal blotches (often with light centers) on a buff
or drab ground color. Crotalus viridis lutosus
(Fig. 88).
The Great Basin between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada
including: Idaho south of Lat. 44° ; Utah west of Long. 111° ; Arizona
north and west of the Colorado River and the north rim of the Grand
Canyon; all of Nevada except Esmeralda, southern Nye, and Clark
counties; California, east of the Sierra Nevada, from Lower Klamath
Lake south to below Mono Lake; Oregon south and east of the line
Upper Klamath Lake — Fort Rock— Burns— Council (Idaho), this
being the approximate line of intergradation with C.v. oreganus
(% 68).
28 b. Ground color darker, usually dark-gray, olive, brown, or black;
dark-brown or black dorsal blotches (usually diamonds or hexa-
gons) occupying considerably more longitudinal space than the
* Specimens from the plateau south of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, are usually greenish or grayish,
but should be referred to this subspecies.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 243
interspaces; a secondary series of lateral blotches conspicuously in
evidence. Some mountain specimens nearly uniform black, only
patches of yellow scales representing the interspaces on the mid-
dorsal line. Crotalus viridis creganus
(Figs. 90, 109, and 110).
The Pacific slope from British Columbia to central Lower California
including the following: the basins of the Fraser and Okanogan Rivers
in south-central British Columbia, south of Lat. 51° and between
Long. 119° and 122°, Washington east of the Cascade Mountains;
the western edge of Idaho from Coeur d'Alene south to Lat. 44° ,
Oregon west of the line Upper Klamath Lake — Fort Rock — Burns —
Council (this being the approximate line of intergradation with
lutosus) but absent from northwestern Oregon west of the Cascades
and from southwestern Oregon immediately contiguous to the
coast;* all of California west of the Sierra Nevada (including
these mountains), but excluding a narrow coastal fringe in the ex-
treme northwest and the entire desert (transmontane) area of the
southeast ; the west coast and mountains of Baja California from the
U. S. border south to Punta Maria (Lat. 29°); the mountain areas
of central and southern Arizona south of the line Peach Springs —
San Francisco Peak — Springerville but not including the desert areas
of the southwest; the mountains of extreme west-central New Mexico
(vicinity of Steeple Rock) and of extreme northern Sonora;t the
Pacific Coast islands — Mono Rock, Santa Catalina, and Los Coronados
(fig. 68).
29 a. No vertical light line on the posterior edge of the prenasals and
first supralabials. 30
29 b. A vertical light line on the posterior edge of the prenasals and
first supralabials (fig. 53). A pattern of black, or dark-brown
diamonds, with lighter centers, surrounded by single rows of
yellow scales on a dark-brown background. Crotalus adamanteus
(Fig. 79).
The coastal plains of the following southeastern and gulf states: North
Carolina south of Albemarle Sound; South Carolina; Georgia; all
* An occasional specimen is found at the river mouths, evidently carried down by floodwater.
t The Arizona — Sonora range of oreganus does not conjoin the coastal range; there is an unoccupied
desert gap between. Nevertheless I do not find consistent differences warranting the recognition of the
Arizona form as a separate subspecies, C. v. cerberus.
Fig. 53. C. adamanteus, showing
vertical light marks on prenasal
and first supralabial.
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San Diego Society of Natural History
of Florida, with many of the adjacent keys; Alabama; Mississippi;
and extreme southeastern Louisiana (fig. 67). A lowland species.
30 a. Supraoculars not pitted, sutured, nor with broken outer edges
(fig. 14). 31
30 b. Supraoculars pitted, sutured, or with outer edges broken (fig. 54) .
A pattern of buff, gray, brown, or deep red-brown blotches on a
background of straw, tan, buff, brown, or gray; often with gray
suffusions on the sides of head and body, and with black-tipped
scales scattered on the dorsum particularly at blotch edges.
Crotalus mitchellii stephensi
(Fig. 93).
The mountain and rocky desert areas of east-central California and
southwestern Nevada including: the eastern slopes of the Sierra
Nevada from southern Mono County to southern Kern County and
eastward in California through the desert mountain ranges to the
Nevada line; Nevada west and south of the line Hawthorne — Tonopah
— St. Thomas. Intergradation with Cm. pyrrbus occurs approximately
along the line Barstow — Ivanpah, which thus constitutes the southern
limit of stephensi (fig. 69). A rock inhabiting form.
31a. No distinct and evenly-outlined light supraocular crossbars curving
forward inwardly; scales on the crown and frontal area smooth
and flat. 32
Fig. 54. C. m. stephensi, showing
sutured supraoculars.
Fig. 55. Dorsal head pattern, C.
enyo, showing light marks on
supraoculars curving forward in-
wardly.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
245
31 b. Distinct and evenly-outlined light supraocular crossbars curving
forward inwardly (fig. 55) ; scales on the crown and frontal area
rough, ridged, or knobby; outer edges of the supraoculars raised
above the crown (particularly evident in life) forming a depres-
sion in the frontal area; dorsal scales sharply keeled and with
prominent posterior bosses ; ridged spinous process sharply evident.
A pattern of dark-brown blotches on a fawn background, usually
with black in the lateral corners of the blotches at midbody.
Crotalus enyo
(Fig. 77).
The peninsula of Baja California, Mexico, from the Cape north to
Lat. 30°, together with the adjacent islands of San Francisco, Carmen,
and Partida, in the Gulf of California, and Santa Margarita on the
Pacific side (fig. 66).
32 a. General color dark and with conspicuous blotches 33
32 b. General color white, cream, or yellow, with grayish tail; a mid-
dorsal light line faintly in evidence, especially at the neck ; paired
apical scale-pits rendered conspicuous (particularly near the tail)
by gray dots. Crotalus unicolor*
Aruba Island, Dutch West Indies, off the coast of Venezuela (fig.
65).
33 a. Head larger; head length contained less than 25 times in adult
body length ; proximal rattle width contained in head length more
than 2x/2 times. 34
33 b. Head notably small for a rattlesnake; head length in adults con-
tained in body length (over-all) 25 times, or more; proximal
rattle width contained in head length less than 2Y2 times; pattern
* Not to be confused with albino specimens of other species (fig. 111).
Fig. 56. C. molossus, showing
enlarged scales in anterior part of
frontal area.
Fig. 57. C. horridus, showing
lack of enlarged scales in
frontal area.
246 San Diego Society of Natural History
a series of cross-rings or blotches comprising brown punctations
on a pink, buff, or gray ground. Crotalus tigris
(Fig. 94).
The rocky desert foothills of south-central Arizona, and northeastern
and central Sonora, from the vicinity of Phoenix, Arizona, via Tucson,
to Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, including the following Arizona moun-
tain ranges: Phoenix, Salt River, Estrella, Santa Catalina, Tucson,
Coyote, Baboquivari (Verde), Sierrita, and Santa Rita (fig. 69).
A rock inhabiting form.
34 a. Usually a definite division between the scales in the frontal and
the prefrontal areas; scales in the anterior part of frontal area
larger than those behind (fig. 56) ; anterior body pattern not in
chevron-shaped bands or not all black. 36
34 b. No definite division or continuous suture between the scales in
the frontal and the prefrontal areas ; scales in the anterior part of
frontal area not conspicuously larger than those behind (fig. 57) ;
normal pattern a series of chevron-shaped crossbands sometimes
broken (fig. 58), or with the body all black. Crotalus horridus
(For subspecies continue on to 33 ).
35 a. Dorsal scale rows usually 23; postocular dark stripe indistinct; no
middorsal reddish-brown stripe evident anteriorly; sometimes en-
tirely black Crotalus horridus horridus
(Fig. 96).
The northeastern and north-central United States including: all of
the Atlantic states from southwestern Maine to southern Virginia,
(possibly exterminated in Delaware); West Virginia; Ohio; central
and eastern Kentucky; the mountains of western North Carolina,
northwestern South Carolina, northern Georgia, central and eastern
Tennessee, and extreme northern Alabama; Indiana; Illinois (except
the southern tip); southwestern Wisconsin; extreme southeastern
Minnesota; eastern and southern Iowa; Missouri (except the southeast
corner) ; extreme southeastern Nebraska; Kansas (east of Long. 97°) ;
Fig. 58. Dorsal pattern of C. h
horridus.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes 247
the mountainous area of northwestern Arkansas; the eastern half of
Oklahoma; north-central Texas (fig. 68). Originally present in
southwestern Ontario but now said to be extinct.*
35 b. Dorsal scale rows usually 25 ; postocular dark stripe distinct and in
contrast with the ground color; a middorsal reddish-brown or
brown stripe evident anteriorly. Crotalus horridus atricaudatus
(Fig. 97).
The lowlands of the South Atlantic and Gulf states and the lower
Mississippi Valley including: eastern North Carolina ^South Carolina;
central and southern Georgia; Florida north of Lat. 29° 30'; central and
southern Alabama; Mississippi; extreme western Kentucky and Ten-
nessee; Louisiana; southern and eastern Arkansas; extreme south-
eastern Missouri and southern Illinois; and Texas east of Long. 99°
and north of Lat. 28° (fig. 68). On the Atlantic Coast this sub-
species may range as far north as southern New Jersey.*
36 a. Dorsal scale rows usually less than 24; scale rows at the center
of the tail 11 or less; ventrals rarely exceed 168; 1 or 2 scales
between bottom-center of orbit and supralabials ; usually a single
loreal, longer than high (fig. 59) ; size small, adults rarely exceed
600 mm. Crotalus triseriatus
(For subspecies continue on to 37).
36 b. Dorsal scale rows usually exceed 24; scale rows at the center of
the tail 12 or more; ventrals rarely less than 169; 3 or more scales
between bottom-center of orbit and supralabials ; usually more than
one loreal, but if single, then higher than long (fig. 60) ; size
large, adults over 600 mm. 38
37 a. Dorsal pattern a single series of dark-brown blotches, often edged
with black and not sharply contrasting with the ground-color of
* This rattlesnake, once indigenous to what are now the most populous areas of the United States,
has largely been forced out of industrial and agricultural districts, but still remains in adjacent mountains
and forests, where rocky or wooded retreats are available. Thus, its present range is intermittent and it is
extinct in many areas over which it once ranged.
The boundaries between the subspecies C.h. horridus and C.h. atricaudatus are as yet not definitely
determined. The division of the species C. horridus into these two subspecies considerably complicates
the statement of the range so that it is difficult to visualize. For the species C. horridus as a whole the
range can be more succinctly given thus: All of the states east of the Mississippi River except Michigan;
also with a limited range in five other states, being confined to southwestern Maine, southern New Hamp-
shire and Vermont, southern and western Wisconsin, and Florida north of Lat. 29°30'; it is possibly
extinct in Delaware. West of the Mississippi the range includes: extreme southeastern Minnesota; eastern
and southern Iowa; probably extreme southeastern Nebraska; Missouri; Kansas, east of Long. 97°; the
eastern half of Oklahoma; Arkansas; Louisiana; and Texas east of Long. 99° and north of Lat. 28°
(fig. 68). Of course to all of these areas the previous remarks concerning possible extermination in
industrial and agricultural territories apply.
Fig. 59. Lateral head scales of Fig. 60. Lateral head scales of C.
C. t. triseriatus. basiliscus.
248
San Diego Society of Natural History
brown or dark-gray (fig. 61) ; usually 3 labials in contact with
pit-border. Crotalus triseriatus triseriatus
(Fig. 100).
The central Mexican plateau including: the higher areas in extreme
southern Durango, Nayarit, southern Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, south-
western Tamaulipas, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Queretaro,.
Hidalgo, Michoacan, Mexico (state), Distrito Federal, Morelos,
Guerrero, Tlaxcala, northern Puebla, and west-central Veracruz (fig.
71). Intergrades with C.t. pricei in southern Durango.
37 b. Dorsal pattern of two parallel rows of small brown blotches on a
steel-gray ground color (fig. 62) ; usually 2 labials in contact with
the pit-border. Crotalus triseriatus pricei
(Fig. 101).
The mountains of southeastern Arizona and northwestern Mexico in-
cluding: the Pinalino (Graham), Santa Catalina, Santa Rita, Huachuca,
and Chiricahua mountains in Arizona; and the Sierra Tarahumare and
Sierra Madre in eastern Sonora, western Chihuahua, and western Dur-
ango, intergrading with C.t. triseriatus in the southern part of the
last named state (fig. 71).
38 a. Usually a single loreal; tail rings sharply contrasting in color.
Crotalus scutulatus
(See under 18b).*
38 b. Usually two or more loreals; tail unicolor or with rings rather
faint — not sharply contrasting. 39
39 a. Tail often black, or with rings faintly in evidence against a dark
background ; vertebral process not conspicuous ; tail shorter, ap-
proximately 7.1 per cent of body length (over-all) in the males
and 5.8 per cent in females; subcaudals rarely more than 27 in
males, or 23 in females; initial rattle-button (if present), over
5 mm. wide; body color primarily olive-green, or yellow-green
with dark-brown blotches, often with a light interior blotch on
each side of the center; blotch-bordering scales unicolor.
Crotalus molossus
(For subspecies continue on to 40).
* This is the only species which is double-keyed, for scutulatus may or may net have a
like tail, and hence may take either course 17a or 17b.
Fig. 61. Dorsal pattern of C. t. Fig. 62. Dorsal pattern of C. t.
triseriatus. pricei.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
249
39 b. Tail not black but with gray rings on a darker gray background;
vertebral process prominent; tail longer, approximately 9.2 per
cent of body length in the males and 7.4 per cent in the females;
subcaudals in males rarely less than 28, or 23 in females; initial
rattle-button (if present) less than 5 mm. wide; body pattern a
series of red or red-brown diamonds (outlined with buff) on a
pinkish background. Crotalus basiliscus
(Fig. 76).
The west coast of Mexico between Lat. 17° and 25° including southern
Sinaloa, Jalisco, Colima, and central Oaxaca certainly, and probably
Nayarit, Michoacan, and Guerrero; restricted to the coast and ad-
jacent higher areas (fig. 66).
40 a. Dark dorsal blotches (on the anterior half of the body) open on
the sides and extending to the ventrals (fig. 63). A pattern of
dark-brown blotches (often with a light interior blotch on each
side of the center) on an olive-green or yellow-green ground
color; blotch bordering scales unicolor.
Crotalus molossus molossus
(Fig. 78).
From west Texas to Arizona and south in Mexico to northern Durango,
including: the limestone area north and west of San Antonio, and
trans-Pecos Texas; New Mexico southwest of the line Gallup — Otto —
Carlsbad ; Arizona, from the Grand Canyon and Little Colorado River
south, but not including Mohave and Yuma counties; central and
eastern Sonora, and western Chihuahua, intergrading with Cm.
nigrescens in northern Durango ; also San Esteban Island in the Gulf
of California (fig. 70).
40 b. Dark dorsal blotches (on the anterior half of the body) closed
laterally by light borders (fig. 64) . Body color primarily olive-
brown, or brownish-black, with dark-brown diamonds bounded
by grayish or yellowish unicolored rows of light scales.
Crotalus molossus nigrescens
The tableland of Mexico from northern Durango (where it inter-
grades with Cm. molossus) south and east through Durango, southern
Coahuila, Zacatecas, western San Luis Potosi, Aguascalientes, eastern
Jalisco, Guanajuato, northern Michoacan, Mexico (state), and Dis-
trito Federal, to central Veracruz and southeastern Puebla (fig. 70).
Fig. 63. Lateral pattern of C.
molossus.
))i.
Fig. 64. Lateral pattern of C. m.
nigrescens.
250
San Difgo Society of Natural History
Fig. 65. Ranges of Crotalus durissus terrificus (in part) and Crotalus unicolof.
(The range of the South American rattlesnake is not known with accuracy, and this
map is to be considered only a generalized indication of the area covered. Its presence
in the central basin of the Amazon is doubtful).
Note. The grouping of the forms in the several maps is not necessarily an indication of rela-
tionship, the arrangement being primarily selected to reduce the required number of maps. How-
ever, subspecies of a single species always appear on the same map so that the approximate lines of
intergradation can be seen, such lines being indicated by stars.
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
251
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San Dikgo Society of Natural History
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254
San Diego Society of Natural History
MITCHELLII
Fig. 69. Ranges of Crotalns mitcbellii mitchellii. C. m. pyrrhus. C. m. stephensi.
Crotalns tigris. Crotalns lepidns lepidns. C. I. klauberi, and Crotalns polystictus.
(Stars indicate approximate lines of intergradation between subspecies).
Klaurer — Key to the Rattlesnakes
255
256
San Diego Society of Natural History
^ M-
C •_ u
Ki.awber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
257
Fig. 74. Crotalus durissus durissus.
Central American Rattlesnake (12b).*
(Specimen from Vera Cruz, Mexico. West-coast specimens have less color in the lateral
areas between dorsal blotches).
Fig. 75. Crotalus durissus terrijicus.
South American Rattlesnake (12a).
(Specimen from Central Brazil. Photo by courtesy of the New York Zoological Society).
* This number refers to the item (not page I number in the text of the key. under which the key
characters, color description, and range will be found.
258
San Dif.go Society of Natural History
Fig. 76. Crotalus basiliscus.
Mexican West-Coast Rattlesnake (39b)
(Specimen from Retes, Sinaloa, Mexico).
Fig. 77. Crotalus enyo.
Lower California Rattlesnake (31b).
(Specimen from La Rivera, Baja California, Mexico).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
259
Fig. 78. Crotalus molossus molossus.
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (40a).
(Specimen from Entro, Yavapai County, Arizona).
Fig. 79. Crotalus adamant eus.
Eastern Diamond Rattlesnake (29b).
(Specimen from Eureka, Marion County, Florida. The blur at the tail is the vibrating rattle).
260
San Diego Society of Natural History
Fig. 80. Crotahts cinereous.
Western Diamond Rattlesnake (20b).
(Specimen from Date, Yavapai County, Arizona).
Fig. 81. Crotalus tortugensis.
Tortuga Island Diamond Rattlesnake (20a).
(Specimen from Tortuga Island, Gulf of California).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
261
Fig. 82. Crotalus lucasensts.
San Lucan Diamond Rattlesnake (22b).
(Specimen from La Rivera, Baja California, Mexico).
Fig. 83. Crotalus ruber.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake (22a).
(Specimen from Santa Margarita, San Diego County, California).
262
San Diego Society of Natural History
. ■< -Or* -
Fig. 84. Crotalus scutulatus.
Mohave Rattlesnake (18b).
(Specimen from Date, Yavapai County, Arizona).
Fig. 85. Crotalus viridis viridis.
Prairie Rattlesnake (25a).
(Specimen from near Jetmore, Hodgeman County, Kansas).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
263
■* I MM
i&kf
**
Sa^&R**
fej^S?^
m&*
Fig. 86. Cvotalus viridis nuntius.
Arizona Prairie Rattlesnake (25b).
(Specimen from Canyon Padre, Coconino County, Arizona).
■fc^
Fig. 87. Crotalns viridts abyssus.
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake (27b).
(Specimen from Tanner Trail in Grand Canyon, Coconino County, Arizona).
264
San Diego Society of Natural History
Fig. 88. Crotalns v'tridis lutosus.
Great Basin Rattlesnake (28a).
(Specimen from near Delta, Millard County, Utah).
,-- . . .
V
Fig. 89. Cro talus viridis concolor.
Midget Faded Rattlesnake (26b).
(Specimen from Jensen, Uintah County, Utah).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
265
Fig. 90. Crotalus liridis oregamis.
Pacific Rattlesnake (28b).
(Specimen from near Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington).
M ft "<&$?«
V,.' !
& ■* ^ '
. •* •"
■*<. . '
■.**■*'
fat' *% "*\
S&» s! *
Fig. 91. Crotalus mitckellii mitchellii.
San Lucan Speckled Rattlesnake ( 1 6a) .
(Specimen from La Rivera, Baja California, Mexico).
266
San Diego Society of Natural History
Fig. 92. C total us mite hell ii pyrrhus.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (16b).
(Specimen from Yaqui Well, San Diego County, California).
Fig. 93. C to talus mitchellii Stephens}.
Panamint Rattlesnake (30b).
(Specimen from near Aberdeen, Inyo County, California).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
267
Fig. 94. Cvotalus tigris.
Tiger Rattlesnake (33b).
(Specimen from Squaw Peak, Maricopa County, Arizona).
Fig. 95. Cvotalus cerastes.
Horned Rattlesnake or Sidewinder (8b).
(Specimen from Borego Valley, San Diego County, California).
268
San Dif.go Society of Natural History
Fig. 96. Crotalus horridus horridus.
Timber Rattlesnake (35a).
(Specimen from near Baraboo, Sauk County, Wisconsin).
Fig. 97. Crotalus horridus atricaudatus.
Canebrake Rattlesnake (35b).
(Specimen from Imboden, Lawrence County, Arkansas).
Klauber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
269
Fig. 98. Crotalus lepidus lepidus.
Eastern Rock Rattlesnake (14a).
(Specimen from Mt. Locke, Jeff Davis County, Texas),
Fig. 99. Crotalus lepidus klauberi.
Green Rock Rattlesnake (14b).
(Specimen from Pinos Altos Mts., Grant County, New Mexico).
270
San Diego Society of Natural History
Fig. 100. Crotalus triseriatus triseriaius.
Mexican Spotted Rattlesnake (37a).
(Specimen from Jacala, Hidalgo, Mexico).
Fig. 101. Crotalus triseriatus pricei.
Arizona Spotted Rattlesnake (37b).
(Specimen from Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mts., Cochise County. Arizona).
Klauber — Kfv to thi: Rattli-snakhs
271
Fig. 102. Crotalus willardi.
Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (9b).
(Specimen from Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mrs., Cochise County, Arizona).
Fig. 103. Sistrurus miliarias miliarius.
Carolina Ground Rattlesnake (6b).
(Specimen from Leesville, South Carolina. Photo by courtesy of Howard K. Gloyd).
272
San Dif.go Society of Natural History
Fig. 104. Sistrurus miliar ins barbouri.
Southeastern Ground Rattlesnake (5b)
(Specimen from Marion County, Florida).
Fig. 105. Sistrurus miliarias streckeri.
Western Ground Rattlesnake (6a).
(Specimen from Gentilly, Orleans Parish, Louisiana).
Klaubi-r — Key to the Rattlksnaki-s
273
Fig. 106. Sist runts catenates catenatus.
Eastern Massasauga (4a) .
(Specimen from Proud Lake, Oakland County, Michigan. The flattened posture is one
often assumed by an angered rattler).
Fig. 107. Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus.
Western Massasauga (4b) .
(Specimen from China Spring, McLennan County, Texas).
274
San Diego Society of Natural History
^T^MHW*-
A
fe.
Fig. 108. A rattlesnake in a striking coil or typical defensive posture.
(Crotalus cinereous, Western Diamond Rattlesnake, Riverside County, California).
Fig. 109. A rattlesnake in its resting coil.
{Crotalus viridis oreganus, Pacific Rattlesnake, San Diego County, California).
Fig. 110. A rattlesnake crawling; note how the rattle is elevated to prevent dragging.
(Crotalus viridis oreganus, Pacific Rattlesnake, San Diego County, California).
Ki auber — Key to the Rattlesnakes
275
Fig. 111. A juvenile albino rattlesnake, compared with one of normal coloration.
{Crotalus viridh viridis, Prairie Rattlesnake, Weld County, Colorado).
Fig. 112. The biting mechanism of the rattlesnake.
These are poses of a freshly killed specimen of Crotalus cinereous, with mouth
opened to show the fangs. In the left-hand figure the fangs are folded against the
roof of the mouth and are covered by their sheaths. In the central figure the
fangs are slightly advanced and the sheaths have been cut away. The right fang
has been outlined in white to bring it out. In the right-hand figure the mouth has
been widely opened and the fangs advanced, as at the end of the forward drive of
a strike.
276
San Diego Society of Natural History
SPECIES INDEX
Species
or
Description
and Range
Map
Photograph
Subspecies
Key No. Page
Fig.
Page
Fig.
Page
Abyssus
Adamanteus
27b 242
29b 243
68
67
253
252
87
79
263
259
Atricaudatus 1
Barbouri
35b
5b
247
229
68
73
253
256
97
104
268
272
Basiliscus
Catenatus
39b
4a
249
228
66
73
251
256
76
106
258
273
Cerastes
Cinereous
8b
20b
26b
12b
230
238
71
67
255
252
95
80
267
260
Concolor
Durissus
242
233
68
66
253
251
89
74
264
257
Enyo
Exsul
31b 245
21b 239
66
61
251
252
77
258
Horridus
Klauberi
35a 246
14b 234
68
69
253
254
96
99
268
269
Lepidus
Lucasensis
14a 234
22b 240
69
67
254
252
98
82
269
261
Lutosus
Miliarius
28a
6b
242
230
68
73
253
256
88
103
264
271
Mitchellii
Molossus
16a
40a
235
249
69
70
254
255
91
78
265
259
Nigrescens
Nuntius
40b 249
25b 242
70
68
255
253
86
263
Oreganus
Polystictus
28b 242
10b 232
68
69
253
254
90
265
Pricei
Pyrrhus
37b
16b
248
235
71
69
255
254
101
92
270
266
Ravus
Ruber
2b 227
22a 239
73
67
256
252
83
261
Scutulatus
Stejnegeri
18b
7b
237
230
66
71
251
255
84
262
Stephensi
Streckeri
30b
6a
244
229
69
73
254
256
93
105
266
272
Tergeminus
Terrificus
4b 229
12a 233
73
65-6
256
250-1
107
75
273
257
rigris
Tortugensis
33b
20a
245
238
69
67
254
252
94
81
267
260
Triseriatus
Unicolor
37a
32b
247
245
65
255
250
100
270
Viridis
Willardi
25a
9b
241
231
68
72
253
255
85
102
262
271
The Scientific Publications of the
San Diego Society of Natural History
comprise the following series:
Transactions — descriptive and taxonomic contributions.
Memoirs — lengthy monographs.
Occasional Papers — reports primarily of interest to specialists.
A complete list of publications will be furnished on application to
THE DIRECTOR,
Natural History Museum
Balboa Park,
San Diego, California
& ri*$
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 21, pp. 277-304, plate 21
NEW PORCELLANIDS AND PINNOTHERIDS
FROM TROPICAL NORTH AMERICAN WATERS
BY
Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
December 7, 1936
?
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
NEW PORCELLANIDS AND PINNOTHERIDS
FROM TROPICAL NORTH AMERICAN WATERS
BY
Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
INTRODUCTION
The littoral fauna of the west coast of Mexico, during the last
few years, has produced many interesting additions to the known list
of marine invertebrates. With the descriptions of these new Pacific
species the foundations are being laid for a more intelligent study of the
analogies which exist between faunas of the tropical Pacific and Carib-
bean seas. This study, revealing as it does relationships, still close, be-
tween many of our new species and those already known from Carib-
bean and Atlantic waters, clearly demonstrates the comparatively recent
intrusion of a land barrier separating the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
This paper, then, is an attempt to bring our knowledge of a small
portion of this western fauna up to date by describing a number of
newly found forms of those crab-like Anomurans, the Porcellanids.
More than fifty years have passed since Lockington described a num-
ber of this group from the Gulf of California. Since that time very
little attention has been paid to the Porcellanids in this area. It is
hoped that, at this time, the addition of thirteen new species from those
waters may make amends for this neglect.
In addition to these Porcellanids, three new species of Pinno-
therids are also described: one from Panama, the other two from the
Gulf of California.
I wish to express my thanks to Dr. Mary J. Rathbun and Dr.
Waldo L. Schmitt of the U. S. National Museum, and to Dr. Isabella
Gordon of the British Museum (Natural History), for their encour-
agement, valuable suggestions and assistance. I am indebted to Mr.
Anker Petersen of Beverly Hills, California, for the drawings of the
text figures.
280 San Diego Society of Natural History
PORCELLANIDAE
Petrolisthes schmitti, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71534, and male, paratype, U. S. Na-
tional Museum: from San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, low tide; June 8,
1933; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two paratypes, female and male, Cat. Nos.
765 and 766, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace quadrilateral. Chelipeds short; carpus short, unarmed.
First antennal peduncle lobed. A small species.
Description. — Carapace as long as wide, sides subparallel, margined with a
distinct ridge; epibranchial regions roughened with rugae, remaining regions
smooth, but having a few scattered tufts of tomentum. Front depressed, a single
undivided process, not trilobate; line of front sinuous over antennules, slightly
tomentose. Eyes large. Upper ocular margin smooth. First antennal peduncle
with a horizontally depressed, distal lobe; second peduncle lightly granulate.
Chelipeds short, stout; merus short, a small lobe at distal inner angle, not
protruding as far as outer edge of carpus; carpus 2/3 as long as wide, unarmed,
with two shallow, longitudinal sulci dividing the surface into three granulated
ridges; hands short, thick, subequal, similar, a longitudinal median swelling from
proximal end to gape, bordered by indistinct sulci; outer part of hand and fingers
granulate, with a light film of tomentum near margins; palms of hands smooth,
with tufts of sponge-like hair in the gape of the fingers; pollices blunt at tips, up-
turned; dactyli long, sinuous, granulate, with prehensile edges closely meshing
pollices.
Ambulatory legs longer than body length, decorated with irregular tufts of
tomentum, sparingly setose.
Abdomen and epimera fringed with tomentum.
Color in alcohol. — A red-brown mottled with white.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 4.7 mm., width 4.7
mm. Male paratype: length 4.4 mm., width 4.1 mm.
Range. — Upper part of the Gulf of California.
Material examined. — San Felipe, Baja California, June 8, 1933; 4 males and
7 females; collected by the author. The types for this species were selected from
this series.
Habitat. — Taken at low water from under rocks.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. gracilis, Stimpson, 1859, in
which the shape of the front is similar, but it differs from that species in that
P. schmitti has short heavy chelipeds, with longitudinal sulci and granulated
ridges on the carpus, while in P. gracilis the chelipeds are long, and the carpus is
long, smooth and narrow. P. schmitti has tufts and fringes of tomentum, while
P. gracilis is nude.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 281
This species, being of such small size, might be considered to be in the
adolescent stage, if it were not for the fact that most of the females were gravid,
and that intensive collecting failed to produce larger specimens.
This species is dedicated to Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt, of the U. S. National
Museum, with feelings of warm personal regard and admiration.
Petrolisthes sanfelipensis, new species
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 71535, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, low tide; June
8, 1933; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two paratypes, male and female, Cat.
Nos. 767 and 768, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace striated, bearing spines on the front, ocular margin,
and on the hepatic, branchial and protogastric regions. Nearly the entire dorsal
and ventral surfaces covered with either striations or squamae.
Description. — Carapace nearly as long as wide, regions well marked,
transversely plicated with micro-piliferous striae, interrupted by the cervical
groove and cardiac margins; a row of spines completely across the carapace be-
hind the eyes, interrupted by the median sinus and cervical groove; a group of
spines on the epibranchial region and a spine on the margin posterior to the
hepatic region. The front is triangular, depressed, and margined with thick-set
blunt teeth, separated from the ocular margin by a sinus. The supraocular
margin is armed with sharp, forward-pointing teeth, increasing in length anteri-
orly; a single sharp, postorbital tooth. Other teeth may be present on the forward
part of the carapace in some specimens, but, for the most part, those described
here are not subject to change in location. The eyes are large, the distal end of
the stalk being fringed with red hair. The distal end of the first antennal
peduncle bears a horizontally compressed plate, armed with teeth on its outer
margin; the second peduncle is roughened on its outer surface with blunt tuber-
cles; the third is plain.
The chelipeds are long and narrow; merus armed at its distal inner angle
with a long rugose lobe surmounted with a sharp spine, its distal margins armed
with spines, its surface transversely crossed with interrupted striae; the carpus is
nearly twice as long as wide, armed on its inner margin with four or five major
multiformed teeth; these teeth are covered on their long proximal edges with
smaller denticles, the distal margins being short and tuberculate; the carpus
may be divided into three longitudinal parts; the outer part is armed with a series
of 7 or 8 forward- and upward-pointing spines, which are inside the margin and
are connected with transverse striae which come up from the under side of the
carpus; these spines border an interrupted sulcus; the median portion of the
carpus is raised and formed of transverse laminae broken up, and this is sepa-
rated from the inner side by another interrupted sulcus; the remaining portion
is covered with piliferous, sharp-pointed, granulated rugae; the distal end has
several teeth; the manus is long and slender, and oblique plications from the
inner palm come over the crest to an inner-marginal sinus; the median ridge is
282 San Diego Society of Natural History
formed of longitudinally oblique, granulate-edged plications which connect with
the marginal sinus; from this ridge to the outer margin the surface is covered with
lamellar rugae, the interspaces filled with a short tomentum; the outer border
is tomentose proximally and armed with a series of sharp, short spines; the pollex
is long, thin and upturned at the tip; the dactyli fit closely to the pollices, and
they are armed on their upper inner crest with a row of upward- and forward-
pointing, sharp spines; their tips are compressed and multiunguiculate; on the
inner side the fingers are covered with a sponge-like tomentum, short cropped;
the inner side of the hand and fingers is lined with oblique, granulated stria-
tions. The under side of the carpus, merus and propodus is transversely striate.
The ambulatory legs are rather long, the merus in all three being trans-
versely striate, and the upper crests armed with three or four sharp, outward-
pointed teeth; the distal posterior end of the merus of the first and second legs
has spines, as has also the upper distal end of the carpus on these legs; the
propodus is nearly IV2 times as long as the dactylus; the dactyls are curved, with
a corneous tip, armed on their under sides with four corneous spines.
The abdomen is transversely striated on all segments, bordered with setae.
The first three segments of the outer maxillipeds are striated.
Color in life. — A faint pinkish tint, but when freshly preserved in alcohol
is beautifully colored with rich reds and purple.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 8.7 mm., width 9 mm.
Female paratype: length 7.6 mm., width 7.9 mm.
Range. — Upper end of the Gulf of California.
Material examined. — A series of 10 males and 10 females, collected at San
Felipe, Baja California, June 8, 1933, by the author; the types were selected
from this series. A series of 10 males and 10 females, collected at Punta Penasco
(Rocky Point) , Sonora, May 2, 1935, by the author.
Habitat. — Taken at mean low tide level and below, from among sponges
and gorgonians.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. hirtispinosus Lockington,
1878, but differs from that species in the greater number of spines on the cara-
pace and front, the more distinctive markings of the carapace, the less equal
distribution of spines on the carpus of the chelipeds, and in the hand not being
covered with a short pile of tomentum. Also, the ventral part of P. hirtispinosus
is not striated.
Petrolisthes nigrunguiculatus, new species
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 71536, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Santa Catalina Island, Gulf of California, Mexico,
low tide; December 14, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two paratypes,
male and female, Cat. Nos. 769 and 770, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 283
Diagnosis. — Carapace flattened, smooth in central regions, squamoso-granu-
late on front and anterior margins, front deflexed. Chelipeds of male dissimilar,
tuberculate.
Description. — Carapace about equally wide as long, depressed, central
regions smooth, anterior margins and front squamoso-granulate and microscopi-
cally covered with tomentum; a transverse hepatic lobe; a well-defined protogas-
tric ridge; front deflexed, triangular, with a wide ridge-bordered median sulcus;
the upper ocular margin paralleled by a groove which terminates in a notch, this
notch separates the front from the preorbital lobes. First antennal peduncle with
a prominent lobe distally; second peduncle serrated with granules on outer
surface; third smooth; flagellum smooth.
Chelipeds of males, dissimilar; of females, similar in some, in others as in
the males; merus with inferior distal end extending nearly 1/3 the distance to the
hooked tip of the carpus; the inner distal end has a long subvertical, blunt, granu-
lated lobe; carpus short, about twice as long as wide, covered with squamoso-
granules along the median ridge, with irregular tuberculate granules on the re-
maining surfaces, the inner margin armed with three or more clustered, blunt-
ended teeth, the distal posterior end a long, forward-curving tooth; hands covered
with various sized squamous granules and tubercles, the inner margin rounded,
the outer sharp and fringed with an even length of fine pinnate hair, growing
out of flat, lamellar serrations to a point near the blunt tip of the pollices; also
extending over the fringe is a series of short, subequally spaced, transverse ridges,
ending as teeth; the major hand of the male has a median swollen ridge to the
gape; the pollex is thick, stubby; the dactylus stubby, distorted, extending past the
pollex and bluntly curved at the tip; these fingers gape widely and cannot be
brought together, due to a large, distorted lobe on the proximal cutting edge
of the dactylus; the inner surface of the dactylus has a heavy growth of pinnate
hair, which is absent or present in less quantity on the minor chela; in the females
with similar hands this growth may be entirely absent. The minor chela of the
males is similar to both chelas in the majority of females, in which the tip of the
pollex is truncate, thin and wide, the dactyl long, curving, and engaging the
pollex for its entire length; the surface is as that of the major chela.
The ambulatory legs are short; merus compressed, wide, crested with minute
granules distally; carpus and propodus longitudinally ridged with rows of small
teeth, lightly fringed with setae; dactyli with curved corneous tips; a distinctive
feature of these dactyli is their color — a deep, dark brown, almost black.
Color in life. — Thickly mottled with dark brown and reds. Tips of chela
a light red. Tomentum and fringes a dirty white.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length af carapace 7.2 mm., width 7 mm.
Female paratype: length 7.5 mm., width 7.3 mm.
Range. — Gulf of California.
Material examined. — Approximately 20 males and 20 females, Santa Cata-
lina Island, Gulf of California, December 14, 1931, collected by the author. The
type material was selected from this series.
284 San Diego Society of Natural History
Habitat. — Under side of rocks at low and half tide levels.
Remarks. — This proposed species is closely allied to P. hirtipes Lockington,
1878, which is found in the same region, but the latter may be distinguished from
P. nigrunguicidatus by some of the following characters: P. nigrunguiculatus is
smooth in the central regions of the carapace, instead of rugose; the carpus of the
chelipeds is armed with several lobular spines, instead of having but one lobular
group at the proximal end; the front is unbordered with setae, instead of being
fringed with fine thick hair; only the outer margins of the hands are fringed,
instead of the entire margins of the chelipeds and ambulatory legs. P. hirtipes is
also the larger species of the two, a male collected at Magdalena Bay, Baja
California, December 4, 1931, measured: length of carapace 10 mm., width
10 mm.
Petrolisthes tiburonensis, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71537, and male, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from south end of Tiburon Island, Gulf of California,
Mexico, low tide; December 31, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two para-
types, female and male, Cat. Nos. 771 and 772, S. D. S. N. H.; from same
series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace convex anteriorly, very rugose; front trinoduled.
Antennal peduncles nodulous. Merus of ambulatory legs carinate. Dimorphic.
Description of female. — Carapace a little wider than long, convex anteriorly,
with regions well denned, anteriorly covered with lobate granules, posteriorly
with well defined, disconnected striae; borders rounded over, high, except for
posterior margin which is bimarginal and concave. The front is trinodulous,
the nodules blunt and upturned, the median the largest and more extended.
Eyes large. First antennal peduncle with a large single or bilobed process extending
past the joint of the second peduncle; the latter also has two or three prominent,
blunt lobes posteriorly, one distal, also many small granules; the third peduncle
has a single distal lobe.
The chelipeds are similar; merus with a single upward-pointed lobe at the
distal anterior margin, the surface is rugose; the carpus has subparallel margins,
is rugose, with a median ridge, armed with a forward-pointed, hook-like tooth
at the posterior distal end; the anterior border is armed with a series of unequal,
small teeth, more numerous at the proximal end; hands similar, rounded on the
inner margin, compressed on the outer, which is armed with a series of sharp,
forward-pointing teeth, their anterior base setose; viewed from underneath the
teeth are unequally spaced and of irregular length; on the outer surface the hands
are granulate, with a wide rounded median ridge to the gape of the fingers,
thence continues around the cutting edge of the pollex, and terminates at the
base of the upturned tip; the prehensile fingers are distorted, with a striated upper
carina, a median striated or granulated ridge, channeled on each side; the palms
of the hands are smooth, the inner gape with a bunch of fine, long, pinnate hair.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 285
The ambulatory legs are short; merus stout, armed on the upper surface
with irregular, blunt, conical lobes, a median ridge with sulci on each side; the
carpus of the first leg is bilobed on its upper surface, a lobe at each end, a large
double-ended lobe on the distal inner side; carpi of second and third legs bilobed,
eroded; propodi with longitudinal ridges; dactyli with curved corneous tips,
armed underneath with short, supplemental, corneous spines; legs sparsely mar-
gined with small tufts of setae, and granulate.
Description of male. — Differs from the female in being much larger, and
having the carapace, front, antennal peduncles and chelipeds much smoother.
The margins of the carpus of the chelipeds are not parallel, being widest at the
distal end, unarmed on the inner margin, or at best vaguely indicated. The
hands are unarmed on the outer margin with either teeth or setae, being smooth
and rounded. The ambulatory legs differ from those of the female in that the
merus of the first leg has a smooth crest; the other legs differ only in that they
are less heavily margined with lobes.
Color in life. — A chocolate brown.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 9.2 mm., width 10
mm.; length of carpus 7.3 mm., width 2.6 mm.; length of hand 12 mm.; width
at base of finger 5.8 mm. Male paratype: length of carapace 10.5 mm., width
10.8 mm.; length of carpus 12 mm., width 3.8 mm.; length of hand 21 mm.;
width at base of finger 8.1 mm.
Range. — -It seems peculiar that this species has so far been taken in the
Gulf of California only between latitudes 28° 30' N., and 30° N., although
extensive collecting has been done on each side of these boundaries.
Material examined. — South end of Tiburon Island, Gulf of California,
December 31, 1931: approximately 20 males and 20 females, collected by the
author. The types have been selected from this series. Also from Angeles Bay,
Baja California, January 4, 1932: 1 male and 3 females. Puerto Refugio, Angel
de la Guardia Island, Gulf of California, January 6, 1932 : 2 males.
Habitat. — Collected under rocks at low tide. Plentiful.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. crenulatus Lockington,
1878, which it somewhat resembles in the shape of the carapace and ratio of
measurements (both species being wider than long) . They differ in nearly every
other respect, P. tiburonensis being brown instead of red and white, slightly setose
instead of quite tomentose, etc. The chelipeds of the adult males somewhat
resemble those of P. gracilis Stimpson, 1859, but here the resemblance ceases.
Stimpson in his description of the genus Petrolisthes1 states: "Carapax
depressed subovate, not broader than long." Strictly followed, neither P.
crenulatus nor P. tiburonensis would be placed in the genus Petrolisthes, although
they both agree in other particulars, for both of these species are subquadrate,
1 Rept. on Crust. Coll. by N. Pac. Expl. Exped. 1853-56. Smithsonian Misc. Coll.
Part vol. XLIX, 1907, p. 181.
286 San Diego Society of Natural History
instead of subovate, and are broader than long. A normal, large specimen of
P. crenulatus, which I collected at the type locality, has the following measure-
ments: length of carapace 13.5 mm.; width 15 mm.
Without attempting to amend the genus or create a subgenus for the recep-
tion of this and other species, I have placed it in the genus Petrolisthes, awaiting a
much-needed, thorough revision of the Porcellanids.
I selected the female for the holotype of this species, as most of the juvenile
males bear a closer resemblance to the female form than they do to the mature
males.
Pisosoma smithi, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71538, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Miramar Beach, near Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, low
tide; December 23, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Female paratype, Cat.
No. 773, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace suboval, lightly marked with transverse plications.
Carpus of chelipeds nearly flat on upper surface, unarmed and rugose; hands with
three ridges between the margins.
Description. — Carapace suboval, convex toward the front, nearly as long as
wide, regions denned, cervical groove fairly deep near margins, the posterior 2/3
crossed with light transverse plications and punctae, more prominent near the
sides and posteriorly. The front sinuous and entire in dorsal view, more promi-
nent in front of median depression. Eyes small.
Chelipeds short, stout; merus short on dorsal side, extending further ven-
trally, a granulated raised carina on both upper margins, the distal inner end
not protruding as far as the inner margin of the carpus; carpus rather flat on top,
with both inner and outer margins projecting outward from beneath; margins
unarmed, but serrated with granules, a granulated median ridge, separated from
the outer margin by a granulated sinus, distally crossed by granulated, trans-
verse striations, distal end granulate, ventral side striate; hands subequal, granu-
late, with three longitudinal, granulated ridges, the upper short, the lower longer,
but not extending onto the pollex, which is slightly upturned at the tip; dactyli
long, sinuous, granulate, with a median ridge, tip hooked; the fingers gape
evenly from base to tip; under side of hand punctate, granulate in gape.
Ambulatory legs granulate on upper crest; dactyli slightly curved, tip corne-
ous, supplemental spines on lower margin.
Color in alcohol. — Carapace cream color. Ambulatory legs a light pink.
Abdomen and sternum iridescent.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 6.4 mm., width 6.8
mm. Male paratype: width 4.7 mm., length 4.7 mm.
Range. — Length of the Gulf of California.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 287
Material examined. — Miramar Beach, near Guaymas, Sonora, December
23, 1931: 3 females, 1 male, collected by the author. The types were selected
from this small series. Also one specimen was collected at each of the following
localities: Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California, December 6, 1931; Carmen
Island, Gulf of California, January 21, 1932; Seargent's Point, Sonora, January
2, 1932; Punta Pefiasco (Rocky Point) , Sonora, May 3, 1935.
Habitat. — This appears to be a shore form occupying the lower intertidal
zone with P. sinuimanus Lockington, but is not plentiful at any locality.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. sinumianus Lockington,
1878, but differs from that species by the shape and form of the carpus of the
chelipeds, and by the carpus not being armed on its inner margin with a proximal
lobe. It differs also in that the upper surface of the carpus is flattened instead
of rounded as in P. sinuimanus.
That Lockington was sensible to a difference between this species and
P. sinuimanus is evident, but he attributed this difference to a variation in his
species. He was no doubt influenced in his judgment by a lack of material. To
quote from his notes (the italics are mine) : "This species varies considerably:
some jew specimens are without a trace of the lobe upon the meros or of the tooth
upon the anterior margin of the carpus; in others they are small, in others large
and prominent. One specimen combines with the want of these teeth a carapax
the surface of which is plicate upon the margins. The rolling ridges of the manus
and carpus, and the deeply punctate surface of both, are constant characters."
This species is named in honor of Sidney I. Smith, whose work in carcinology
on the west American coast added so much to our knowledge of this fauna.
Pisosoma lewisi, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 774, San Diego Society of Natural
History; male, paratype, Cat. No. 775, S. D. S. N. H: from Tenacatita Bay,
Jalisco, Mexico, low tide; December, 1932; collected by Captain Fred O. Lewis,
of the yacht "Stranger."
Diagnosis. — Carapace subquadrate, as wide as long, punctate. Chelipeds
heavy; carpus short, wide, deeply bisculate; hands heavy, trisulcate.
Description. — Carapace depressed, subquadrate, convex anteriorly, punctate;
lateral margins subparallel, plicate, with plications continuing but a short dis-
tance on dorsal surface; front trilobed, not strongly advanced, median lobe de-
pressed, triangular, with a deep median sulcus continued from the gastric regions;
protogastric lobes distinct; anterior to these are another pair of lobes, trans-
versely striate; these lobes are separated from the raised, transversely striate
ocular margins by deep sulci which join the anterior hepatic sulcus posterior to
the eye; a transverse plicated hepatic lobe, laterally margined by an anteriorly
distinct cervical groove; on each side of the cardiac region is a crescentic whorl,
opening posteriorly. The eye stalks are large, the cornea is small. Antennal
peduncles heavy, stout, unarmed.
288 San Diego Society of Natural History
Chelipeds heavy, stout, subequal, granulate, tuberculate, rigid and deeply
furrowed; merus stout, with carpal articulation transversely straight, armed at
anterior distal end with a high granulated lobe; carpus including teeth, nearly as
wide as long, short, wide (length 3.9 mm., width 3.3 mm.), armed on anterior
margin with three or four stout, granulated, blunt, conical teeth, the distal the
smallest; the carpus is deeply furrowed by two wide grooves, dividing the upper
surface into three wide crests; the anterior and median crests are composed of
obliquely placed, close set, rounded plications, or, in other specimens, these
ridges are formed of a pavement of close set granulations; these two ridges are
connected at the proximal end, open distally; the third ridge, on the outer margin,
is not connected with the other two and is composed of obliquely placed tubercles
and granules, which continue for a short distance on the ventral side; the hands
are heavy, short, distorted, thick, with three longitudinal, deep, wide, granulated
furrows, the median not separating its marginal ridges proximally; these two
ridges thus form a long V, they being high, rather flat on top and composed of
thickly crowded granules; the outer margin on the upper surface is a tumid,
obliquely plicated ridge; these close set, beaded plications are scarcely continued
on the inner side of the palm; the fingers of the major hand are short, thick,
blunt, not crossing at the tips; the dactyl is armed with a large proximal lobe;
the fingers of the minor hand are contorted, furrowed, granulate, with tips
crossing.
Ambulatory legs short, heavy; merus wide, compressed; carpus, propodus
and dactylus clothed with short, sparse setae; under side of propodi and dactyli
armed with a row of short, sharp spines.
Sexual variation. — In the female the abdomen covers the sternum, in the
male it does not. The sex may be determined at a glance by noting the relative
difference in the size of the plates of the telson, those of the female being much
the larger.
Color in alcohol. — A uniform light red.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 5.5 mm., width 5.5
mm. Male paratype: length 4.9 mm., width 4.8 mm.
Range. — West Mexican coast, from Acapulco to Tenacatita Bay.
Material examined. — Three males, one female, from Tequepa Bay, N. of
Acapulco, Guerrero, December 18, 1932, collected by Captain Fred O. Lewis, of
the yacht "Stranger." One male and two females, from Tenacatita Bay, Jalisco,
December, 1932, collected by Captain Fred O. Lewis. The type specimens were
selected from this latter series.
Habitat. — Littoral.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. curacaoensis Schmitt, in
the general shape of the carapace and chelipeds. It differs from that species in
the carpus being bisculate, instead of trisculate, by the hands being deeply
trisculcate, instead of fairly smooth, and by the hands being nude, instead of
with a peculiar bunch of tomentum on the upper surface. The carapace of P. lewisi
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 289
greatly resembles that of the figure of Petrolistbes quadratus Benedict (Bull.
U. S. Fish Comm, vol. 20, pt. 2, 1900 [ 1901 ] , pi. 3, fig. 4) .
This species is dedicated to Captain Fred O. Lewis of Newport Beach,
California, from whose yacht "Stranger" the specimens were collected.
Pisosoma erosa, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71539, and male, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico, 12 fathoms;
December 2, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Female and male paratypes,
Cat. Nos. 776 and 777, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace suboval, convex, heavily eroded on margins. Carpus
of chelipeds and ambulatories heavily eroded.
Description. — Carapace subcircular, about as wide as long, convex fore and
aft, regions outlined with sulci; branchial regions heavily eroded, lined and
pitted; posterior third with prominent, outstanding, transverse carina, converging
and ceasing at borders of intestinal region; antero-lateral margins forming a
decided subcrenulate, granulated ridge; gastric regions lobed. Front in dorsal
view subtruncate, entire, with a median sinus, in a front view, sharply upturned
for the antennules. Eyes small.
Chelipeds short, heavy; ischium pitted and toothed; merus reticulated, pitted
and eroded, a gnarled granulated lobe at distal inner end; carpus a third longer
than wide, armed with a single, proximal, serrated tooth on inner margin, granu-
lated serrations on outer surface, reticulated, eroded, pitted and scored, pits
bordered with granules, under surface transversely striate, pitted; hands with
two granulated ridges from proximal end to base of fingers; on both sides of these,
toward the margins, are reticulations and granulate bordered pits and erosions;
pollex with a granulate tumid ridge supporting its cutting edge; dactyli with a
longitudinal median sinus, granulate; fingers close fitted; under side of hands
rough.
Ambulatory legs with merus sharp crested, granulate; carpus sharply ridged
and eroded, as is the propodus; dactyli rather long, slightly curved at tip and
with a row of supplementary spines on under surface.
Abdomen fringed with hair.
Color in alcohol. — A light pink.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 5 mm., width 5.2
mm. Male paratype (a small specimen) : length 3.4 mm., width 3.4 mm.
Range. — Magdalena Bay, Baja California, and Gulf of California.
Material examined. — Two males and two females, taken at Magdalena Bay,
December 2, 1931, 12 fathoms, by the author. The types for this species were
selected from this material. Two small specimens from the north end of Tiburon
Island, Gulf of California, January 1, 1932, 20 fathoms, collected by the author.
290 San Diego Society of Natural History
Habitat. — Evidently not a shore form, as it has so far been taken only in
depths ranging from 5 to 20 fathoms.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. sinuimanus Lockington,
1878, but differs from that form in the extreme roughness of its surfaces and by
the hands being less thick.
The difficulty of obtaining undamaged specimens is due not only to its
small size, but also to the hard materials which are brought up in the dredge
with it.
Pachycheles marcortezensis, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71540, and male, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from off SE end of Angel de la Guardia Island, Gulf of
California, Mexico, 20 fathoms; January 8, 1932; collected by Steve A. Glassell.
Female paratype, Cat. No. 778, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series. One male
paratype, in the collection of Steve A. Glassell, Beverly Hills, California.
Diagnosis. — Carapace convex fore and aft, having scattered, short bristles
on anterior 2/3 to orbital area, orbital area covered with short, sparse tomentum.
Carpus with three long and two shorter, falcate spines. Telson of abdomen with
five plates.
Description. — Carapace wider than long, convex fore and aft, regions lightly
outlined, scattered bristles, single and small groups on anterior 2/3; front cov-
ered with sparse, short tomentum, subtruncate in dorsal view, sinuous in front
view; a sharp postocular spine separates the eye from the antennae; anterior
margin with a distinct carina which comes onto the carapace a third of the dis-
tance from the posterior border. The first antennal peduncle is armed distally
with a sharp, forward-pointing spine, the second is armed with two spines, one
median, one distal.
The chelipeds are subsimilar though unequal; merus short, with a distinct
distal, anterior, spinose lobe, carpal articulation tuberculate, lined with bristles,
a sharp spine at distal ventral terminus; carpus short, with four or more
rows of longitudinally placed tubercles, those on the posterior half having radi-
ating setae; the anterior half is covered with flat, squamoso-granulated, bristle-
bearing groups; the anterior margin armed with three large scythe-like, forward-
and outward-pointing teeth and two smaller distal teeth; hands triangular, short,
thick, covered on the outer surface with lobes and bristle-bearing tubercles, and
armed on outer margin with a close-setting row of short, dull-pointed teeth; inner
surface punctate, with more roughness near outer margin; fingers with a slight
gape, tips curved, overlapping.
Ambulatory legs short, slightly setose; merus wide; carpus and propodus
stout, with longitudinal rows of squamae, bearing bristles; dactyli short, heavy,
curved, tips corneous, under side with several corneous spines; merus of second
ambulatory leg has a few transverse striae on inner surface.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 291
Abdomen with five plates on the terminal segment.
Color in alcohol. — Red mottled with white; bristles a straw color.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 4.8 mm., width 5.2
mm. Male paratype: length 3.7 mm., width 3.7 mm.
Range. — Gulf of California, at one time called the Sea of Cortez.
Material examined. — Two females and two males, dredged off the SE end
of Angel de la Guardia Island, Gulf of California, January 8, 1932, in 20 fathoms,
by the author. The type specimens are from this series.
Habitat. — Evidently not a shore form.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. rugimanus A. M. Edwards,
1880, but differs in that it has five teeth on the carpus instead of three or four,
and these are longer in the first three and more hooked at their tips; also the
entire surface of the chelipeds is covered with setae instead of being simply granu-
lated and furrowed.
Pachycheles sonorensis, new species
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 71541, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Miramar Bay, near Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, low
tide; December 23, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two paratypes, male
and female, Cat. Nos. 779 and 780, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Chelipeds unequal, covered with short and long bristles. Cara-
pace smooth in central area, punctate, with small bristles on remaining portions.
Telson composed of seven plates.
Description. — Carapace nearly as long as wide, subquadrate; punctate and
sparsely bristled to central area, which is smooth; a pair of transverse, setose
ridges behind the frontal region; front depressed, margined with short bristles,
convex, not tomentose. First antennal peduncle rough at distal end, the others
smooth.
Chelipeds unequal; merus with a large anterior, distal lobe, upper surface
rugose, sparsely bristled; carpus short, wide, tuberculate on proximal third and
posterior border, the entire surface covered with squamae, bearing a group of
short bristles; anterior margin tridentate in an arc; hands covered as in carpus,
longest bristles on outer margin; inside of palm with tubercles and squamae
except for central portion, tuberculate and with long bristles on inner gape of
major hand; fingers of major hand unarmed, gaping; of minor hand, dentate,
close-fitting, hooked at tips.
Ambulatory legs short, heavy, sparsely covered with bristles; dactyli long,
curved at corneous tip, armed on under side with a row of supplementary spines.
Telson with seven plates, as in P. pubescens Holmes, 1900.
292 San Diego Society of Natural History
Color in alcohol. — Red mottled with white; bristles a straw color.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 7 mm., width 7.5 mm.
Female paratype, length 7.6 mm., width 8 mm.
Range. — Known from type locality only. Gulf of California. »
Material examined. — A series of nearly a hundred specimens of both sexes,
from Miramar Bay, Sonora, December 23, 1931, collected by the author.
Habitat. — Found at low tide, under moss and sponge incrusted stones.
Remarks.— This proposed species is allied to P. setimanus (Lockington) ,
1878, both as to size and general appearance, and in also having 7 plates in the
telson; but it differs in a marked degree by not being tomentose, but setigerous
instead, by having the inner side of the hand roughened and setose in the gape,
instead of smooth and in having the first antennal peduncle rough at its distal end,
instead of smooth.
It seems remarkable that this species was not obtained at other collecting
stations in the Gulf of California, where similar collecting conditions were found.
Porcellana cancrisocialis, new species
Type.— Male, holotype, Cat. No. 71542, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Punta Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, low
tide; May 2, 1935; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two paratypes, male
and female, Cat. Nos. 781 and 782, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace slightly convex, sides slightly rounded. Front sharply
tridentate. Shoulder posterior to terminus of cervical groove armed with a row
of fine teeth. Lower orbital margin armed with a long, sharp, forward-pointing
tooth. Hands tomentose.
Description. — Carapace slightly convex in both directions, highest in central
regions, with a polished appearance, but with front tomentose; transverse ridge
behind front lined with tomentum; several short, transverse striations on branchial
regions, tomentose. Front sharply tridentate, horizontal, median tooth equilater-
ally triangular, largest, and separated from the laterals by a deep V-shaped
notch; the outer margin of the lateral teeth forms the upper ocular margin in
a long sweeping curve; the lateral teeth are sharp-pointed and nearly as long as
the median tooth. The eyes may be partly retracted under the shelter of the
upper ocular margin, which ends in a sharp-pointed postorbital tooth. The lower
ocular margin extends forward, forming a flat, sharp, horizontal tooth at its
inner angle, which extends as far forward as the base of the median rostral tooth.
A shoulder at the posterior terminus of the cervical groove; this shoulder ex-
tends from the margin a short distance onto the carapace and is armed on its
anterior margin with a series of sharp denticles. The posterior margin of the
carapace is nearly straight.
Chelipeds short, stout, subequal, the left hand usually the larger; merus
short, dorsal ly triangular, with a vertically compressed plate-like process armed
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 293
on its forward surface with sharp thin teeth; on its distal inner end, this process
terminates below the plane of the upper part of the carpus; the carpus is short
and broad, about as wide as long, armed with a single, flattened, sharp-pointed
tooth which occupies the proximal third of the inner margin, lightly transversely
striate, with tufts of tomentum posteriorly; hands curving outward on both
margins, short, thick, convex on upper surface, fingers heavier than pollices,
covered on outer half with long pinnate tomentum; outer margin granulate-
serrate.
Ambulatory legs stout; merus wide, crested with a few setae as are the car-
pus, propodus and dactylus; dactyli curved at the corneous tip and with a row of
supplementary spines on the lower margin.
Color in life. — Ground color an ivory yellow, overcast with lavender and
blood red spots. Protogastric regions lighter (white in alcohol). Chelipeds same
as carapace. Ambulatory legs banded on propodus with white.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 5.7 mm., width 4.8
mm. Female paratype: length 5.4 mm., width 4.8 mm.
Range. — Gulf of California to Magdalena Bay, Baja California.
Material examined. — Thirteen specimens of both sexes were collected by
the author at Punta Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, May 2, 1935. From this
series the type specimens were selected. Three specimens were collected by the
author at San Felipe, Baja California, June 20, 1936.
Habitat. — This species, like P. paguriconviva, is commensal with the large
Pagurid, Petrochirus calif orniensis Bouvier, 1895, and enjoys the same associa-
tion. Usually a single pair occupies a shell, but one or three may be present.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. sayana (Leach), 1820, but
differs from that species in that the base of the antennae is armed with spines
instead of being smooth, by the hands being more covered with hair and tomen-
tum, and by the tip of the rostrum not being decurved. Specimens so far are
scarce.
Porcellana paguriconviva, new species
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 71543, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Punta Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, low
tide; May 1, 1935; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Two paratypes, male and
female, Cat. Nos. 783 and 784, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace smooth, or with tomentum on front. Front tridentate,
the median tooth largest, triangular, equilateral. Chelipeds with carpus unarmed;
hands dorsally flat, wide, fringed on outer margin or nude.
Description. — Carapace longer than wide, depressed, sides subparallel,
regions ill-defined. Front horizontal, tridentate, the median tooth the largest
and most prominent, triangular, equilateral (almost as in Petrolisthes, except not
294 San Diego Society of Natural History
depressed, and without a median sulcus) , the lateral teeth truncate in front,
forming a right angle with the upper ocular margin; the ocular margin partly
covers the eyes. There is a postocular tooth; a shoulder behind the terminus of
the cervical groove, unarmed; a pair of lunate pits between the gastro-cardiac
regions. There may or may not be tomentum on the frontal region, usually not
more than microscopic.
The chelipeds are short and heavy, depressed on upper surface; the merus is
short, the distal inner end with a blunt compressed upward-pointed lobe; the
upper surface of the merus is triangular, widest posteriorly, its apex the hinge
of the carpus; the carpus is short, wide, flattened, lightly rugose, widest at proxi-
mal end, at which point it is as wide as long, 2 mm.; the hands are short, stout,
microscopically rugose, flattened on upper surface, subequal, with tips of pollices
slightly upturned; dactyli with truncate, flattened tips, crossing tips of pollices
on inner margin, one hand slightly the larger, outer margin fringed with tomen-
tose hair, or nude.
Ambulatory legs short, stocky, margined with tomentum and light setae;
dactyli stout, curved at corneous tip, armed on under surface with a row of
supplemental corneous spines.
Color in life. — Ground color, in longitudinal stripes, a bright lavender, a
uniform design of bright orange overlaid on this. Chelipeds same as carapace,
but not patterned; legs with a white spot on propodus. Ventral side iridescent,
pinkish white, with longitudinal pattern of carapace continued on first three
segments of abdomen.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 5.8 mm., width 5.1
mm. Female paratype: length 5.6 mm., width 5.1 mm.
Range. — Gulf of California.
Material examined. — A series of about 25 specimens, collected by the
author, at Punta Penasco (Rocky Point) , Sonora, May 1, 1935.
Habitat. — These little crabs are commensal with the large hermit crab,
Petrochirus californiensis Bouvier, 1895. The usual association is: the Pagurid
host, occupying the shell of Phyllonotus nigritus (Philippi), accompanied by a
large Pollonoid worm and a pair of these little Porcellanids. At times the inner
face of the shell may have a Crepidula nivea Gould, attached, and this in turn
may be commensalized with the Pinnotherid, Fabia granti Glassell.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. sayana (Leach), 1820, but
differs from that species in the shape of the front, which does not have its lateral
teeth separated from the angles of the orbits by deep incisions. Also in that the
carpus of the chelipeds in diis species has its inner margin in an unbroken oblique
line, while P. sayana has a proximal lobe on the inner margin. In this species
there may be individual variations in the size and shape of the lateral teeth of the
front, some protruding a little more than in the holotype and having a rounded
sinus on the margin at the base of the median tooth.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 295
Porcellana magdalenensis, new species
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71544, U. S. National Museum: from
Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico, 12 fathoms; December 2, 1931; col-
lected by Steve A. Glassell. One paratype female, Cat. No. 785, S. D. S. N. H.;
from same series of 5 specimens.
Diagnosis. — Carapace nearly as long as wide, suboval, convex, regions
denned; lateral, hepatic and upper and lower ocular margins dentate. Front
trilobate, margined with denticles. Chelipeds with median longitudinal ridges,
dentate. Legs long.
Description. — Carapace suboval, regions defined, convex, crossed with trans-
verse rugae; protogastric lobes distinct, with anterior border prominent, tomen-
tose. Lateral margins bordered with sharp, forward-pointing spines that are con-
tinued onto the margin of the shoulder on the carapace, which is behind the ter-
minus of the cervical groove; hepatic regions bordered with forward-pointing
spines, the proximal the largest; the front has three dentate lobes; the median
triangular, with a median sulcus and slightly depressed at the tip; the lateral
lobes are rounded at their apices, separated by a wide V-shaped groove from the
median lobe, the outer margin extending backward, forming the upper ocular
margin. The frontal lobes and both the upper and lower ocular margins are lined
with small sharp teeth.
The chelipeds are long and narrow, subequal; merus fringed with small teeth
on upper carpal articulation, and having a wide, compressed, inner distal lobe,
fringed with teeth, and one or more teeth at ventral distal angle; carpus longer
than wide, armed on inner margin with a row of small, sharp teeth, the proximal
ones the largest; a median spinate ridge, the surface between this ridge and the
inner margin lightly tomentose and concave, while toward the outer margin the
surface between the median ridge and a row of spines parallel to the outer mar-
gin is convex and rugose; the hand is narrow, the outer margin concave, lined
with spines and fringed with pinnate tomentum; a median spinate ridge from
proximal end to base of dactyl us is bordered by two concave surfaces; fingers
long, half the length of the hand, contorted; pollex terminates in a sharp, slighdy
upturned point; dactylus with upper margin toothed, a short median spinate
ridge between this and the prehensile edge; a fringe of pinnate tomentum veils
the cutting edge.
Ambulatory legs long, fairly slender; merus crested with short setae, trans-
versely rugose; propodus long, cylindrical, with a few setae; dactyli long, com-
pressed, curved, with needle-like tips.
Epistome heavily plicated.
Sexual variation and color in life. — Unknown.
Measurements.— Female holotype (left cheliped missing) : length of cara-
pace 4.5 mm., width 4.6 mm.; length of hand 5 mm.; width at base of finger 1.5
mm.; length of fingers 2.5 mm.; length of carpus 2.5 mm., width 1.5 mm.
296 San Diego Society of Natural History
Range. — Known only from type locality.
Material examined. — Five female specimens, collected in Magdalena Bay,
Baja California, in 12 fathoms, by the author. The ovigerous holotype for this
proposed species is the largest of the series.
Habitat. — Evidently among sponges and corallines.
Remarks. — This species is allied to P. serratifrons Stimpson, 1858, but
differs from that species in the shape of the front, the median lobe being triangu-
lar instead of rounded, with the lateral lobes but little less in width, instead of
subacute and scarcely less prominent. The chelipeds are more heavily spined in
this species than on P. serratifrons and, in addition, the hands are fimbriate with
tomentum.
ORTHOCHELA, new genus
Carapace longer than wide, transversely convex; front horizontal, truncate,
except for a prominent, median, equilateral, rostral protuberance; the front
nearly as wide as the carapace; lateral margins of the carapace subparallel, armed
with short, sharp, forward-pointing spines, terminating at cervical shoulder.
Eyes large, stalks thick, short; may be semi-retracted under lateral edge of ocular
margin. Antennae partly excluded from orbit, nearly as long as chelipeds; flagel-
lum naked. Chelipeds subsimilar, unequal, directed forward, as in the Galathei-
dae, length about lxh times the length of the carapace; merus extends past the
rostrum; carpus and hand long, cylindrical; fingers short, opening vertically.
Ambulatory legs short, propodi longer than merus, dactyli curved at tip, simple,
not multiunguiculate. Terminal segment of abdomen with seven plates.
This genus has a remote affinity to the genus Minyocerus Stimpson, 1858,
which is based on Porcellana angusta Dana, 1852, in which the chelipeds are
somewhat similar. The carapace, however, differs from all the other genera in
this family and is more like that of the genus Uroptychns Henderson, 1888, of
the family Galatheidae.
Genotype. — Orthochela pumila, new species, taken at Magdalena Bay, Baja
California, Mexico, 1 fathom, on yellow gorgonian coral (sea-fans), December
2, 1931, by Steve A. Glassell.
Orthochela pumila, new species
Plate 21, figure 1
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 71545, and female, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico, 1 fathom;
December 2, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. One paratype male, one para-
type female, Cat. Nos. 786 and 787, S. D. S. N. H; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace subquadrilateral, margins spinous, front unidentate,
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 297
truncate to width of carapace from base of rostrum. Chelipeds forward-pointing,
long, cylindrical, fingers moving in a vertical plane.
Description. — Carapace subquadrilateral, longer than wide, transversely
convex, cervical groove ill-defined, surface polished, hard, microscopically punc-
tate; lateral margins armed with a row of closely set, forward-pointing spines,
terminating at the shoulder behind the cervical groove. Posterior margin
straight, entire. Front truncate, wide, extending nearly the width of the carapace,
where it turns backward in a curved line, thence runs tangent to its former
direction, finally sweeping outward to form the postorbital tooth which covers
the first antennal peduncle; the rostrum is a large, truncate-tipped, equilateral tri-
angle whose base is the line of the front; it is armed at its truncate apex with a
row of short, sharp, protruding teeth; the lateral margin of the truncate front,
anterior to the eyes, is also minutely toothed. The antennae are long, naked,
and may be pointed in a direction either straight forward or straight backward.
The eyes are large, with stout, short stalks, and may be retracted until half of the
cornea is visible beneath the upper ocular margins.
The chelipeds are subsimilar, unequal, directed forward and in large speci-
mens may be 21/? times the length of the carapace; the merus extends past the tip
of the rostrum; the length of the carpus is about equal to the width of the cara-
pace, half as wide as long, subcylindrical, smooth and having a concavity at its
distal inner end for the partial reception of the hand; the major hand is nearly
twice the length of the carpus, cylindrical, with the fingers in a vertical plane;
the fingers are short, being a trifle more than 1/5 the length of the hand; the
pollex is serrated with teeth on its outer distal margin; the fingers of the minor
chela are longer in proportion, and not so heavy.
The ambulatory legs are bent underneath the body in a grasping position;
the merus is short, compressed, on the anterior margin ending distally with a
high, sharp outward-pointing tooth; the carpus is short; propodus long and
slightly curved, longer than the merus; the dactyli are long, curved at tip and
armed on the under side with a row of supplementary spines, simple, not mul-
tiunguiculate.
The outer maxillipeds have the ischium lightly crossed with transverse
striae.
The ultimate segment of the abdomen has seven plates.
Sexual variation. — Apparently only a difference in size, the males with the
longer and heavier chelipeds.
Color in life. — A rich yellow; lines of red on the hepatic regions. Hands
with a few red blotches on outer surface; fingers with red bases and tips.
Measurements. — Largest male (this specimen had lost its minor cheliped) :
length of carapace 3.6 mm., width 2.8 mm.; length of major cheliped 9.8 mm.;
length of hand 5.1 mm.; width of merus, carpus and hand approximately the
same, 1.5 mm. Female paratype: length of carapace 3.8 mm., width 3 mm.;
length of major cheliped 7.7 mm.; hand 3.2 mm.; carpus 2.2 mm.; merus and
298 San Diego Society of Natural History
ischium 1.3 mm.; length of first ambulatory leg 3.8 mm.; merus 1 mm.; carpus
0.5 mm.; propodus 1.5 mm.; dactylus 0.8 mm.
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Material examined. — A series of both sexes, 35 specimens, collected at
Santa Margarita Island, Magdalena Bay, Baja California, December 2, 1931,
in 1 fathom, by the author.
Habitat. — These little crabs were found clinging to yellow gorgonian coral,
along with Isopods and Amphipods, all of which harmonized so exactly in color
with their host that they were to be distinguished only with difficulty.
Remarks. — This proposed species shows a rather close relationship to the
members of the Galatheidae in the position of its chelipeds, and by having
spinose lateral margins on the carapace. From their size, the location of their
eyes, and the shape of the front, the specimens collected might be thought to be
immature or even larval forms, if it were not that nearly all the females found
were gravid.
PINNOTHERIDAE
Fabia unguifalcula, new species
Plate 21, figure 2
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 788, San Diego Society of Natural
History: from Punta Penasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, low tide; May 3,
1935; collected by Steve A. Glassell. One female paratype, from same locality,
in the collection of Steve A. Glassell, Beverly Hills, California.
Diagnosis. — Carapace with sides subparallel. Ischium-merus of outer
maxilliped crescentoid, palp two-jointed. Dactyls of legs falcate. Hands short,
wide, heavy; fingers dentate.
Description. — Carapace smooth, glossy, membranaceous, subtransparent,
much wider than long, anteriorly arcuate, sides subparallel. Front turned abruptly
downward. Eyes subovoid, cornea minute, not visible in a dorsal view. Basal joint
of antennae short and wide. A narrow furrow leading backward from the buccal
angle. Ischium-merus of outer maxillipeds crescentic, palp with two joints, ulti-
mate segment wide, rounded distally.
Chelipeds stout, equal; merus short, not extending far past sides of carapace;
carpus long, wide, rounded dorsally, inner proximal margin tomentose; hands
short, wide, heavy, thick, smooth; lower margin sinuous; pollex slightly deflexed,
with upturned, sharp-pointed tip, armed with a triangular-shaped cutting edge,
with a median tooth and proximal denticles; dactylus long, falcate, armed proxi-
mally with a prominent denticulate tooth. Tips of fingers crossing.
Ambulatory legs paired, the first pair differing from the others in that the
upper crest of the merus, the anterior lower margin of the carpus and propodus
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 299
are margined with tomentum. The dactyli of all legs are falcate, the fourth the
least, the second the longest and sharpest.
The abdomen covers the sternum, is circular and fringed with hair.
Sexual variation and color in life. — Unknown.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 4 mm., width 5 mm.
Range. — Known only from type locality.
Material examined. — Two ovigerous females, the larger the type, collected
by the author at Punta Peiiasco (Rocky Point) , Sonora, May 3, 1935.
Habitat. — Collected in the inter-tidal zone. Association and host not de-
termined.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to F. granti Glassell, 1933, but
differs in that the front is nearly a continuation of the curve of the anterior mar-
gins, instead of being advanced; by the first ambulatory leg bearing tomentum,
instead of being smooth and naked; and by the hands being short, stout, sub-
quadrate and compact, instead of long and increasing in width distally. In addi-
tion, F. granti appears to be a much larger species.
Dissodactylus xantusi, new species
Plate 21, figure 4
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 71546, and male, paratype, U. S.
National Museum: from Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California, Mexico, low
tide; December 8, 1931; collected by Steve A. Glassell. Paratype, female, para-
type, male, Cat. Nos. 789 and 790, S. D. S. N. H.; from same series.
Diagnosis. — Carapace convex fore and aft. Dorsal ridge short, oblique.
Legs stout; dactyli of legs one to three bifurcate for almost half their length.
Carpus with a transverse, setose, median ridge. Hand crossed on upper margin
with three oblique, setose ridges. Terminal segment of male abdomen nearly an
equilateral triangle. Palp of outer maxilliped three- jointed.
Description. — Carapace distinctly broader at lateral angles than posteriorly;
lateral margins subequal, antero-lateral arcuate, postero-lateral straight, slightly
concave posteriorly. Dorsal surface naked and polished, lightly punctate, convex
fore and aft, slightly from side to side, depressions on metabranchial regions and
margins of cardiac; a raised rim on antero-lateral margin sharply turns at lateral
angle and continues obliquely on dorsal surface for a short distance. Margin of
front slightly convex, slightly advanced beyond curve of antero-lateral margins;
posterior margin sinuous.
Palp of outer maxilliped with three joints; the penultimate spatulate, truncate,
with inner margin straight, with outer margin arcuate, widest distally; terminal
300 San Diego Society of Natural History
segment small, slightly advanced beyond line of penultimate segment and located
on that segment's inner distal angle.
Merus of chelipeds extends but little beyond margin of carapace, upper distal
margin setose; carpus as broad as long, crossed with an interrupted, transverse,
median, setose ridge, the distal margin arcuate, setose; hands proximally swol-
len, upper crest straight, rounded, obliquely crossed by three distinct, setose
ridges, the bristles pointing forward; the under margin has three light, oblique,
setose ridges, the proximal the longest, a sparse row of long pinnate hair on inner
surface to base of pollex; the outer surface is crossed with short, oblique, setose
ridges, the distal ridge continuing on the base of the pollex; fingers long, close-
fitting, with tips crossing.
Ambulatory legs slightly compressed, margined with fine, light hair; merus
stout; carpus of first leg, only, with a longitudinal, sub-oblique ridge; the propo-
dus has a sharp, setose crest, the bases of the bristles being just beneath this
crest on the anterior side and pointing at right angles to the axis of the segment;
dactyli of the first three legs bifurcate for nearly half their length; surface of
legs highly polished, lightly punctate.
The abdomen of the female does not cover the sternum; the lateral margins
of the segments, including the proximal half of the sixth, are subparallel; the
terminal segment is broadly triangular, more than twice as wide as long. Male
abdomen fused in third, fourth and fifth segments, widest at third, lateral mar-
gins converging to proximal half of penultimate segment, terminal segment an
equilateral triangle. Surface of abdomen in both sexes highly polished, lightly
punctate.
Sexual variation. — Hands of males heavier in proportion than those of
the females. The females are the larger specimens.
Color in life. — A chocolate brown with a design of cream-colored lines and
spots; the gastro-cardiac region divided by a transverse arcuate line, surmounted
anteriorly by a broad V-shaped design. Legs with terminals of the joints banded
with cream color; dactyli light-colored, as are the fingers of the hands; hands
reticulated.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length of carapace 4.5 mm., width 6.1
mm. Male paratype: length 3.8 mm., width 4.9 mm.
Range. — Gulf of California.
Material examined. — Twenty specimens of both sexes were collected at
Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California, December 8, 1931, by the author.
The type specimens were selected from this series. Small series of both sexes
were also collected by the author at the following stations: Las Animas Bay,
Baja California, January 2, 1932; Coyote Cove, Concepcion Bay, Baja Cali-
fornia, January 18, 1932; San Felipe, Baja California, June 1, 1934; Punta
Periasco (Rocky Point) , Sonora, May 2, 1935.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids 301
Habitat. — Commensal on the exterior ventral surface of Echinoids, such as
Mellita and Encope. They are in close association with D. nitidus Smith; both
species may at times be found on the same host.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to D. nitidus Smith, 1870, which
it closely resembles, but from which it differs in the shape of the chelipeds, by
the hands being rougher, the fingers stouter, by being naked under the pollex,
instead of decorated with a tuft of thick black tomentum, and by the penulti-
mate segment of the palp of the outer maxillipeds not having its lateral margins
straight and parallel.
This species is dedicated to Louis John Xantus de Vesey, in appreciation
of his character as a gentleman and of his attainments and zeal as a votary of
natural history.
Pinnixa richardsoni, new species
Plate 21, figure 3
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 791, San Diego Society of Natural
History: from Balboa, Canal Zone, Panama, upper tidal zone; February 22,
1936; collected by Frank Richardson.
Diagnosis. — Carapace twice as wide as long, regions deeply furrowed.
Hand thin, compressed; fingers acuminate. Third leg longer than body width,
heavy. Dactyli of ambulatories horizontally compressed. Third, fourth and fifth
segments of male abdomen fused.
Description. — Carapace twice as wide as long, covered with very short
setae; anterior and antero-lateral margins together forming a strongly convex
arch, reaching to the widest part of the cardiac region and meeting the posterior
angle at an obtuse angle; posterior margin transverse at its middle for 1/3 of
carapace width. Gastric and cardiac regions delimited, the latter wider; three
longitudinal, narrow gastric furrows, the median short, reaching half way back;
branchial region crossed by four obliquely transverse furrows, the hinder one
deep and parallel to the posterior margin. A short dorsal hepatic furrow is
directed inward and forward. The antero-lateral margin is tuberculate distally.
The eyes are small, dorsally placed, filling their orbits. The front is horizontal,
truncate, entire, not extending past buccal area in dorsal view. Fronto-orbital
width V4 width of carapace.
Chelipeds small, longer than first leg; merus hairy, carpus and manus mar-
gined with long brown hair; carpus wide, compressed, with a high distal crest,
outer surface covered with microscopic hair; hands thin, sharp-edged, compressed,
not as wide as carpus, flat on outer surface, covered with minute hair, which,
like those on the carpus, do not obscure the view of the surface; upper margin
arched, lower margin straight; fingers narrow, longitudinal, acuminate, gaping in
proximal two-thirds, movable finger crested with long hair, lower margin of
302 San Diego Society of Natural History
pollex nude. A median longitudinal fringe of long hair on inner side of carpus
and hand. The inner proximal end of the pollex furnishes hair at the gape.
Ambulatory legs stout; the first is remarkable for the shape of its propodus
and dactyl, the propodus being wide, short and heavy, its upper margin much
the shorter; the dactyl is horizontally compressed, wide, short, crooked, up-
turned, its margins tangent to those of the propodus, as are the margins of the
dactyli of the other legs; the third leg is very heavy, stout, 1/6 longer than the
width of the carapace and 1/3 longer than the second leg; the merus is equal in
length to that of the carapace, and nearly half as wide as long; there is a tubercle
on the distal posterior surface of the carpus and propodus. The presence of a
dense growth of tomentum and setae, covering the entire surface posteriorly,
makes a close observation difficult; the dactyl is stout, heavy, dull-pointed, hori-
zontally fringed with setae; the fourth leg reaches nearly to the end of the merus
of the third leg.
The abdomen is widest at the third segment, very long and narrow, over-
lapping the buccal cavity; third, fourth and fifth segments regularly tapering,
fused, sixth long and narrow, tapering, seventh long, rounded at tip which is
margined with hair, sides converging. Ischium-merus of outer maxilliped with
upper distal margin arched, a transverse line of hair located centrally.
Sexual variation and color in life. — Unknown.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 6.5 mm., width 12.8
mm.; orbital width 3.2 mm.; transverse posterior margin 4 mm.; length of sec-
ond leg 9.8 mm.; of third leg 15 mm.
Range. — Known only from type locality.
Material examined. — The single male specimen, the holotype.
Habitat. — Unknown. This specimen was dug out of heavy, thick mud in
the upper tidal zone, from a small channel margined with mangrove trees. No
host noted.
Remarks. — This proposed species is very closely allied to P. valerii Rathbun,
1931, but differs in the outer surface of the hands and carpus being smooth, in-
stead of covered with tomentum (as is a topotype of P. valerii, before me) ; by
the outer distal margin of the outer maxilliped being arched, instead of angular;
and by some of the segments of the abdomen being fused, instead of articulated.
Otherwise there are a great many similarities between these two unique species,
which would seem to set them apart from other species of this genus with which I
am familiar.
I take pleasure in dedicating this species to Mr. Frank Richardson, orni-
thologist, and graduate student of the University of California, to whom I am
indebted for this specimen.
Glassell — New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids
Plate 21
Fig. 1. Ortbochela pumila, n. gen. and n. sp. Male.
Fig. 2. Fabia unguifalcula, n. sp. Outer maxilliped.
Fig. 3. Dissodactylus xantusi, n. sp. Outer maxilliped.
Fig. 4. Pinnixa richardsoni, n. sp. Outer maxilliped.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 22, pp. 305-320, plate 22
WEST AMERICAN SPECIES OF THE GENUS PHOS
BY
A. M. Strong and H. N. Lowe
San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
December 7, 1936
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
WEST AMERICAN SPECIES OF THE GENUS PHOS
BY
A. M. Strong and H. N. Lowe*
San Diego Society of Natural History
Included among the shells dredged by the Templeton Crocker
Expedition of 1932 off the west coast of Central America and Mexico
were a large number of specimens of the genus Phos. These, and the
specimens dredged by the junior author off Taboga Island, Panama;
Acapulco, Mexico; and in the Gulf of California, Mexico, have added
greatly to the amount of west coast material available for study. The
large series of specimens of some of the species and representatives of
many of the described forms in these collections seem to warrant a
review of the genus as applied to the west coast.
The writers wish to express their appreciation to Mr. Templeton
Crocker, whose generosity provided most of the specimens upon which
this paper is based. Acknowledgment is also due Dr. G. Dallas Hanna,
Curator of the Department of Paleontology of the California Academy
of Sciences, for assistance and advice. The information regarding the
records of the species occurring fossil in the Tertiary of western North
America has been furnished to the authors by Dr. Leo G. Hertlein, of
the Department of Paleontology, California Academy of Sciences, and
Dr. U. S. Grant, IV, of the Department of Geology, University of
California at Los Angeles. Dr. Alexander Wetmore, Assistant Secre-
tary, Smithsonian Institution, kindly furnished photographs of certain
specimens in the U. S. National Museum. These photographs were
prepared under the supervision of Dr. Paul Bartsch, to whom west
coast students are under obligation for many similar courtesies in the
past.
The type of the genus Phos Montfort, 1810, "Murex" senticosus
Linnaeus, is an Indo-Pacific shell. Woodring1 stated that the West
Indian and Panamic species are probably not congeneric. He consid-
ered the West Indian species to be descendants of the Eocene and
* H. N. Lowe, outstanding authority on west coast shells, died on June 10, 1936. The
San Diego Society of Natural History, to which he bequeathed his large conchological
collection, dedicates to his memory the publication of this paper, the last to bear his name. —
Editor.
1 W. P. Woodring, Carnegie Inst. Washington, Publ. 385, 1928, p. 260.
308 San Diego Society of Natural History
Oligocene genus Tritaria Conrad and placed the Tertiary and living
species in a new subgenus Antillophos, type "Cancellaria" candei
d'Orbigny, Recent, West Indies. This species was united by Tryon
with the west coast Phos veraguensis Hinds, which, while undoubtedly
distinct, is closely related. For a thorough study of the entire group,
world wide material, both fossil and living, would be required; so for
the purpose of this paper the name Phos is used as it was by the older
monographers.
Recent species of the genus on the west coast seem to be limited
to tropical waters, Gulf of California to Panama. Nearly all of the
records are from dredged material in depths ranging from 20 to 100
fathoms. Little dredging has been done in this area and the literature
on the various species is limited. Hinds described and figured four
species in the portion of the Zoology of the Voyage of the Sulphur
dealing with Mollusca. In addition to these, one species described by
Reeve, one by Carpenter, one by A. Adams, one by Powys as a Nassa,
and one by C. B. Adams as a Triton make up the list from the older
works.
Dall,2 in his "Summary of the Family Alectrionidae from the
West Coast of America," cited under the genus Phos only one of
these older species, Phos crassus Hinds. In this and other papers he
described a number of new species, either as Phos or which should be
referred to Phos. Several of these were unfigured, but the types in the
U. S. National Museum have been examined by the junior author.
Some of these are here placed in synonymy with species described by
Hinds. A study of the large number of specimens now available shows
that the character of the nuclear whorls, presence or absence of a
columellar keel, and dentition of the outer lip are specific characters.
The color, number of ribs, and details of sculpture are more variable.
In the following pages all species of Phos for which we have been
able to find west coast records are mentioned. The genus is described
in ZittePs3 Text-book of Palaeontology as follows :
"Shell elongate, bucciniform, turriculate; spire sharp, elevated,
whorls ornamented with prominent longitudinal costae, and less salient
2 W. H. Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, no. 2166, 1917, p. 578.
3 W. H. Dall in Text Book of Palaeontology adapted from Karl A. von Zittel by
Charles R. Eastman, vol. 1, 1913, p. 556.
Strong & Lowe — The Genus Phos 309
spiral threads and sulci, often varicose. Aperture oblong, outer margin
Urate within. Columella excavated, plicate in front; canal short, slightly
twisted."
Phos articulatus Hinds
Plate 22, figure 6
Phos articulatus Hinds, Zool. voy. Sulphur, vol. 2, Moll. pt. 2, October 1844,
p. 38. "Panama."— Sowerby, Thes. Conch., vol. 3, (pt. 19), 1859, p. 91,
pi. 221, fig. 32. "Panama."— Tryon, Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 218, pi.
83, fig. 516. Panama; western Colombia.
Phos turritus A. Adams, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1850, p. 154. "Panama, coral
sand, 6 to 10 fathoms. "—Sowerby, Thes. Conch., vol. 3, (pt. 19), 1859,
p. 91, pi. 221, fig. 37. Original record cited. — Tryon, Man. Conch., vol. 3,
1881, pi. 83, fig. 517.
Specimens were dredged by the Templeton Crocker Expedition at the fol-
lowing localities :
Loc. 27587 (C A. S.), off Cape San Lucas, Lower California, Mexico, near
big rocks, in 20-25 fathoms.
Loc. 27585 (C. A. S.) , Lat 23° 02' N., Long. 109° 32' W. A few miles off
shore at Gorda Point, in San Jose del Cabo Bay, Lower California, Mexico, in
20-25 fathoms.
Loc. 27581 (C A. S.), between Isabel Island and Mazatlan, Sinaloa,
Mexico.
Loc. 27571 (C. A. S.) , Lat. 16° 39' N., Long. 99° 24' 30" W., to Lat. 16°
38' N., Long. 99° 27' 30" W. About 33 miles slightly east of Acapulco, Guerrero,
Mexico. This is about 32 miles west of Dulce Bay.
Loc. 27568 (C. A. S.), Lat. 14° 52' N., Long. 93° 04' W., in 35 fathoms.
About 23 miles west of San Simon Bar, Mexico.
Loc. 27566 (C A. S.), Lat. 14° 25' N., Long. 92° 28' W., in 35 fathoms.
About 28 miles west of Champerico, Guatemala.
A free translation of Hinds' original Latin description is as follows :
"Shell elongate-ovate, white, clouded with brown, whorls rounded, ribbed;
with spiral lines; below the suture flatly sloping to an angular shoulder; articulated
with narrow whitish brown bands; with about 14 ribs at the periphery, sometimes
swollen; columella smooth."
To this can be added that the nucleus consists of five spirally threaded whorls
and that the outer lip is dentate. P. turritus A. Adams was also described from
Panama. Tryon stated that it is the same as P. articulatus Hinds and there is
nothing in the descriptions or figures to indicate that they can be separated.
310 San Diego Society of Natural History
Phos chelonia Dall
Plate 22, figure 3
Phos chelonia Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578. "Dredged at
the Galapagos Islands in 40 fathoms."
Dall's description of this species is as follows:
"Shell very similar in general appearance and size to P. varicosus Gould,
having similar whitish varices, about three or four to a whorl, but differing by
having the whorls appressed to the suture, not deeply impressed, and in having a
nuclear shell of five or six whorls, deeply spirally sulcate instead of a nearly smooth
one of three and a half whorls. The color of the present species is pale yellowish
with a tinge of brown, as in varicosus, which also has narrower and more numer-
ous ribs between the varices."
Phos varicosus Gould4 was described from the Philippines and is said by
Tryon5 to be a synonym of P. roseatus Hinds from the same region. Phos chelonia
differs from the other species described from the west coast in the presence of
the whitish varices. No specimens that could be referred to this species were col-
lected by either the Templeton Crocker Expedition or the junior author.
Phos cocosensis Dall
Plate 22, figure 7
Phos cocosensis Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 18, April 23, 1896, p. 11.
"U. S. Fish Commission station in 66 fathoms, near Cocos Island, Gulf of
Panama."— Dall, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zobl., vol. 43, no. 6, 1908, p. 306, pi.
8, fig. 5. Near Cocos Island, Gulf of Panama. Also at U.S.S. Albatross Sta.
3387, in 127 fathoms.— Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578.
"Gulf of Panama, Cocos Island, (Gulf of California?) ." — Zetek, Rev.
Nueva, nos. 1 & 2, 1918, p. 22.
Dall gave the type locality as near Cocos Island, U.S.S. Albatross Sta. 3368
in 66 fathoms. He also listed the species from U.S.S. Albatross Sta. 3387, in 127
fathoms and in a later paper he cited it questionably from the Gulf of California.
His original description is as follows:
"Shell elongate, acute, eleven-whorled, including a nucleus of four whorls;
color yellowish white, with variable brown spiral banding; sculpture of eleven or
twelve narrow, little elevated, distant ribs, more or less angulated at the shoulder;
spiral sculpture of numerous rather sharp, close threads, flatter on the last whorl,
with a few more prominent between the suture and the shoulder; sutures distinct,
whorls moderately rounded; aperture longer than wide, with an entire outer lip,
4 A. A. Gould, Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 3, 1849, p. 143. "Philippine Islands."
— Gould, Otia Conch., 1862, p. 66. — Gould, U. S. Explor. Exped., (Wilkes Exped.),
Moll. Atlas, 1856, pi. 20, figs. 360, 360a.
5G. W. Tryon, Jr., Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 217, pi. 83, fig. 511.
Strong & Lowe — The Genus Phos 311
slightly thickened and internally lirate; throat white, pillar with a groove near its
anterior edge; canal short, deep; siphonal fasciole moderate; body with a thin
white callus. Height, 47; last whorl, 28; diam. 19 mm."
In size and in the shouldered whorls this species is quite similar to P. articu-
latus Hinds, but it seems to differ in the details of the sculpture and in the appar-
ently smooth nuclear whorls. According to Dall, P. cocosensis differs from Phos
beaui Crosse dC Fischer, of the West Indies, in the greater size and in the strong
regular ribs. No specimens collected by the Templeton Crocker Expedition or
the junior author have been referred to the species.
Phos crassus Hinds
Plate 22, figure 10
Phos crassus Hinds, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., new ser., vol. 11, no. 70, April,
1843, p. 257. "Panama and Gulf of Fonseca; dredged as solitary shells in
from 3 to 14 fathoms, mud." — Hinds, Zool. Voy. Sulphur, vol. 2, Moll. pt.
2, October 1844, p. 37, pi. 10, figs.l, 2. Original record cited. — Sowerby,
Thes. Conch., vol. 3, (pt. 19), 1859, p. 90, pi. 221, fig. 5. Panama.— Tryon,
Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 218, pi. 83, fig. 521. Panama.— Dall, Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578. "Lower California and the Gulf of
California."
Buccinum crassum Hinds, C. B. Adams, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York,
vol.5, 1852, p. 291. Panama.
The following is a free translation of Hinds' original Latin description:
"Shell elongate-ovate, subturrited, solid, pale brown; whorls rounded, ribbed;
ribs strong, rather distant; crossed by prominent cords; outer lip strongly toothed;
columella with a lamella produced directly and boldly forward."
To this can be added that there are three smooth nuclear whorls forming a
rather blunt apex. This is the heaviest of the west coast species, with strong,
rather coarse sculpture. The single specimen taken by the Templeton Crocker Ex-
pedition was dredged at Loc. 27567 (C. A. S.) , off Oaxaca, Mexico. A specimen
in the collection of the junior author was collected at Panama. Dall gave the
range as Lower California and Gulf of California, but it is doubtful if it occurs
in the Gulf.
Phos fusoides (C. B. Adams)
Triton fusoides C. B. Adams, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York, vol. 5,
1852, p. 340. "Taboga," Panama. — Carpenter, Proc. Zool. Soc. London,
1863, p. 347.— Tryon, Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 220.
Phos fusoides (C B. Adams), Pilsbry & Lowe, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila-
delphia, vol. 84, p. 116. "Dredged at 20 fathoms at Taboga Island."
312 San Diego Society of Natural History
Adams described this species as follows :
"Shell ovate-fusiform, slender; whitish, stained with brown, with a white
spiral stripe near the middle of the whorls; with prominent narrow not approxi-
mate ribs, about nine on each whorl, crossed by numerous raised fine spiral lines,
of which the alternate ones are mostly larger; apex acute; spire conic; whorls
eight, convex, with a well impressed suture; aperture long subovate; canal short.
"Mean divergence about 35°; length .76 inch; breadth .28 inch."
A single specimen dredged in 20 fathoms at Taboga Island, Panama, by the
junior author was compared with Adams' single type specimen. The nucleus is
lost in both and both are dead, rather worn shells. Pilsbry and Lowe stated that it
"is undoubtedly a Phos, in the same group as P. gaudens Hinds, from which it
differs in weaker sculpture and greater number of axial ribs."
Phos gaudens Hinds
Plate 22, figures 1, 5
Phos gaudens Hinds, Zool. Voy. Sulphur, vol. 2, Moll. pt. 2, October 1844,
p. 38, pi. 10, figs. 5 and 6. "Gulf of Tehuantepec, west coast of Mexico.
Dredged from thirteen fathoms." — Sowerby, Thes. Conch., vol. 3, (pt. 19),
1859, p. 92, pi. 222, figs. 30, 31. Original record cited.— Tryon, Man.
Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 218, pi. 83, fig. 518; pi. 84, fig. 527. "Gulf of Tehuan-
tepec, W. Coast of Mexico; W. Columbia." — Tomlin, Jour. Conch., vol. 18,
no. 6, 1927, p. 160. Dredged off Gorgona Island, Panama.— Pilsbry & Lowe,
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 84, 1932, p. 116. "Montijo Bay,"
Panama.— Strong, Hanna & Hertlein, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol.
21, no. 10, 1933, p. 119. Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.
Phos mexicanus Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578. "(Cat. No.
212111 U. S. N. M.) Ranges from Cape St. Lucas to Panama."— Zetek,
Rev. Nueva, nos. 1 & 2, 1918, p. 22. Panama.— Woodring, Carnegie Inst.
Washington Publ. 385, 1928, p. 260 (foot-note) .—Pilsbry & Lowe, Proc.
Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 84, 1932, p. 116. "Dredged at 20 fathoms.
Guaymas; Mazatlan; Manzanillo; Acapulco."
Not Phos mexicanus BoSE, Inst. Geol. Mexico, Bol. 22, 1906, p. 38, pi. 4, figs.
18-21. "Division Tuxtepec, Pliocene— Paso Real cerca de Tuxtepec
Oax[aca] ."
Mangilia? dejanira Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 56, 1919, p. 72, pi. 20, fig.
12. "Dredged in Santa Maria Bay, Lower California; Dr. Paul Bartsch."
Specimens of this species were dredged by the Templeton Crocker Expedi-
tion at the following localities:
Loc. 27588 (C. A. S.), Lat. 24° 14' to 18' N, Long. Ill0 28' to 29' W.
About 13 miles southeast of Cape Tosco, Sta. Margarita Island, off the west
coast of Lower California, Mexico.
Loc. 27849 (C A. S.), Lat. 23° 12' N, Long. 106° 29' W. Dredged in 12
fathoms off Cape San Lucas, Lower California, Mexico.
Strong & Lowe — The Genus Phos 313
Loc. 27581 (C. A. S.), between Isabel Island and Mazatlan, Sinaloa,
Mexico.
Loc. 27580 (C. A. S.), dredged about one-half mile east of Isabel Island,
between Isabel Island and Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Loc. 27583 (C. A. S.), Lat. 22° 44' N., Long. 105° 59' W. Dredged in
10-17 fathoms, about 38 miles southeast of Mazatlan about 8 miles off shore.
Loc. 27574 (C. A. S.), Lat 18° 33' N., Long. 103° 45' W. Dredged near
Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, in 52 fathoms.
Loc. 27573 (C. A. S.), Lat. 18° 14' N., Long. 103° 23' W. Just off shore
at Maruata, Mexico, and about VA miles southeast of Pt. Telmo, Mexico, in 60
fathoms.
Loc. 27571 (C. A. S.), Lat. 16° 39' N., Long. 99° 24' 30" W. to Lat. 16°
38' N., Long. 99° 27' 30" W. Dredged in 20-45 fathoms, about 33 miles slightly
east of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, about 32 miles west of Dulce Bay.
Loc. 27527 (C. A. S.) , Acapulco Bay, Guerrero, Mexico.
Loc. 27567 (C. A. S.), dredged in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, between Aca-
pulco and Pt. Angeles, Oaxaca, Mexico.
The junior author secured specimens of the species at the following local-
ities :
San Felipe, east coast of Lower California, Mexico.
Off Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, in 10 fathoms.
Concepcion Bay, east coast of Lower California, Mexico, in 15 fathoms.
Off Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, in 20 fathoms.
Off Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, in 20 fathoms.
Off Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, in 15 fathoms.
Montijo Bay, Panama, in 15 fathoms.
The following is a free translation of Hinds' original Latin description :
"Shell elongate-ovate, pointed, shining, pale, with dark brown bands near
the suture; whorls rounded, ribbed, ribs about 9 at the periphery, with white
nodes, interspaces finely striated, toward the base banded; aperture elongate-
ovate."
To this can be added that there are four, smooth, glassy nuclear whorls and
that the outer lip is nearly smooth. Dall compared P. mexicanns with P. articu-
latus Hinds but the latter has more numerous axial ribs and quite different nuclear
whorls. In the description of Mangilia dejanira, Dall questioned if it belonged in
the genus Mangilia as there was no anal fasciole. The type is a young specimen
of this species.
Phos minusculus Dall
Plate 22, figure 4
Phos minusculus Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578. "Dredged
314 San Diego Society of Natural History
in Panama Bay in 26 to 47 fathoms." — Zetek, Rev. Nueva, nos. 1 SC 2,
1918, p. 22. Panama.
Dall's description of this species is as follows:
"Shell very small and thin, with about six whorls without the nucleus;
whorls rounded, sutures distinct, with two undulated spiral threads in front of it,
and in front of these six flattened threads with wider channeled interspaces be-
tween the sutures on the penultimate whorl; these are not swollen where they
cross the ribs, of which on the last whorl there are 14, with wider interspaces;
there are no intercalary spirals; outer lip slightly varicose, with about 10 internal
lines; labium smooth, with no subsutural callus and no anterior keel on the pillar.
Length, 12; diameter, 5; length of last whorl, 8 mm."
No specimens referable to this species were secured by the Templeton
Crocker Expedition. The junior author dredged four specimens in Concepcion
Bay, Gulf of California, in 15 fathoms. They were compared with the type from
Panama and were found to be identical. The nucleus consists of four, smooth,
glassy whorls.
According to Dall this is the smallest species of this genus, so far as known.
Phos veraguensis Hinds
Plate 22, figures 2, 8, 9
Phos veraguensis Hinds, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., new ser., vol. 11, April 1843,
p. 257. "Pueblo Nueva, coast of Veragua; dredged in some numbers from
26 fathoms, mud."— Hinds, Zool. Voy. Sulphur, vol. 2, Moll. pt. 2, Octo-
ber 1844, p. 37, pi. 10, figs. 13, 14. Original record cited.— Sowerby, Thes.
Conch., vol. 3, (pt. 19) , 1859, p. 92, pi. 222, fig. 41. Original record cited.—
Tryon, Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 219, pi. 84, fig. 529. Veragua, W.
Coast of Central America. [The records "West Indies; Senegal" refer to
West Indian species.] — Tomlin, Jour. Conch., vol. 18, no. 6, 1927, p. 160.
Coiba Island, Panama.— Strong, Hanna & Hertlein, Proc. Calif. Acad.
Sci., ser. 4, vol. 21, no. 10, 1933, p. 119. Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico.
Phos biplicatus Carpenter, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1856, p. 166. Panama. —
Tryon, Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 220.
F[usinus]. porticus Dall, Nautilus, vol. 29, no. 5, Sept. 1915, p. 56. "It is an
inhabitant of Panama."
Phos alternatus Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578. "From the
Gulf of California." (Cat. no. 212110, U. S. N. M.)
Specimens of this species were dredged by the Templeton Crocker Expedi-
tion at the following localities:
Loc. 27585 (C. A. S.) , Lat. 23° 02' N., Long. 100° 32' W. A few miles off
Gorda Point, in San Jose del Cabo Bay, Lower California, Mexico, in 25 fathoms.
Loc. 27584 (C. A. S.), Lat. 23° 03' to 23° 06' N., Long. 109° 36' to
Strong & Lowe — The Genus Phos 315
109° 31' W. About 10 miles due east of San Jose del Cabo, Lower California,
Mexico, in 20 to 220 fathoms.
Loc. 27574 (C. A. S.), Lat. 18° 33' N., Long. 103° 45' W. Near Manza-
nillo, Colima, Mexico. Just off shore at Black Head (Pta. San Juan de Lima)
and about 20 miles northwest of Pt. Telmo, in 52 fathoms.
Loc. 27572 (C. A. S.), a few miles south of Acapulco Bay, Guerrero,
Mexico, in 15-20 fathoms.
Loc. 37573 (C. A. S.), Lat. 18° 14' N., Long. 103° 23' W. Just off shore
near Maruata, Mexico, and about 1% miles southeast of Pt. Telmo, Mexico, in
60 fathoms.
Loc. 27571 (C. A. S.), Lat. 16° 39' N., Long. 99° 24' 30" W., to Lat.
16° 38' N, Long. 99° 27' 30" W. About 33 miles slightly east of Acapulco,
Guerrero, Mexico, and about 32 miles west of Dulce Bay, in 20-45 fathoms.
Loc. 27527 (C. A. S.), dredged in Acapulco Bay, Guerrero, Mexico.
Loc. 27558 (C. A. S.), between Punta Arenas and Bat Island, about 5 to
6 miles off Delmas, Costa Rica, in 50-60 fathoms.
The junior author secured specimens of the species at the following locali-
ties:
Punta Libertad, Sonora, Mexico.
Off Angel de la Guardia Island in the Gulf of California, Mexico, in 20
fathoms.
Off Carmen Island in the Gulf of California, Mexico, in 20 fathoms.
Off Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, in 20 fathoms.
The following is a free translation of Hinds' original Latin description:
"Shell elongate-ovate, cancellated, brown; whorls somewhat rounded, obso-
letely banded; transversely cancellated, subnodose at the intersections; outer lip
crenulated; columella smooth or slightly calloused."
To this can be added that there are three nuclear whorls of which the first
two are smooth and the last has a very fine spiral thread, also that the columella
has two sharp basal folds. Specimens have been compared with both Dall's and
Hinds' types. The latter are said to have been acid-treated and so have lost the
fine details of sculpture. The large series of specimens examined shows consider-
able variation in these details. Phos biplicatus Carpenter is unfigured and Tryon
stated that "the diagnosis applies fairly well to Phos veraguensis Hinds." The
principal difference in the description seems to be that the basal fold of the
columella, not mentioned by Hinds, is slightly bifid. In the description of
Fusinus porticus Dall it is stated that the type may perhaps not prove to be a
Fusinus. It is undoubtedly a young specimen of this species.
Powys6 described a Nassct pallida from Panama. Reeve7 figured the shell and
Tomlin8 stated that it is now recognized as being a Phos. Sowerby9 also figured
6 L. W. Powys, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1835, p. 96.
7 L. A. Reeve, Conch. Icon., vol. 8, Nassa, 1853, pi. 9, fig. 60.
8 J. R. le B. Tomlin, Proc. Mai. Soc. London, vol. 20, pt. 2, 1932, p. 95.
9 G. B. Sowerby, Thes. Conch., vol. 3, 1859, p. 94, pi. 222, figs. 19-21.
316 San Diego Society of Natural History
a shell under this name but gave the locality as the Philippines. Tryon10 copied
both figures and gave both localities. He included under it P. notatus Sowerby,
described from the Philippines.
Faustino11 in his catalog of the marine mollusks of the Philippine Islands
has cited Phos pallidus (Powys) from the Philippine Islands and in the syno-
nymy of that species he included Phos notatus. It seems probable that the locality
given by Powys was an error and that it is a Philippine shell.
Reeve12 figured a Phos cumingii without description or locality. Sowerby13
copied the figure and gave the locality as western Columbia. Tryon 14 included
the species with others under Phos gaudens Hinds. The figure is poor, but
resembles some of the west coast species in the genus Strombina more than those
in the genus Phos.
The genus Phos is very poorly represented in the literature of the Tertiary
of Western North America.15 "Phos?" martini Dickerson,16 of the Eocene of
Marysville Buttes, is probably not a Phos. Phos blakianus Anderson & Hanna,17
described from the type Tejon Eocene near Grapevine Creek, Kern County,
California, is said to be an Endopachychilus Cossmann.18 Phos dumbleana An-
derson,19 of the Miocene of Kern River, California, may be a Phos as stated by
Hanna20 but "Nassa" chehalisensis Weaver21 from the Miocene of western
Washington, considered by Etherington,22 to be a variety of "Tritiaria (Antillo-
phos) dumblei," appears closer to Nassarius of the N. perpinguis group than to
the genus Phos. Phos cocosensis Dall has been recorded as a Pleistocene fossil
from Albemarle Island of the Galapagos group.23
10 G. W. Tryon, Jr., Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 218, pi. 83, figs. 494, 496.
11 L. A. Faustino, Bureau of Science, Manila, Philippine Islands, Monograph 25,
1928, p. 242.
12 L. Reeve, Elem. Conch., vol. 1, 1860, p. 67, pi. 3, fig. 16.
13 G. B. Sowerby, Thes. Conch., vol. 3, 1859, p. 91, pi. 222, fig. 38.
HG. W. Tryon, Jr., Man. Conch., vol. 3, 1881, p. 218, pi. 83, fig. 519.
15 Phos mexicanus Bose, Inst. Geol. Mexico, Bol. Nr. 22, 1906, p. 38, pi. 4, figs,
18-21. This species reported in the Tuxtepec division of the Pliocene of Oaxaca, belongs to
the Caribbean province, not to the Pacific.
16 R. E. Dickerson, Univ. Calif. Publ. Bull. Dept. Geol., vol. 7, no. 12, 1913, p. 288,
pi. 13, fig. 5.
17 F. M. Anderson and G. D. Hanna, Calif. Acad. Sci., Occas. Papers, vol. 11,
1925, p. 73, pi. 8, fig. 16, pi. 11, figs. 8, 9.
18 R. B. Stewart, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 78, 1927, pp. 302, 391.
19 Pleurotoma (Clathurella) dumblei Anderson, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 3, (Geol.),
vol. 2, no. 2, 1905, p. 204, pi. 15, figs. 60, 61; not Harris, 1895. Renamed Phos dumbleana
by Anderson in Hanna, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol. 13, no. 10, 1924, p. 183.
20 G. D. Hanna, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol. 13, no. 10, 1924, p. 183.
21 C. E. Weaver, Univ. Wash. Publ. Geol., vol. 1, no. 1, 1916, p. 46, pi. 5, figs. 69, 70.
22 T. J. Etherington, Univ. Calif. Publ. Bull. Dept. Geol. Sci., vol. 20, no. 5, 1931,
p. 100, pi. 12, figs. 6,21, 22.
23 W. H. Dall and W. H. Ochsner, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., ser. 4, vol. 17, no. 4,
1928, p. 96, pi. 2. fig. 14.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE
PLATE 22
Fig. 1. Phos gaudens Hinds. This is a" figure of the type specimen of Phos
mexicanus Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578, Cat.
No. 212111, U. S. N. M.), from U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Station
3034, off Point Fermin, Lower California, Mexico, dredged in 24
fathoms. Length 23 mm., diameter 8.5 mm., length of last whorl 13
mm. This is not Phos mexicanus Bose. (p- 312)
Fig. 2. Phos veraguensis Hinds. This is a figure of the type specimen of Phos
alternatus Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578, Cat.
No. 212110, U. S. N. M.), from U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Station
3037, off Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, dredged in 20 fathoms. Length
26 mm., width 12 mm. (p- 314)
Fig. 3. Phos chelonia Dall. This is a figure of the type specimen of Phos
cheloma Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578, Cat.
No. 194961, U. S. N. M.), from U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Station
2813, Galapagos Islands, in 40 fathoms. (p-310)
Fig. 4. Phos minusculus Dall. (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 51, 1917, p. 578,
Cat. No. 122775, U. S. N. M.) , from U. S. Bureau of Fisheries Sta-
tion 2804, dredged in Panama Bay, in 47 fathoms. Length 12 mm.,
diameter 5 mm., length of last whorl 8 mm. (p. 313)
Fig. 5. Phos gaudens Hinds. Plesiotype, No. 6997 (Calif. Acad. Sci. Paleo.
type coll.), from Loc. 27581 (C. A. S.), dredged between Santa
Isabel Island and Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico; Templeton Crocker
Expedition. Length 24.5 mm., diameter 9 mm., length of last whorl,
approximately 10.4 mm. (p. 312)
Fig. 6. Phos artiadatus Hinds. Plesiotype, No. 6998 (Calif. Acad. Sci. Paleo.
type coll.) , from Loc. 27585 (C. A. S.) , Lat. 23° 02' N, Long. 109°
32' W., dredged in 25 fathoms, a few miles off Gorda Point in San
Jose del Cabo Bay, Lower California, Mexico; Templeton Crocker
Expedition. Length 46.1 mm., diameter 18.9 mm., length of last
whorl, 21 mm. (p. 309)
Fig. 7. Phos cocosensis Dall. A reproduction of the figure of the type given by
Dall (Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 43, no. 6, 1908, pi. 8, fig. 5),
from U. S. S. "Albatross," station 3368, near Cocos Island, Gulf of
Panama, in 66 fathoms. Length 47 mm., diameter 19 mm., length of
last whorl, 28 mm. (p-310)
Fig 8. Phos veraguensis Hinds. Plesiotype, No. 6999 (Calif. Acad. Sci. Paleo.
type coll.) , from Loc. 27584 (C. A. S.) , Lat. 23° 03' to 23° 06' N,
Long. 109° 36' to 109° 31' W., in 20 to 220 fathoms. About 10
miles due east of San Jose del Cabo, Lower California, Mexico;
Templeton Crocker Expedition. Length 24.8 mm., diameter 11.7
mm., length of last whorl 13 mm. (p. 314)
Fig. 9. Phos veraguensis Hinds. Plesiotype, No. 7000 (Calif. Acad. Sci.
Paleo. type coll.), from the same locality as the specimen shown in
figure 8. Length 28.3 mm., diameter 12.8 mm., length of last whorl
15.3 mm. This figure shows an axial section of the interior of the shell
and reveals the presence of two small plates on the columella, (p. 3 14)
Fig. 10. Phos crassus Hinds. Plesiotype, No. 7001 (Calif. Acad. Sci. Paleo.
type coll.), from Loc. 27567 (G A. S.), dredged off the coast of
Oaxaca, Mexico, in the Gulf of Tehuantepec; Templeton Crocker
Expedition. Length 41 mm., diameter 19 mm., length of last whorl
21mm. (p- 311)
Strong & Lowe — The Genus Phos
Plate 22
&*Yfr
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 23, pp. 321-336
A FURTHER REPORT ON BIRDS FROM
SONORA, MEXICO, WITH DESCRIPTIONS
OF TWO NEW RACES
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM AND THE MaRQUESS HaCHISUKA
Dickey Collections, California Institute of Technology
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
June 15, 1937
I
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
A FURTHER REPORT ON BIRDS FROM
SONORA, MEXICO, WITH DESCRIPTIONS
OF TWO NEW RACES
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM AND THE MARQUESS HaCHISUKA
Dickey Collections, California Institute of Technology
Some years ago (Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., 6, No. 19,
April 30, 1931), van Rossem published a list of Sonora land birds based
in part on specimens in the Dickey collection, in part on specimens in
the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History, and in part
on still others from private collections. A further report, particularly re-
lating to water birds, is now desirable.
In the interim since 1931, the San Diego Society of Natural History
has acquired from several sources a considerable amount of Sonora ma-
terial, including a large donation of Sonora bird skins from Mr. Griffing
Bancroft. The San Diego Society of Natural History specimens recorded
in these notes were in almost every instance taken by Mr. Bancroft or his
assistants. Additional material (either as specimens or notes) used in
the preparation of this paper has also very kindly been placed at our dis-
posal by Mr. A. W. Anthony, Dr. Louis B. Bishop, Mrs. Donald Dickey,
Mr. Chester Lamb, Mr. J. T. Wright, the Museum of Vertebrate
Zoology, the Museum of Comparative Zoology and the University of
Michigan.
Specimens are in the Dickey collection unless otherwise noted.
Observations, unless otherwise credited, are by van Rossem.
Gavia arctica pacifica (Lawrence)
The Pacific Loon was noted as a common spring migrant off San Esteban
Island between April 17 and 20, 1930.
Colymbus dominicus bangsi subsp. nov.
Type. — Female adult, no. 218269, Museum of Comparative Zoology;
Santiago, Lower California, Mexico, November 15, 1887; collected by M. Abbott
Frazar.
Subspecific characters. — Resembles Colymbus dominicus brachypterus Chap-
man of southern Texas and Middle America, but, sex for sex, bills definitely
smaller; upper parts (including pileum) slightly grayer and paler; breeding
plumage darker below, with spotting more prominent.
Range. — Arid Tropical Zone of Lower California, southern Sonora, and
324 San Diego Society of Natural History
probably other portions of northwestern Mexico.
Remarks. — Nearly ten years ago van Rossem noticed the small bills and
dark summer coloration of the Lower California least grebes. At the time he
talked the matter over with the late Outram Bangs, but there were certain points
of disagreement and van Rossem naturally deferred to Bangs. Later Bangs wrote
that he was convinced, after a careful restudy of the question, that the Lower
California colony belonged to a perfectly distinct race. Chester Lamb (in 1933)
collected a specimen at Agiabampo on the coast of extreme southern Sonora,
and very kindly allowed van Rossem to examine it. Since the bird was in breed-
ing plumage it would seem, taken in connection with the date (April 21), that
the race bangsi is also a breeding bird of Sonora.
On various occasions, ornithologists have expressed curiosity concerning
the systematic status of the least grebes of Central America. With a fair amount
of material, it may be stated that such El Salvador specimens as van Rossem
has seen belong apparently with brachypterus. This is shown by the following
measurements:
brachypterus
Wing
Exposed Culmen
6 $ from Texas
88-
• 93
22.7-
24.0
5 $ from El Salvador
88
92
22.2-
■ 24.1
bangsi
8 $ from Lower Calif.
85-
88
20.0
■ 21.2
brachypterus
3 $ from Texas
90
■ 92
22.5-
23.6
6 9 from El Salvador
83
91
19.2
20.2
(2 immature)
bangsi
6 9 from Lower Calif.
83
■88
16.0
■ 18.8
Colymbus nigricollis californicus (Heermann)
Observed as follows: San Esteban Island, April 17, 1930, common; Tiburon
Island, April 19, 1925, abundant; San Pedro Martir Island, April 20, 1930,
common; San Pedro Nolasco Island, April 21, 1930, common; Guaymas Har-
bor, April 21 to 25, 1930, common.
At these dates most of the birds were in breeding plumage and were thus
readily identifiable. Large rafts of scores, or even hundreds, were frequently
observed on the open sea.
Aechmophorus occidentalis (Lawrence)
Price, under circumstances none too certain, has previously recorded the
Western Grebe from the mouth of the Colorado River in winter. In the Thayer
collection at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, is a specimen taken by W. W.
Brown, Jr., at "Precidio" | = Guaymas] on March 27, 1905.
Puffinus griseus (Gmelin)
Two individuals were seen (unmistakably) 5 miles west of Tiburon Island
on April 25, 1925.
VAN ROSSEM & HACHISUKA — BlRDS FROM SoNORA 325
Oceanodroma melania melania (Bonaparte)
Seen in considerable numbers off San Esteban Island on April 21, and off
the entrance to Guaymas Harbor on April 27, 1930.
Halocyptena microsoma Coues
Observed as extremely common off San Esteban Island, April 17, 1930;
off Tiburon Island, April 19, 1925; off Guaymas Harbor, April 21, 1930. At
these dates it was obvious that both this species and melania were at the height
of their migrations. Great rafts of up to several hundred individuals were fre-
quently seen sitting on the open water.
Phaethon aethereus mesonauta Peters
The Red-billed Tropic-bird has been recorded at practically all times of the
year from many Gulf points. However, it was interesting to observe it at the
mouth of the Colorado River on April 25, 1925.
Although there seems to be in some quarters a reluctance to recognize
mesonauta, it appears to be a good race — at least so far as one can judge by the
characters shown by Gulf specimens.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmelin
Ten individuals, none of which showed the bill knob which is indicative of
breeding activity, were seen on an estero in Guaymas Harbor on April 22, 1930.
Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus Ridgway
In addition to published data (Tiburon Island; Punta Penascosa; mouth of
the Colorado) , there are additional records to show the Farallon Cormorant to be
a common species in the Gulf, although there appear to be no actual breeding
records. Lamb (MS) noted it as common at Guaymas on January 3, 1933;
Brown (Mus. Comp. Zool.) took a specimen there on March 23, 1905; and van
Rossem found it commonly at San Pedro Martir Island on April 18, 1925.
Phalacrocorax penicillatus (Brandt)
Brandt's Cormorant was noted as follows: San Pedro Martir Island, April
18, 1925, where nesting commonly; San Esteban Island, April 17, 1930, abun-
dant off shore; San Pedro Nolasco Island, April 21, 1930; off Guaymas, April
30, 1930, common.
Fregata magnificens rothschildi Mathews
A specimen from Guaymas, June 14, 1930, and another from Lobos Island,
May 28, 1930 (S. D. S. N. H.), are certainly of the species magnificens. We
follow Swarth in recognizing the race rothschildi, but doubt that it will bear
investigation when adequate material is assembled.
Ardea herodias treganzai Court
The Great Basin race of the great blue heron has been reported frequently
326 San Diego Society of Natural History
as occurring south to Guaymas, but actual specimens to verify these ascriptions
have been conspicuous by their absence. Additional sight records are: Guaymas,
January 3 and 6, 1933 (Lamb); and San Pedro Nolasco Island, April 21, 1930.
Specimens (S. D. S. N. H.) taken six miles north of Guaymas, June 15, 1928,
and at Tobari Bay, April 28, 1930, are definitely of the race treganzai. Both
were breeding birds.
Butorides virescens anthonyi (Mearns)
J. T. Wright took a migrant anthonyi at Tecoripa on March 1, 1929, and a
juvenile, still in partial down, at Saric on August 15, 1929. Pierce Brodkorb
informs me that in the University of Michigan collections is a skin of this race
collected by Berry Campbell at Pilares in northeastern Sonora on July 27, 1935.
These records, combined with others previously published, appear to establish
anthonyi as rather common in northern Sonora.
Butorides virescens virescens (Linnaeus)
The most careful scrutiny fails to reveal any characters by which to dis-
tinguish the breeding green herons of the Arid Tropical Zone of Sonora from
virescens of the eastern United States. Oberholser (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 42,
1912, 533) has shown that virescens occurs north on the Pacific coast of Mexico
as far as Mazatlan. The presence of this race in southern Sonora is, while inter-
esting, not particularly remarkable, save that it would seem to indicate that
frazari of Lower California is of southern, rather than of northern, origin.
Specimens of virescens, all of which were breeding when collected, have been
examined from Tobari Bay (2), April 27 and June 12, 1930; Lobos Island, (1),
May 25, 1930; Kino Bay, (1), May 16, 1930. All except the first listed are in
the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History.
Florida caerulea caerulescens (Latham)
Six specimens in the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History
are the dark colored tropical race. They were collected at Lobos Island (2) , May
30, 1930; and at T6bari Bay (4) , June 12, 1930.
Dichromanassa rufescens dickeyi van Rossem
Lamb noted one at Guaymas on January 3, 1933; the Museum of Compara-
tive Zoology contains a specimen taken by Brown in the same locality on March
19, 1905; and in the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History are
two taken at Tobari Bay on April 28, 1930. These three examples are typical
dickeyi.
Casmerodius albus egretta (Gmelin)
Records additional to those already published are that American Egrets
were noted as common at Guaymas in late April and early May, 1930; and as
breeding commonly at Tobari Bay from April 26 to May 1, 1930.
Leucophoyx thuia brewsteri (Thayer and Bangs)
Lamb noted a Snowy Egret at Guaymas on January 3, 1933. A skin from
VAN ROSSEM & HACHISUKA — BlRDS FROM SoNORA 327
Lobos Island (S. D. S. N. H.) taken May 25, 1930, is just about intermediate
in characters between brewsteri and thula. In the absence of further material this
bird is referred to brewsteri, in keeping with the determinations of Thayer and
Bangs, Bent, and others who have examined Sonora specimens.
Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis (Gosse)
Two specimens, collected at Tobari Bay on April 27 and 29, 1930, are in
the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History.
Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (Gmelin)
Black-crowned Night Herons were noted by Lamb at Guaymas on January
6, 1933; and the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History con-
tains a (presumably) breeding specimen taken in that locality on June 22, 1928.
The species was noted as common at Tobari Bay between April 26 and May 1
1930. 7
Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti Huey
A specimen (S. D. S. N. H.) taken at Tobari Bay on April 28, 1930, seems
to be exactly like Lower California examples of this race.
Heterocnus cabanisi (Heine)
The Dickey collection contains a specimen taken by Wright at Tesia on
March 17, 1930. Wright states that the Tiger Bittern is fairly common and
breeds in the Mayo River Valley. Van Rossem found no trace of it anywhere
along the coast. The single skin seems to be identical with El Salvador specimens
of similar age.
Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu)
Wright took a Bittern at El Doctor on January 25, 1929.
Mycteria americana Linnaeus
The Wood Ibis was found to be commonly and generally distributed all
along the coast from Guaymas southward to Tobari Bay in April and early
May, 1930. In the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History is a
specimen taken six miles north of Guaymas on June 15, 1928.
Guara alba (Linnaeus)
Three specimens in the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural His-
tory were taken, respectively, at Tobari Bay on April 28 and June 12, 1930, and
at Guasimas Lagoon on May 12, 1930. The White Ibis was noted as common
in the first named locality from April 26 to May 1, 1930.
Ajaia ajaja (Linnaeus)
Wright states that Spoonbills are common in the Mayo River Valley. Van
Rossem found them common at Tobari Bay between April 26 and May 1, 1930,
and saw several at Guaymas on May 5 of the same year. Three specimens taken,
328 San Diego Society of Natural History
respectively, at Tobari Bay, April 28 and May 1, and at Kino Bay, May 16, 1930,
(S. D. S. N. H.) are all in breeding plumage. However, the largest ova in the
Tobari Bay females were only about 3 mm. in diameter and the birds were
obviously not nearly ready to breed.
Chen hyperborea (Pallas)
Donald Dickey collected two specimens at San Luis on December 9, 1925,
and Wright took another at El Doctor on February 7, 1929. Both localities are
in the Colorado River Delta.
Dendrocygna bicolor helva Wetmore and Peters
A flock of at least 100 Fulvous Tree-ducks was seen on an exposed tide
flat in Guaymas Harbor on May 5, 1930.
Querquedula cyanoptera (Vieillot)
A small flock of seven or eight Cinnamon Teal was seen just south of
Nogales on December 21, 1931. The Dickey collection contains two specimens
taken by Wright at El Doctor, January 27, and Saric, September 14, 1929.
Nettion crecca carolinense (Gmelin)
El Doctor (January 20 and 24, 1929); Saric (August 17, 1929); and
Chinobampo (February 8, 1930) are localities and dates which supplement the
few previously published records.
Dafila acuta tzitzihoa (Vieillot)
Two specimens were taken by Wright at El Doctor on January 21, 1929.
There are only two previously published records, both from the northern part of
the State. The apparent scarcity of the Pintail in Sonora is surprising. Van
Rossem did not meet it anywhere along the coast in the winter of 1931-32,
although ducks of several species were abundant there.
Mareca americana (Gmelin)
Lamb noted the Baldpate at San Jose de Guaymas on January 6, 1933. The
Museum of Comparative Zoology contains two specimens taken by Brown at
Aranjuez [ = San Jose de Guaymas] on March 22, 1905.
Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus)
In the Museum of Comparative Zoology is a specimen taken by Brown at
"Precidio" = Guaymas] on March 25, 1905. Wright found the Shoveller to
be a fairly common winter visitant at El Doctor in January, 1929, and took a
specimen on January 27.
Nyroca americana (Eyton)
A specimen in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, taken by Brown at
Guaymas on March 28, 1905, verifies certain sight records from the same locality.
VAN ROSSEM & HACHISUKA — BlRDS FROM SoNORA 329
Nyroca affinis (Eyton)
The Lesser Scaup is probably the commonest salt-water duck in the State.
Lamb noted it at Guaymas on January 3, 1933, and at San Jose de Guaymas on
January 6; Huey collected one at Kino Bay, February 23, 1935; and Brown
(M. C. Z.) took two at Aranjuez on March 22, 1905. Many lesser scaups were
noted at Guaymas between April 21 and 25, 1930, but it is believed that most,
if not all of these birds were non-breeding individuals which would not have
gone north.
Charitonetta albeola (Linnaeus)
One specimen, an adult male, was taken by Wright at Ciudad Obregon on
November 17, 1930.
Melanitta perspicillata (Linnaeus)
Surf Scoters were seen in small numbers off San Esteban Island from April
17 to 19, 1930.
Erismatura jamaicensis rubida (Wilson)
A specimen in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, collected by Brown at
Guaymas on March 10, 1905, is apparently the first and only authentic State
record of the Ruddy Duck. The "Pachico, Sonora" record in the Biologia Cen-
trali Americana is really a Chihuahua citation and dates back to Allen's ambigu-
ously worded report on the specimens collected by the Lumholtz expedition.
Mergus merganser americanus Cassin
Lamb noted the American Merganser at San Jose de Guaymas on January
9, 1933. Van Rossem found it to be fairly common about San Esteban Island on
April 17, 1930, and also noted a pair at Guaymas on April 22, 1930.
Mergus serrator Linnaeus
This is a very common coastwise winter duck, and there are numerous locali-
ties on record. The latest seasonal dates noted are two "Precidio" = Guaymas]
specimens in the Museum of Comparative Zoology, taken by Brown on March
20 and 21, 1905.
Porzana Carolina (Linnaeus)
Wright took three specimens at El Doctor on January 24, 27, and 31, 1929.
Fulica americana americana Gmelin
Lamb noted Coots at San Jose de Guaymas on January 19, 1933; Wright
took three specimens at El Doctor on January 21 and 24, 1929; Brown (M. C.
Z.) collected one at "Precidio" [= Guaymas] on March 21, 1905.
^ Squatarola squatarola (Linnaeus)
The Black-bellied Plover was noted as a fairly common migrant at Tobari
330 San Diego Society of Natural History
Bay from April 26 to May 1, 1930. At this time most of the individuals ob-
served were in breeding plumage.
\' Charadrius hiaticula semipalmatus Bonaparte
A common migrating species at Tobari Bay from April 26 to May 1, 1930.
v Charadrius wilsonia beldingi (Ridgway)
Lamb collected a specimen at Agiabampo on April 18, 1933. As previously
recorded by many authors, Belding's Plover is a common permanent resident the
entire length of the Sonora coast.
v Numenius hudsonicus Latham
A specimen taken by Brown (M. C. Z.) at "Precidio" [— Guaymas] on
March 25, 1905, is apparently the only individual to have been taken, to date, in
Sonora. The species was observed as migrating commonly at Tobari Bay from
April 26 to May 1, 1930.
v Numenius americanus americanus Bechstein
The subspecific status of the long-billed curlews which were noted as
common at Tobari Bay from April 26 to May 1, 1930, is in doubt. However,
the single example of the species taken to date (van Rossem, 1933) is of the
nominate race.
J Limosa fedoa (Linnaeus)
Some of the flocks which were noted at Tobari Bay between April 26 and
May 1, 1930, totaled at least 200 individuals. At this time all, or nearly all, of
the godwits seen were in breeding plumage. Two specimens were collected on
April 28 and 29, respectively.
^ Tringa flavipes (Gmelin)
Two specimens were collected by Wright at Ciudad Obregon on Novem-
ber 14, 1929.
Tringa melanoleuca (Gmelin)
Brown (M. C. Z.) took three at Guaymas on February 27, 1905; Lamb
noted one at Hermosillo on December 22, 1932; and Wright collecetd two at
Ciudad Obregon on November 14, 1929.
*J Tringa solitaria cinnamomea (Brewster)
Two specimens taken by Wright at Saric on September 14, 1929, are
typical of the western race of the solitary sandpiper.
"0 Actitis macularia (Linnaeus)
The University of Michigan possesses a specimen taken by Campbell at
VAN ROSSEM & HACHISUKA — BlRDS FROM SoNORA 331
Pilares, July 14, 1935; Wright took two at Saric on August 2 and September
18, 1929. Van Rossem noted Spotted Sandpipers as common all along the central
and southern coast and off-shore islands from April 17 to May 14, 1930. Some
specific localities are: San Esteban Island, San Pedro Martir Island, San Pedro
Nolasco Island, Tobari Bay, and Guaymas.
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus (Brewster)
The Western Willet, as previously has been noted, is seasonally abundant
along the length of the Sonora coast. Additional records are: El Doctor from
January 21 to 29 (4 specimens), 1929; Guaymas [ "Precidio" ] , March 27 and
29, 1905; T6bari Bay, April 20, 1930; and San Esteban Island (noted), April
17, 1930.
v Heteroscelus incanus (Gmelin)
On April 21, 1930 a single Wandering Tattler was seen in company with
two spotted sandpipers on the rocky shores of San Pedro Nolasco Island.
v
Arenaria interpres morinella (Linnaeus)
Turnstones are evidently regular spring migrants along the Sonora coast,
as the following records indicate: one Lamb collection, Agiabampo, April 18,
1933; one seen at San Pedro Nolasco Island, April 21, 1930; two taken at Tobari
Bay, April 29 and May 1, 1930. In the last named locality they were fairly com-
mon and occurred as singles, pairs, and trios, usually in company with other
shore birds.
V Arenaria melanocephala (Vigors)
Two Black Turnstones were seen at San Esteban Island on April 17, and
another pair was noted on the rocky shores of San Pedro Nolasco Island on
April 21, 1930.
Limnodromus griseus scolopaceus (Say)
Wright took seven at Ciudad Obregon on November 13, 1929; the species
was noted as an abundant migrant at Tobari Bay from April 26 to May 1,
1930; and in the collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History are
two (probably non-breeding) specimens taken at Tobari Bay on June 27, 1930.
Capella gallinago delicata (Ord)
Wright took two at El Doctor on January 21 and 24, respectively, and
another at Tecoripa on March 25, 1929. In the collection of the San Diego
Society of Natural History are two taken 15 miles south of Nogales on February
5, 1929.
^ Calidris canutus rufus (Wilson)
This was the most abundant shore bird present at Tobari Bay from April
26 to May 1, 1930. A single specimen was taken on April 28.
332 San Diego Society of Natural History
Crocethia alba (Pallas)
The Sanderling was found to be an abundant migrant at Tobari Bay from
April 26 to May 1, 1930.
** Ereunetes mauri Cabanis
The M. C. Z. collection contains a specimen collected by Brown at Guay-
mas on March 26, 1905. Western Sandpipers were abundant from Guaymas to
Tobari Bay from April 22 to May 1, 1930. One flock at the last named locality
contained at least 500 birds.
^ Erolia minutilla (Vieillot)
Wright took eight specimens at El Doctor on January 27, 1929, and in the
M. C. Z. are two collected at Guaymas on February 22 and 23, 1905. The Least
Sandpiper was noted as abundant from Guaymas to Tobari Bay from April
22 to May 14, 1930.
^ Erolia alpina sakhalina (Vieillot)
The Red-backed Sandpiper was an abundant migrant at Tobari Bay be-
tween April 26 and May 1, 1930. One specimen was collected on April 28.
* Himantopus himantopus mexicanus (Miiller)
Wright took five specimens at Ciudad Obregon on November 14, 1929.
At least a dozen Stilts was observed in one flock at Tobari Bay on April 29,
1930.
v Recurvirostra americana Gmelin
Brown (M. C. Z.) took an Avocet at Guaymas on March 22 and another
at Aranjuez on March 28, 1905; Wright collected one at Ciudad Obregon on
November 14, 1929; and van Rossem saw a small flock of four at Tobari Bay
on April 29, 1930.
* Steganopus tricolor Vieillot
Two birds were collected by Wright at Saric on September 10, 1929.
Numerous flocks and individuals were seen in migration off Tiburon Island on
April 19, 1925.
V Lobipes lobatus (Linnaeus)
Wright collected one specimen at Saric on September 10, 1929, and this is
apparently the only inland record for the State. Northern Phalaropes were seen
at sea in immense numbers off San Esteban Island on April 17, and off Tiburon
Island on April 19, 1930.
s. Larus delawarensis Ord
The Ring-billed Gull was noted by Lamb at Guaymas on January 3, 1933;
Brown (M. C. Z.) took a specimen in the same locality on March 23, 1905; van
Rossem noted the species as common there between April 22 and May 14, 1930.
VAN ROSSEM & HACHISUKA — BlRDS FROM SoNORA 333
Larus californicus Lawrence
Noted as common off San Esteban Island, April 17 to 19, 1930, where ob-
served drifting in large flocks in a northerly direction. California Gulls were also
found to be common at Guaymas on various dates between April 21 and May
14, and at Tobari Bay from April 26 to May 1, 1930.
V Larus atricilla Linnaeus
Laughing Gulls in breeding plumage were commonly seen by van Rossem
at Guaymas from April 22 to May 14, 1930, at which latter date he left the
locality. At Tobari Bay, from April 26 to May 1, 1930, they were even more com-
mon and, more often than otherwise, were in pairs. Two specimens collected at
Tobari Bay were in breeding condition, and the actions of many pairs observed
strongly indicated that they were either breeding or about to do so. The number
of laughing gulls in spring and early summer on the coast of central and southern
Sonora makes more understandable the occurrence of occasional breeding pairs
on Salton Sea in southern California.
^ Larus Philadelphia (Ord)
Brown (M. C. Z.) took specimens at Guaymas ["Precidio"] on March
23 and 29, 1905; Lamb noted the species in the same locality on January 22,
1933, and van Rossem also observed it there in considerable numbers from April
22 to May 4, 1930. In the last instance, individuals were noted in every stage
of plumage from one year old immatures to fully plumaged adults.
* Gelochelidon nilotica vanrossemi Bancroft
Gull-billed Terns were noted as not uncommon at Tobari Bay from April
26 to May 1, 1930. They were usually in pairs and it was the distinct impression
that they were preparing to breed on one or more sand islands at the entrance to
the bay. Unfortunately no specimens were taken, but there can be little doubt
that they were of the same race as that which breeds on Salton Sea in southern
California.
vHydroprogne caspia imperator (Coues)
One or more Caspian Terns were seen daily at Guaymas from April 21 to
23, 1930.
v Sterna forsteri Nuttall
Forster's Terns were seen at the mouth of the Colorado River on April 23,
1925; at Guaymas (common) on April 21 and May 4, 1930; and at Tobari Bay
from April 26 to May 1, 1930. A specimen was collected at Guasimas Lagoon on
May 12, 1930. In no instance was there any evidence of breeding, and the
species was evidently purely migratory.
Sterna albif rons mexicanus subsp. nov.
Type. — Breeding male adult, no. 30,285, Dickey collection; Tobari Bay,.
334 San Diego Society of Natural History
Sonora, Mexico, April 29, 1930; collected by A. J. van Rossem; original number
13,000.
Subspecifc characters. — Similar to Sterna albifrons browni Mearns of
southern California and northern Lower California, but size definitely smaller;
coloration darker throughout and with the underparts even more strongly
suffused with pearl gray.
Range. — Coast of southern Sonora (Arid Tropical Zone) from Guaymas
south to Sinaloa, and probably south along the west coast of Mexico for some
distance.
Remarks. — The least terns of the Sonora coast were immediately recog-
nized in the field as distinct from the familiar browni of southern California.
At both Tobari Bay and Guaymas they were either breeding or preparing to do
so, but were decidedly rare and only seven specimens could be collected.
Regarding the distribution of mexicanus, one hesitates to suggest that all
breeding least terns to the southward will be found to belong to that race.
However, it would seem most improbable that browni, as a breeding race, reap-
pears to the southward of mexicanus.
Measurements. —
Wing Exposed culmen
167 - 177 26.7 - 28.3
162 - 164 24.6 - 26.0
170-174 26.1-27.0
160 - 165 24.9 - 25.2
v Thalasseus maximus maximus (Boddaert)
Anthony noted the Royal Tern at Estrada de Tasiola on December 4, 1930.
Additional records are: mouth of the Colorado River, April 22 and 23, 1925;
Guaymas, April 21 to May 14, 1930; T6bari Bay, April 26 to May 1, 1930;
Lobos Island (S. D. S. N. H.), May 25, 1930. Previously published data show
this tern to be a fairly common breeder from George Island southward.
V^ Rynchops nigra oblita Griscom
The nine Skimmers collected at Algodones Lagoon (May 1, 1930), and
Guasimas Lagoon (May 12, 1930) seem satisfactorily to belong to this race
which was described by Ludlow Griscom (Ibis, 1935, p. 545) on the basis of six
winter specimens from the Pacific coast of Guatemala. There are slight differ-
ences to be noted between the Sonora birds and the published description, but
these are probably due to season. Compared with typical nigra, these specimens
are tinged with pale gray on the axillars and under wing-coverts, and also have
more gray on the inner webs of the lateral rectrices.
Although no nests were found it was perfectly evident that the breeding
season was at hand.
14
$
browni
4
S
mexicanus
7
2
browni
3
9
mexicanus
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 24, pp. 337-348 June 15, 1937
PALEONTOLOGY OF THE PLEISTOCENE OF
POINT LOMA, SAN DIEGO COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA*
BY
Robert W. Webb
California Institute of Technology and
University of California at Los Angeles
Introduction
The study of the fossils of the Point Loma Terrace deposits was
undertaken primarily to determine the ecology of the fauna. The speci-
mens were examined, identified, and their identifications checked by spe-
cialists in Pleistocene Marine Paleontology. The work was done by the
author while a graduate student in the Division of Geological Sciences of
the California Institute of Technology.
Location of the Area
The material for study was obtained from the lowermost marine ter-
race on the west side of Point Loma, a promontory of considerable length
which extends into the Pacific Ocean in a north-south direction, protect-
ing San Diego Harbor on the west. The entire southern half of the penin-
sula is a government military and naval reservation; the northern and
broader half is largely a residential district of the city of San Diego.
Collections and Method of Study
The material for study was collected by Dr. W. P. Popenoe, Cura-
tor in Invertebrate Paleontology, and Mr. David Scharf, graduate
* Contribution No. 216, Balch Graduate School of the Geological Sciences, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California.
338 San Diego Society of Natural History
student, of the California Institute of Technology, on a collecting trip
in 1930. A later trip for additional collecting was made in the winter of
1935-1936 by Dr. Popenoe and the writer.
The fossils were identified by the author, largely according to the
nomenclature of Grant and Gale.1 The identifications were checked by
Dr. Popenoe, under whose supervision the work was conducted. Dr. U. S.
Grant, Associate Professor of Geology, University of California at Los
Angeles, checked the fossil list, edited the manuscript, and offered help-
ful suggestions. Mr. A. M. Strong, of Los Angeles, aided in the identifi-
cation of the small gastropods; in addition he contributed, from his per-
sonal experience, data on the ecology of the forms.
Review of Pertinent Literature
There are few papers on the geology of the Point Loma area. No
thorough geologic study has ever been published, although Messrs. U. S.
Grant and L. G. Hertlein are now preparing a systematic study of the
region. The only geologic report of significance is that of Ellis and Lee,
which contains a generalized geological map of Point Loma, indicating the
distribution of the marine terrace deposits and their relations to under-
lying materials. No description of them is undertaken, nor are any paleon-
tological data recorded.
A paper by Berry3 includes a list of fossils from the "Coal Mine,"
on the west side of Point Loma, which contains thirty-one species. These
"Coal Mine" fossils are identical in age with those listed in the present
paper.
Stephens4 briefly discusses the occurrence of fossils on the Plei-
stocene terraces, and gives a small faunal list.
Geologic Setting of the Terrace
The terrace material from which the fauna was collected lies uncon-
1 Grant, U. S., and Gale, H. R. Catalogue of the Marine Pliocene and Pleistocene
Mollusca of California and Adjacent Regions. Memoirs, San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. 1,
pp. 1-1036, 1931.
2 Ellis, Arthur L., and Lee, Charles H. The Geology and Ground Waters of the
Western Part of San Diego County, California. U. S. Geol. Surv. Water Supply Paper 446,
pp. 1-321, 1919.
3 Berry, S. Stillman. Fossil Chitons of Western North America. Calif. Acad. Sci.
Proc, 4th ser., Vol. 1 1 , pp. 399-536, 1922.
4 Stephens, Frank. Notes on the Pleistocene Deposits of San Diego County, Califor-
nia. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. 5, pp. 245-256, 1929.
Webb — Pleistocene of Point Loma 339
formably on sediments of Cretaceous age, called "Chico" by Ellis and
Lee.5 These Cretaceous rocks are mostly very fine-grained cherty and
marly shales, rather carbonaceous in places. A small fauna has been re-
ported from them by Fairbanks.6 Associated with the terrace deposits are
gravels of continental origin, which mostly overlie, but occasionally inter-
finger with the terrace sediments.
The terrace materials themselves are moderately fine-grained brown-
ish to yellowish sands, with some conglomeratic material and much marl.
The best collecting was near the base of the terrace directly overlying the
Cretaceous shale. Here the fossils were well-preserved in marls that sur-
round huge boulders of the Cretaceous shale. These are products of marine
erosion on an old shoreline along which the terrace materials were de-
posited.
The maximum height of the terrace above sea level is about 100 feet
(to the north) and the minimum twenty-five feet (to the south) .
Relation to Other Terraces
The position of the Point Loma terrace indicates that its uplift was
produced by the last diastrophic movement of the southern coast, since
it is the lowest terrace exposed, and has, in part, at least, been destroyed
by marine processes since the last diastrophism. This is further indicated
by the fact that at least three older terraces have been recognized by Ellis
and Lee,8 and more by other workers. While no positive correlation of
this lowermost terrace can be made with the terraces to the north and
south, the fact that the Point Loma terrace shows a marked local increase
in elevation from the south toward the north where it approaches the ele-
vation of the La Jolla terrace of Hanna,9 which he has shown to be the
lowest exposed in the La Jolla Region, may be indicative of a similar age
for the Point Loma and La Jolla terraces. Hanna, however, suggests corre-
lation of his La Jolla terrace with the Chula Vista terrace of Ellis and
Lee.10 The Chula Vista terrace is, however, not the lowest one mapped by
5 Op. cit., p. 51.
6 Fairbanks, Harold W. The Validity of the so-called Wallala Beds as a Division
of the California Cretaceous. Amer. Jour. Sci., 3rd ser., Vol. 45, pp. 473-478, 1893.
7 Ellis and Lee (op. cit.), and others, have shown that a slight submergence, produc-
ing the embayments of the San Diego coastal area, was the last diastrophic movement. This
movement is not recorded in the Point Loma terrace.
8 Op. cit., p. 25, and plate vi.
9 Hanna, Marcus A. Geology of the La Jolla Quadrangle, California. Univ. Calif.
Pub., Bull. Dept. Geol. Sci., Vol. 16, pp. 187-246, 1926.
10 Op. cit., p. 26, and plate vi.
340 San Diego Society of Natural History
Ellis and Lee, but is the next to the lowest. From the account of Ellis and
Lee, it seems that the Nestor terrace, said by them to have an elevation
of from twenty-five feet to 100 feet above sea level, is more nearly the
equivalent of the Point Loma terrace. This correlation is also suggested
by Gale.11
The correlation of terraces in the region is complicated by the ina-
bility to trace terraces directly from one geographic locality to another,
and by local warping known to have taken place in the Point Loma and
adjacent blocks.
Climatic Inferences from the Fauna
Analysis of the fauna as a whole, and of each locality collection, was
undertaken in an effort to determine climatic and temperature variations
which are known to have taken place in the Pleistocene in other west coast
localities.12 Considering all those forms living only as far south as San
Diego as dominantly northern forms and thus indicative of cooler water,
and those ranging only as far north as Santa Barbara as southern forms
and thus indicative of warmer water, one finds a consistently high per-
centage (64-65 % ) of the forms (for the whole fauna and for each lo-
cality) which indicate neither warm nor cold water (on the basis outlined
above) and which are of wide geographic range. The balance is almost
equally divided among northern and southern forms. The general per-
centages for the entire fauna are: northern, 16.6%; southern, 19.2%;
intermediate, 64.1 % . Thus a temperate water condition is indicated. This
is additional evidence for each fauna coming from the same horizon in
the lowermost terrace, as well as evidence for the water temperature
having been essentially the same as today at the time the forms were de-
posited.
The absence from the fauna of such forms as Chione gnidia, Dosinia
ponderosa, and Turritella goniostoma, which are found in other terraces
of the San Diego region, and which do not live today13 on the San Diego
1 1 Gale, H. R., in Grant and Gale. Op. cit., p. 64.
12 Bailey, T. L. Lateral Change of Fauna in the Lower Pleistocene. Bull. Geol. Soc.
Amer., Vol. 46, pp. 489-502, 1935. Clark, Alex. The Coolwater Timms Point Pleistocene
Horizon at San Pedro, California. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. VII, pp. 25-42,
1931 Woodring W. P. Fossils from the Marine Pleistocene Terraces of the San Pedro
Hills, California. Amer. Jour. Sci., Vol. XXIX, pp. 292-305, 1935.
13 Professor Grant informs me that Dosinia ponderosa has been reported living in San
Diego Bay today, but that this report is probably based upon fossil specimens which were
thought to be Recent dead individuals.
Webb— Pleistocene of Point Loma 341
coast, but live farther south, indicates that some change of water tempera-
ture (lowering) took place between the deposition of the upper terraces
and those of Point Loma. Furthermore, the mean annual surface tempera-
ture of the seas where the above forms now live is respectively 63, 63, and
64 degrees Fahrenheit, while the mean annual surface temperature of the
waters at San Diego is 62 degrees F.,14 in which today live most of the
forms found in the faunal list.
Gale15 points out that the Nestor terrace, in which he includes the
Point Loma terrace, contains warm water faunas like those of the Palos
Verdes terraces. The data presented above show that the Point Loma ter-
race contains faunas indicative of temperatures like those of today, and
not warmer. Since the faunas from which the temperature conditions
were inferred by Gale, lived on the bay side of Point Loma, and on the
landward side of San Diego and Mission bays, where they would have
been protected from open ocean influences, one might expect warmer
water facies in equivalent faunas on the landward side of an island sepa-
rated from the mainland by a shallow coastal lagoon or strait, such as
Point Loma was known to have been during the Pleistocene, prior to the
last uplift.16
The presence of one specimen of Tegula montereyi in the collection,
which is typically a northern form, and which has not been reported living
farther south than the Santa Barbara Islands, would be of great signifi-
cance in indicating a cooler water temperature, if other supporting evi-
dence were forthcoming. The presence of so many facts indicating present
day temperature conditions at the time of deposition, is strongly sugges-
tive of the fact that Tegula montereyi of this fauna is a reworked or
washed-in form; or, that its geographic range in the Pleistocene was
greater than today.
In studying the geographic distribution of the fauna of the Point
Loma terrace, Stephens17 states that of those forms found: "Some have
a southern distribution occurring now rarely or not at all this far north.
More have a northern habitat."
The present survey, involving almost three times as many species as
listed by Stephens, does not support this interpretation, since as many
14 Temperatures from data compiled by U. S. Grant.
15 Gale, H. R., in Grant and Gale. Op. cit., p. 64.
16 Stephens, Frank. Op. cit., p. 248-49.
17 Op. cit., p. 249.
342 San Diego Society of Natural History
southern as northern forms were found in the fauna ; in fact, a few more
southern than northern.
Thus it is seen that temperatures closely similar to those found
today prevailed in this area and that no temperature variations of warm
and cool water facies (either lateral or vertical) are indicated by this
fauna.
Summary of the Ecologic Features of the Fauna
The fauna contained in the collection examined by the writer com-
prises a total of 102 species. Of these more than ninety per cent are
living today on exposed coasts, in shallow water, near shore, generally
between tides. None of the forms present are extinct. Ten per cent of
the species whose habitat indicates deeper water or bay conditions are of
large depth range in general. Assuming that the physical conditions and
paleogeography at the time the forms lived were essentially as today, it
seems reasonable to suppose that the bay forms were washed outside onto
the outer coasts by the currents, and were deposited with the shore fauna.
A few forms, such as Astrea inaequalis, Calliostoma turbinum,
Diadora aspera, Tegula montereyi, Tritonalia interfossa, and Mitra idae,
which appear in the faunal list, generally are thought to be of deeper
water habitat. They may be present in the fauna because they were washed
up from deeper water. Some of them appear to be water-worn.
Age of the Terraces
Since the Nestor terrace bevels the Pliocene San Diego formation,
its post-San Diego age is unquestioned; and since the Nestor is either
older than or equivalent to the Point Loma terrace, the Pleistocene age
of the Point Loma terrace is strongly suggested. That this terrace is the
result of the latest uplift of the region has already been shown.
The very youthful stage of erosion of the Point Loma terrace, which
is incised with few, small, V-shaped, steep gradient arroyos, entering the
sea at discordant elevations, indicates a brief lapse of time since the
exposure of this lowermost terrace. Terraces to the south and east of
18 Professor Grant informs me that many of the smaller gastropods in the collections of
Mr. Stephens were identified for him by the late Mr. Tom Oldroyd, who, being much more
familiar with the northern microscopic fauna than the southern, unconsciously assigned several
doubtful specimens to northern forms which were probably really west Mexican species with
which he was unfamiliar.
19 Ellis and Lee. Op. cit., p. 25.
Webb — Pleistocene of Point Loma 343
Point Loma show much later physiographic stages. Thus a late Pleistocene
age is indicated.
From a faunal standpoint, the Pleistocene age is supported by the
fact that no extinct species are present in the fauna, and by the distinctly
recent aspect of the faunal suite.
Summary
The fauna of the Point Loma terrace in San Diego County, Califor-
nia, consists of over 100 species. The ecology of the species indicates
an open, exposed coast, with shallow water, largely inter-tidal habitat.
The age of the fauna is Pleistocene, probably late Pleistocene. The cli-
matic conditions at the time the forms lived were similar to those found
in the area today.
(For list of species and collecting localities, see following pages.)
344
San Diego Society of Natural History
CHECK LIST OF PLEISTOCENE FOSSILS,
POINT LOMA PENINSULA
Key to Ecologic Features of the Fauna
(A) On rocks, or in sand, between high and low tides, on reefs and moss
(B ) Along rocky shores and beaches, in the reach of the surf.
(C) Bay form; brackish water; tidal flats.
(D) Fairly deep water, on rocky bottom.
(E) On big kelp.
(F) On shells of Tegula funebralis.
(G) On eel grass, lettuce, and seaweed.
(H) Parasitic on star-fish and sea cucumbers.
( I ) Nestler.
(J) Borer.
Localities Range
Name Key20 Key21
GASTROPODS
(A) Acanthina Iugubris (Sowerby)
(A) Acanthina spirata (Blainville)
Acmaea sp
(A) Acmaea digitalis (?) textilis (Gould)
(E) Acmaea insessa (Hinds)
Acmaea instabilis (Gould)
(B) Acmaea (?) limatula (Gould) _
(A) Acmaea mitra Eschscboltz in Rathke _
(B) Acmaea paleacea Gould _
(B) Acmaea scabra (Gould) - -
(B) Aletes squamigerus Carpenter...
Amphissa sp — - -
(A) Amphissa versicolor Dall _.-- —
(A) Astrea (Pachypoma) inaequalis (Martyn)' __
(A) Astrea (Pomaulax) undosa (Wood) __
Bittium sp -
Calliostoma sp
(E) Calliostoma canaliculatum (Martyn)
(D) Calliostoma (?) turbinum Dall —
Chiton sp — -
(C) Cerithidea californica (Haldeman) _
(A) Conus californicus Hinds —
Crepidula sp -
(A-D) Crepidula aculeata (Gmelin)
(F) Crepidula adunca Sowerby
(A-D) Crepidula Ungulata Gould
(A-D) Crepidula nummaria Gould
(C) Crepidula onyx Sowerby
(D) Diodora aspera (Eschscholtz in Rathke)
Epitonium sp — - -
(B) Epitonium (Nitidiscala) tinctum (Carpenter)
(A) Fissurella volcano Reeve
Fusinus sp - - -—
(A) Fusinus kobelti (Dall) variety monksae (Dall)..
Gadinia sp — -
(B) Gadinia (?) reticulata (Sowerby) -
(A) Haliotis cracherodii Leach _. -
(B) Haliotis corrugata Gray..
(A) Haliotis rufescens Swainson ._ —
(A) Haminoea virescens (Sowerby) —
Hipponyx sp — - - -
(A) Hipponyx antiquatus (Linnaeus) _ .._
(A) Hipponyx tumens Carpenter
768 769
X X
x "x
.._. X
X X
X X
X X
._ _-
_ X
20p_Present; R— Rare (2-5); C— Common (5-20); A— Abundant (204").
21 M — Miocene; P — Pliocene; PI — Pleistocene; R — Recent.
Webb — Pleistocene of Point Loma
345
GASTROPODS {Cominuii')
(B-A) Homalopoma carpenteri (Pilsbry)_
(A) Hyalina (Hyalina) califbrnica (Tomlin)
(A) Hyalina (Cystiscus) jewettii (Carpenter) _
(?) Ischnochiton sp _ - —
(G) Lacuna (?) unitasci.ua Carpenter _ -
(B) Littorina scutulata Gould _ ~ -
(B) Macron lividus(A. Adams) _ -
(A) Mangelia (Mitromorpha) filosa (Carpenter) _
(A) Mangelia (Mitromorpha) gracilior (Hemphill in Tryon)
(H) Melanella (?) rutila (Carpenter)
(D) Mitra idae Melvill _
(B) Mitrella carinata (Hinds) variety gausapata (Gould)
(B-C-D) Nassarius (Schizopyga) mendicus variety cooperi (Forbes)
(E) Norrisia norrisii (Sowerby) „
(A) Olivella biplicata (Sowerby) — —
(C-D) Retusa (Acteocina) culcitella (Gould) —
Spirotropis (Antiplanes) sp._ —
(A) Tegula (Chlorostoma) aureotincta (Forbes)
(B) Tegula (Chlorostoma) funebralis (A. Adams) -
(D) Tegula montereyi (Fischer in Kiener)
Tegula (Promartyn) pulligo Martyn —
Tritonalia sp.
(D) Tritonalia foveolata (Hinds) — -
(D) Tritonalia interfossa (Carpenter)
Trophon sp -
(B) Truncatella californica Pfeiffer
(B) Truncatella stimpsoni Stearns —
Turbonilla sp._ -
PELECYPODS
Barbatia (Acar) pernoides (Carpenter) -
(I) Cumingia lamellosa Sowerby _
(D) Glans carpenteri (Lamy)_ _ _
(A) Hinnites multirugosus (Gale)
(D) Irus lamellifer (Conrad) _ —
(B) Kellia suborbicularis (Montagu) variety laperousii (Deshayes)
Lacuna sp
(C) Leptopecten latiaurarus (Conrad)
(D) Lucina californica Conrad ._ _ _ _
(B) Mytilus (Mytilus) californianus Conrad
(C) Ostrea lurida Carpenter
(A-B-C) Pecten (Aequipecten) bellilamellatus Arnold _
(A-B-C) Pecten (Aequipecten) circularis Sowerby
(J) Pectricola carditoides (Conrad)
(D) Platydon cancellatus (Conrad)
(D) Pododesmus macroschisma (Deshayes) _ _
(D) Psephidia lordi (Baird) variety ovalis Dall _
(A) Pseudochama exogyra (Conrad)
(B) Saxicava arctica (Linnaeus).
(B-C) Saxidomus nuttalli Conrad
(B) Semele decisa (Conrad) -
(B) Semele rupicola Dall
(A) Septifer bifurcatus (Conrad)
(B) Tellina (?) meropsis Dall.. _
(A-B) Venerupis (Protothaca) staminea (Conrad)
(B) Venus (Chione) succinta Valenciennes _ _
OTHFR FORMS
Barnacle fragments
Coral fragments-
Echinoid fragments
Tetraclita squamosa (Bruguiere)..
L185
346 San Diego Society of Natural History
FOSSIL LOCALITIES (C. I. T.)
768. Yellow fossiliferous marl from marine terraces about 100 feet above sea
level, and about 100 yards southwest of the intersection of Ladera and
Cordova Streets, and about 4 miles N12°W of the lighthouse on Point
Loma, San Diego County, California. Sept. 22, 1930. Popenoe and
Scharf.
769. Marine terrace 100 feet above present sea level, exposed on west side of
Point Loma peninsula and about two miles N17V2°W of the lighthouse
on Point Loma, San Diego County, California. Pleistocene marls just
above Eocene-Pleistocene contact. Sept. 22, 1930. Popenoe and Scharf.
771. Marine terrace about 100 feet above present sea level along ocean front
on west side of Point Loma peninsula, about 100 yards north of the
north boundary of Fort Rosecrans Military Reservation and about 3.1
miles N13°W of the lighthouse on Point Loma, San Diego County,
California. Marls just above Eocene sandstones. Sept. 22, 1930. Popenoe
and Scharf.
1185. Marine terrace about fifty feet above present sea level, exposed on west
side of Point Loma peninsula, and about 200 yards south of the south
boundary of the Theosophical Society grounds, on the Fort Rosecrans
Military Reservation. Nearly on the contact between the terrace deposits
and the Cretaceous. Point Loma peninsula, San Diego County, Califor-
nia. February 8, 1936. Popenoe and Webb.
1186. Marine terrace about fifty feet above present sea level, exposed on west
side of Point Loma peninsula, and about three-tenths of a mile south of
the south boundary of the Theosophical Society grounds, on the Fort
Rosecrans Military Reservation. Nearly on the contact between the terrace
deposits and the Cretaceous. Point Loma peninsula, San Diego County,
California, February 8, 1936. Popenoe and Webb.
1187. Marine terrace about fifty feet above the present sea level, exposed on the
west side of Point Loma peninsula, and about one-half mile south of the
south boundary of the Theosophical Society grounds, on the Rosecrans
Military Reservation. Nearly on the contact between the terrace deposits
and the Cretaceous. Point Loma peninsula, San Diego County, Califor-
nia. February 8, 1936. Popenoe and Webb.
1 188. Marine terrace about fifty feet above the present sea level, exposed on the
west side of Point Loma peninsula, and about eight-tenths of a mile south
of the south boundary of the Theosophical Institute grounds, on the
Fort Rosecrans Military Reservation. Nearly on the contact between the
terrace deposits and the Cretaceous. Point Loma peninsula, San Diego
County, California. February 8, 1936. Popenoe and Webb.
2**1?
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 25, pp. 349-360, plate 23 June 15, 1937
%
DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW MAMMALS FROM
ARIZONA AND SONORA, MEXICO
BY
Laurence M. Huey
Curator of Birds and Mammals, San Diego Society of Natural History
During the past four years there has been accumulated in the collec-
tion of the San Diego Society of Natural History a small series each of a
number of mammals from southwestern Arizona and the northwestern
coastal district of Sonora, Mexico. Study of this material has revealed the
presence of several apparently undescribed races which are herewith
named.
The writer wishes to express his gratitude and appreciation to Mrs.
Florence V. V. Dickey and Mr. A. J. van Rossem for loan of specimens
from the Dickey collections in Pasadena, California; to Dr. E. Raymond
Hall of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Berkeley, California, for the
loan of comparative material; and to Mr. Bernard Bailey for the use of
specimens from his private collection now on deposit in the Natural
History Museum in San Diego, California. The skull illustrations are
by Mr. Allan J. Stover.
Neotoma lepida aureotunicata subsp. nov.
Punta Penascosa Desert Wood Rat
Type. — From Punta Penascosa, Sonora, Mexico; no. 10907, collection of the
San Diego Society of Natural History; adult male; collected by Laurence M.
Huey, February 14, 1934.
Characters. — A race of Neotoma lepida characterized by very bright buff
color, with a suffusion of buffy over entire dorsal and belly surfaces of the
body; tail bicolored, and feet white. The molar series of aureotunicata is slightly
longer and heavier than that of either Neotoma lepida flava or Neotoma lepida
auripila.
350 San Diego Society of Natural History
Measurements of 3 Neotoma lepida aureotunicata
"o S
X
JZ
-c S
^Z
-C
c
2
u
"5 c
2 o
C jj
.2w
c
o
0
S-s
•S "
„
J S
o .
X
0
H
h
C
I
i3
o £
U-
OT3
DC «
£ c
C p
Z
> a.
~Z a
< 3
10852
9
305
155
32
30
38.9
37.0
20.5
5.0
14.3
8.4
109071
<S
292
141
31
27
37.5
36.2
19.6
5.1
14.2
8.2
10934
d
305
141
30
25
39.3
37.5
20.0
5.0
15.2
8.2
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Comparisons. — Compared with N. I. jlava from Tinajas Altas, Gila Moun-
tains, Yuma County, Arizona, N. I. aureotunicata is much deeper in color,
with a bicolored tail, dark ears and slight huffy suffusion on belly. Compared
with N. I. auripila, from Agua Dulce Mountains, Pima County, Arizona, much
brighter in color, with less blackish cast dorsally, bicolored tail and lighter buffy
suffusion on belly. Blossom (Occas. Papers of the Museum of Zoology, Univ.
of Michigan, No. 315, May 29, 1935) described a smallish, dark form, N. I.
bensoni from the Pinacate lava beds, Sonora Mexico. I have not seen specimens
of bensoni, but from the description, it is a much darker race than aureotunicata
and confined to the black lava of the Pinacate region.
Remarks. — The three specimens which form the basis of this newly described
race were taken from a small group of rocky hills that form the promontory of
Punta Penascosa. This locality is completely isolated as far as terrain inhabitable
by Neotoma lepida is concerned. The nearest locality this species is known to
inhabit is the Pinacate range, which lies over twenty miles northward and is
separated from Punta Penascosa by that distance of bleak, sandy, level desert, an
association hostile to the species. From the experience of the writer and from
published accounts of the general region, it would seem that Neotoma lepida
inhabits the higher rocky slopes of all these desert ranges in southwestern Arizona
and adjacent Sonora. In most cases this rocky type of habitat is separated by inter-
vening valleys and wide plains of sandy desert, which are uninhabitable by this
species. Thus biological islands are formed and the Neotoma lepida population
is divided into isolated groups. As with islands in the sea, the smaller the area the
more susceptible are the inhabitants to specialized development. In fact further
study and exploration of this general desert region, both in southwestern Arizona
and northwestern Sonora, will without doubt bring to light additional well-
marked races of this species.
Specimens examined. — Neotoma lepida auripila: 3 from Agua Dulce
Mountains, 7 miles east of Papago Well, Pima County, Arizona; Neotoma
lepida jlava: 4 from Tinajas Altas, Yuma County, Arizona; Neotoma lepida
aureotunicata; 3 from type locality as above.
1 Type.
Huey— New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora 351
Neotoma lepida harteri- subsp. nov.
Gila Bend Desert Wood Rat
Type. — From 10 miles south of Gila Bend (or, exactly, from the summits
of a group of lava hills on the east side of the Ajo railroad, about 2 miles north
of Black Gap), Maricopa County, Arizona; no. 11462, collection of the San
Diego Society of Natural History; adult male; collected by Laurence M. Huey,
February 8, 1936.
Characters. — A dark, blackish-colored race of Neotoma lepida with medium
body size, relatively long tail and small hind feet. In body size harteri is larger
than its southern relatives, N. I. aunpila or N. I. flava, more nearly approaching
the average body measurement given by Benson in his paper describing N. I. flava
(Occas. Papers of the Museum of Zoology, Univ. of Michigan, No. 317, July
1, 1935, table, pp. 4-5) for Neotoma lepida devia from the Painted Desert in
northern Arizona, which is the region nearest the type locality of devia from
which he had specimens. However, in color harteri is quite different from the
three forms above mentioned, being dark (nearly black) dorsally, with the under
color tending towards grayish rather than towards the buffy cast found in the
southern Arizona and Sonoran forms of N. lepida. The tail of harteri is dark
(nearly black), in about 60f/c of the specimens examined varying but slightly on
the ventral side to dusky, and in the remainder uniformly colored above and below.
In this tail character harteri stands apart from all the specimens of either aunpila,
flava or devia so far examined. The ears of harteri are deep, dusky black. The
median line on the side is buffy, with a buffy suffusion covering the belly. A
white pectoral patch and a white inguinal patch of relatively large size are
present on all the specimens of this race examined. These white patches approach
in size those of devia and are not restricted to a small area as in aunpila. Cranially,
harteri compares closely with aunpila and flava, but differs slightly from devia
in a few minor characters.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 280; tail, 135; hind foot, 29; ear, 28.
Skull (type) : Greatest length, 36.5; condylobasal length, 34.6; zygomatic
breadth, 19.9; interorbital constriction, 5.4; nasals, 13.0; alveolar length of upper
molar series, 7.3.
Range. — So far as known, the hills south of Gila Bend, Arizona, but further
collecting may reveal N. I. harteri to have an extensive range in the desert moun-
tains to the eastward of the type locality.
Specimens examined. — Besides the list mentioned in the preceding descrip-
tion:— Neotoma lepida devia: 5 from Hoover Dam Ferry, Mohave County,
Arizona; 3 from Mud Spring, 12 miles WSW of Chloride, Mohave County,
Arizona; 3 from foot of The Needles, Colorado River, Mohave County, Ari-
zona; 1 from Colorado River above Bill Williams River, Mohave County, Ari-
zona; 2 from 10 miles below Cibola, Colorado River, Yuma County, Ari-
~ It gives the writer pleasure to dedicate this race to Samuel George Harter who as a
youth chose natural science as his life-work and has been the writer's companion on many
desert collecting trips.
352
San Diego Society of Natural History
zona; 4 from base of Castle Dome, Yuma County, Arizona; 2 from 10 miles
east of Quartzsite, Yuma County, Arizona. Neotoma lepida barter:: 9 from type
locality as above.
Ammospermophilus harrisii kinoensis subsp. nov.
Sonora Antelope Ground Squirrel
Type. — From Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico; no. 11284, collection of the
San Diego Society of Natural History; adult female; collected by Laurence M.
Huey, February 22, 1935.
Characters. — This race is characterized by being darker and more grizzled
dorsally and having lighter-colored hind feet than either Amnios permophilus
harrisii harrisii or Ammospermophilus harrisii saxicola. The molar teeth are
smaller and the tooth row is slightly shorter than in either of the other races
mentioned. A. h. kinoensis also differs from saxicola in having larger hind
feet.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 229; tail, 80; hind foot, 40; ear, 5.
Skull (type) : Greatest length, 38.3; zygomatic breadth, 23.2; interorbital con-
striction, 10.8; nasals, 10.8; alveolar length of upper molar series, 6.8; longitudinal
length of bullae, 9.9.
Average Measurements of Ammospermophilus harrisii
o £
BO
-C
■£ »
c
.5
00
C
~n c
on "■
s
b
c
0
o
13
|l
H
-5 5
0
O u
JS
"0 2
2 —
o
o
h
h
c
X
O'o
an a
C 0
> a.
< 3
Z
i-J o
Tinajas Altas
230.3*
80.4
37.7
38.0
22.6
9.7
7.0
11.6
9.8
Camp Verde
232.24
80.8
39.8
40.05
23.6
10.3
7.0
10.3
10.6
Bahia Kino
234.56
83.0
40.2
39.2
22.9
10.4
6.8
11.3
9.7
Range. — So far as known, coastal district of Sonora, Mexico, from Porto
Libertad south to Bahia Kino.
Remarks. — The fact that Audubon and Bachman named A . harrisii without
giving a locality from which the original specimen was collected has led to some
speculation. Merriam (N. A. Fauna, No. 2, Oct. 30, 1889, pp. 19-20) properly
allocated this species to southern and western Arizona; and since then Mearns
(Proc. U. S. Nat. Museum, Vol. 18, p. 444 — advanced sheets published March
25, 1896) divided the species into two races, describing his form A. h. saxicola
from Tinajas Altas, Yuma County, in southwestern Arizona. Comparison of
Arizona material substantiates the fact that two tenable forms are existent in the
3 15 specimens.
4 Body measurements taken from table of 20 specimens in Mearns, Mam. of Mex.
Boundary, pp. 307-308.
5 Skull measurements from 7 specimens in collection of Bernard Bailey.
6 7 specimens.
Huey — New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora 353
area south and west of the great Mogollon plateau, though there is still a ques-
tion of how the names may, in the future, be applied. The crux of this question
lies in the possibility of some future student being able to designate the type
locality of A. harrisii. The writer has followed Mearns and used the measure-
ments of specimens from Fort ( = Camp) Verde, Arizona, as most typical of
the race barrisu.
When adequate material is assembled "the long tail" character assigned by
Mearns to his race saxicola vanishes. However, the specimens from southwestern
Arizona are discernible by their lighter coloration. In fact, color is the main
character by which the group harrisii has been divided into these races, and this
character is more readily seen in series than individually.
Specimens examined. — Ammospermophilus harrisii harrisii: 8 from Camp
Verde, Yavapai County, Arizona; tabulated body measurements of 20 speci-
mens from same locality (see Mearns, Mam. of Mexican Boundary of United
States, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 56, pp. 307-308); 2 from Wickenburg,
Maricopa County, Arizona; 5 from 6 miles northeast of Paradise, Cochise County,
Arizona; 1 from 25 miles south of Tucson, Pima County, Arizona; 1 from 5
miles northwest of Sells, Pima County, Arizona. Ammospermophilus harrisii
saxicola: 15 from Tinajas Altas, Gila Mountains, Yuma County, Arizona
(type locality); 3 from 7 miles east of Papago Well, Pima County, Arizona; 3
from Punta Pehascosa, Sonora, Mexico. Ammospermophilus harrisii kinoensis:
6 from Porto Libertad, Sonora Mexico; 7 from Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico
(type locailty).
Thomomys bottae growlerensis subsp. nov.
Growler Valley Pocket Gopher
Type. — From 7 miles east of Papago Well, Pima County, Arizona (or,
exactly, along a well wooded desert wash on the southwestern side of a range of
hills in the southern end of Growler Valley; the Agua Dulce Mountains form the
southern boundary of this locality and are not far distant); no. 12387, collec-
tion of the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult male; collected by
Laurence M. Huey, March 16, 1937.
Characters. — In color Thomomys bottae growlerensis differs from T. b.
phasma, its nearest western relative, by being brighter, more golden and lacking
the pallid appearance of either T. b. phasma or T. b. depauperatus. The skull of
growlerensis, compared with those of T. b. phasma and T. b. vanrossemi (this
latter form from Punta Pehascosa, Sonora, but in the same general desert area)
is narrower, the zygomatic arches are less sharply angled and the audita! bullae
are more rounded. The interpterygoid space of growlerensis is narrower than that
of phasma and wider than that of vanrossemi.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 208; tail, 62; hind foot, 30; ear, 5.
Skull (type) : Condylobasal length, 37.4; spread of maxillary arches, 22.7;
interorbitaJ constriction, 6.7; nasals, 13.3; alveolar length of upper molar series,
7.5.
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Specimens examined. — Thomomys bottae phasma: 9 from Tule Well,
Yuma County, Arizona (near type locality). Thomomys bottae depauperatus:
354 San Diego Society of Natural History
15, of which 9 were from 2 miles north of Tinajas Altas ( = 7 miles south of Ra-
ven Butte), and 6 from proximity of Tinajas Altas, Yuma County, Arizona.
Thomomys bottae vanrossemi: 12, including type, from Punta Penascosa, So-
nora, Mexico. Thomomys bottae growler ensis: 8 from the type locality as given,
above..
Thomomys bottae comobabiensis subsp. now
Comobabi Pocket Gopher
Type. — From 5 miles northwest of Sells, Pima County, Arizona (elevation,
approximately 2400 feet); no. 12460, collection of the San Diego Society of
Natural History; adult female; collected by Laurence M. Huey, March 22,
1937.
Characters. — A medium-sized, brownish-colored gopher, more nearly re-
sembling those found on the higher parts of the mountains of south-central
Arizona. The skull resembles that of Thomomys bottae modicus, but is smaller,
with rounder, more inflated bullae and relatively shorter, heavier rostrum.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 215; tail, 70; hind foot, 28; ear, 4.
Skull (type) : Condylobasal length, 35.7; spread of maxillary arches, 21.4;
interorbital constriction, 6.5; nasals, 12.1; alveolar length of upper molar series,
7.6.
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Remarks. — Goldman described Thomomys bottae pusillus (Journ. Wash.
Acad. Sciences, Vol. 21, No. 17, Oct. 19, 1931, p. 422) from a single adult
female specimen. The measurements given by him indicate pusillus to be a
diminutive form, not approaching the size of the race here described.
Specimens examined. — Thomomys bottae modicus: 4 from Tubac, Santa
Cruz County, Arizona; 11 from Santa Cruz River, 2 miles south of Tumacacon
Mission, Santa Cruz County, Arizona; 2 from Tucson, Arizona; 12 from Fort
Lowell, Pima County, Arizona. Thomomys bottae comobabiensis: 7 from the
type locality as given above.
Thomomys bottae aridicola subsp. nov.
Gila Bend Pocket Gopher
Type. — From 10 miles south of Gila Bend (or, exactly, on Ajo railroad
right of way, about 2 miles north of Black Gap) , Maricopa County, Arizona; no.
11424, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult female;
collected by Laurence M. Huey, February 1, 1936.
Characters and Remarks.— A medium-sized, slightly tawny-appearing
gopher, tending in color towards the preceding form described in this paper
rather than towards the more buffy pallid types of gophers inhabiting the desert
regions to the westward. In skull characters, the resemblance lies in the same
direction, but aridicola has a longer, more flattened brain-case, with wider-spread-
ing zygomatic arches and a more slender rostrum. The skull of aridicola is weak
and light-boned and may show a relationship to T. b. subsimilis. T. b. aridicola
Huey — New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora 355
is not related to either T. harquahalae or T. b. cervinus, as comparison of meas-
urements clearly demonstrates. The incisors do not project beyond the nasals.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 212; tail, 63; hind foot, 29; ear, 5.
Skull (type) : Condylobasal length, 36.7; spread of maxillary arches, 23.5; inter-
orbital constriction, 6.8; nasals, 12.9; alveolar length of upper molar series, 7.5.
Range. — Known only from the type locality.
Specimens examined. — Thomomys bottae aridicola: 2 from type locality as
given above. Thomomys bottae cervinus: 11 from Phoenix, Maricopa County,
Arizona.
Perognathus intermedius lithophilus subsp. now
Porto Libertad Rock Pocket Mouse
Type. — From Porto Libertad (or, exactly, the summit of a rocky hill IV2
miles NNW of the fresh water spring on the beach) , Sonora, Mexico; no. 11211,
collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult male; collected by
Laurence M. Huey, February 5, 1935.
Characters. — Perognathus intermedius lithophilus is darker and more gray-
ish dorsally than either Perognathus intermedius intermedius or Perognathus in-
termedius phasma and lacks the pinkish cast found in these two northern races.
In size lithophilus resembles phasma and is slightly smaller than intermedius.
Cranially, the mastoid bullae are less extended and the posterior part of the skull
is slightly more arched and deeper than in either of the other two mentioned
forms.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 166; tail, 91; hind foot, 19; ear, 5.
Skull {type) : Occipitonasal length, 23.5; mastoid breadth, 12.7; interorbital
constriction, 6.2; nasals, 9.3; alveolar length of upper molar series, 3.4. Eight
specimens including the type averaged: Total length, 166.8 (162-170) ; tail, 91.7
(82-97); hind foot, 20.1 (19-21); ear, 5. Skull: occipitonasal length, 23.3
(22.4-24.2); mastoid breadth, 12.6 (12.2-12.9); interorbital constriction, 6.0
(5.9-6.2); nasals, 9.0 (8.8-9.3); alveolar length of upper molar series, 3.2
Range. — So far as known, the vicinity of Porto Libertad, Sonora, Mexico.
Specimens examined. — Perognathus intermedius intermedius: 48 from Cas-
tle Dome, Yuma County, Arizona; 1 from Ehrenberg, Yuma County, Arizona.
Perognathus intermedius phasma: 53 from Tinajas Altas, Yuma County, Ari-
zona. Perognathus intermedius lithophilus: 9 from Porto Libertad, Sonora,
Mexico (type locality) .
Perognathus longimembris pimensis subsp. nov.
Pima Silky Pocket Mouse
Type. — From 1 1 miles west of Casa Grande, Pinal County, Arizona; no.
12579, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult male;
collected by Laurence M. Huey, May 22, 1937.
Characters. — The dorsal color of the type of P. I. pimensis is darker than
P. 1. bombycinus, nearly matching Ridgway's Avellaneous (Nom. of Color,
356 San Diego Society of Natural History
1912). This ground color resembles that of P. I. panamintinus , but pimensis
lacks the blackish tipped hairs found on panamintinus. Cranially, these two races
differ widely. The skull of pimensis is slightly larger than that of bombycinus and
has a more rounded brain case and deeper, more inflated mastoid bullae. The
zygomatic arches are more widely spreading anteriorly. The interparietal is small,
nearly equal-sided, though this character is not one that can be used in contrast
with bombycinus, but rather one that is shared with it and used when comparing
with all other members of the longimembris group except P. I. kinoensis from So-
nora, Mexico. In fact it is notable that these southwestern Arizona and Sonora
forms of longimembris may be grouped by this character.
Measurements. — Type: Total length, 144; tail, 83; hind foot, 18; ear, 4.
Skull (type) : Greatest length, 21.2; mastoid breadth, 12.2; interorbital constric-
tion, 5.0; nasals, 7.4; tooth row, 2.7.
Range. — So far as known, from the vicinity west of Phoenix, Maricopa
County, Arizona, south to the type locality west of Casa Grande, Pinal County,
Arizona.
Remarks. — Records of Perognathus longimembris from Arizona are few.
Osgood (Proc. Bio. Soc. Wash., Vol. 20, p. 19, Feb. 23, 1907) described Perogna-
thus bombycinus (now P. longimembris bombycinus) from Yuma, basing his
description on one specimen from that locality and two from northwestern So-
nora, Mexico. Grinnell subsequently recorded (Univ. Pub. in Zool., Vol. 12,
No. 4, p. 243, March 20, 1914) eighteen specimens of P. bombycinus taken on
the Arizona side of the Colorado River at Ehrenberg. In 193 1 Goldman described
Perognathus longimembris arizonensis (Proc. Bio. Soc. Wash., Vol. 44, p. 134,
Oct. 17, 1931) from 10 miles south of Jacobs Pools, Houserock Valley, north
side of Marble Canyon of the Colorado River, Arizona. This form ranges north
of the Grand Canyon and into southern Utah. Nine specimens from two locali-
ties in Arizona and one in Utah were represented in this description. So far as
the writer is aware, these are the only localities of occurrence of Perognathus
longimembris hitherto recorded for Arizona.
On October 17, 1930, Bernard Bailey collected a single specimen of
Perognathus longimembris, now in the collection of the San Diego Society of
Natural History, at Marinette, Maricopa County, Arizona; and on May 21
and 22, 1937, the writer captured two male specimens in a sandy area 11 miles
west of Casa Grande, Pinal County. It is upon these three specimens that the
present description is based. The single specimen from Marinette is in winter
pelage and is darker and grayer than the Casa Grande specimens. It also does
not have as well developed cranial characters, but is sufficiently close to pimensis
to be included in the new race. However, a good series might prove it to be worthy
of subspecific separation.
Specimens examined. — Perognathus longimembris kinoensis: 4 from Bahia
Kino, Sonora, Mexico (including the type). Perognathus longimembris bomby-
cinus: 2 from 6 miles east of Yuma, Arizona (type locality); 2 from 3 miles
west of Pilot Knob, Imperial County, California; 3 from San Felipe, Lower Cali-
fornia, Mexico. Perognathus longimembris bangsi: 3 from Palm Springs, River-
side County, California (type locality) ; 8 from below San Felipe Narrows, San
Diego County, California. Perognathus longimembris panamintinus: 15 from
Huey — New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora
357
Junction Ranch, Argus Mountains, Inyo County, California; 6 from Nemo
Canyon, Panamint Mountains, Inyo County, California; 7 from Harrisburg Flat,
Panamint Mountains, Inyo County, California; 4 from mouth of Goler Canyon,
Panamint Valley, Inyo County, California. Perognathus longimembris pimensis:
1 from Marinette, Maricopa County, Arizona; 2 from 11 miles west of Casa
Grande, Pinal County, Arizona (type locality) .
Bassariscus astutus yumanensis subsp. now
Yuma Cacomistle
Type. — From Tinajas Altas, Gila Mountains, Yuma County, Arizona; no.
12272, collection of the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult male; col-
lected by Laurence M. Huey, March 6, 1937.
Characters and Comparisons. — A race of Bassariscus astutus differing from
B. a. arizonensis of central and eastern Arizona in slightly smaller size, lighter
dorsal color and having heavier proportions of black in the bands on the upper
side of the tail. In this latter character B. a. yumanensis is similar to B. a. octavus
of southern California, but has a more pallid color dorsally. Cranially yumanensis
differs from both of the above mentioned races in having a smaller skull, with
shorter, heavy rostrum, a more curving tooth row, a shallower brain case, and the
tympanic bullae slightly shorter in length but rounder and much more deeply
expanded when viewed in profile. (See Plate 23) .
Measurements in Millimeters
£
X
j:
5 D
5 =
. 5
cz
.£
c
-n
2 5
■z °
.2 c/i
C
o
0
—
o
■c 0
S.o
15 5
0-£
£ o
-SQ
—
T3
si
$■£
£ ~
OT3
-a
oT
c
Uo)
C/5
H
H
X
m
O'o
UJS
5k «
N.5
— o
S§
6°
12226
?
727
380
60
39
73.0
72.2
43.4
12.3
17.2
29.1
12271
V
700
358
63
41
72.3
71.6
44.0
12.6
16.2
28.7
122727
d"
738
395
66
46
75.1
74.8
46.6
12.7
15.8
29.8
Remarks. — The race B. a. yumanensis represents another form of lighter-
colored, subspecifically different mammals from the southwestern desert section
of Arizona. The range of Bassariscus astutus extends from Transition Zone in
the north to Lower Sonoran or even Arid Tropical in the south. This provides a
wide latitude of environmental conditions, and, as a result, when a good assem-
blage of specimens is brought together from widely separated localities, the effects
of varied habitat are quickly discernible. This is true as regards both color and
size. For example yumanensis has size tendency towards the Lower California
form palmarius, but stands apart in color tone, as would be expected when the
climatic variation of their two ranges is compared. Similarly, conditions of
7 Type.
Huey — New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora
Plate 23
Bassariscus astufus anzonensis.
Bassariscus asfufus yumanensis. (Type)
Bassariscus asfufus ocfavus.
Comparison of Bassariscus skulls. X3/5
Huey — New Mammals from Arizona and Sonora 359
habitat are reflected in the appearance of the other races of the species.
There are two trapper-taken specimens in the Dickey collection labeled
from Laguna Dam, Imperial County, California. Both of these specimens lack
skull, front feet and measurements. One of them (no. 9975) is fairly representa-
tive in color of the race yumanensis, but the other (no. 9976) is doubtful and,
judging from tail characters, is probably referable to anzonensis. However, with-
out a skull the identity of this latter specimen cannot be definitely determined.
The writer has positive knowledge of the presence of Bassariscus at this Califor-
nia locality, and he also knew the trapper and something of his travels. At the
time these specimens were taken, he was a prospector, trapping as a side line,
and was often away on short excursions into territory east of Tucson, Arizona,
well within the range of anzonensis. His failure to appreciate the need of scien-
tific accuracy, and the resemblance of no. 9976 to anzonensis , would tend to dis-
qualify the locality data on this specimen.
Range. — Mountains of the arid region in extreme southwestern Arizona and
southeastern California, and probably in contiguous territory of northwestern
Sonora.
Specimens examined. — Bassariscus astutus anzonensis: 2 from 14 miles east
of Fort Lowell, Pima County, Arizona. Bassariscus astutus octavus: 2 and 1 skull
from San Luis Rey River, altitude 1700 feet, near Escondido, San Diego County,
California; 1 from Bear Flat, San Antonio Canyon, Los Angeles County, Cali-
fornia. Bassariscus astutus raptor: 1 from Eel River Bridge, Mendocino County,
California; 1 from Low Gap, Trinity County, California; 1 from Hyampom,
Trinity County, California; 1 from Bridgeville, Humboldt County, California;
2 from Eldridge, Sonoma County, California. Bassariscus astutus palmarius:
6 from San Ignacio, Lower California, Mexico. Bassariscus astutus insulicola:
2 from San Jose Island, Lower California, Mexico. Bassariscus astutus saxicola:
2 from Espiritu Santo Island, Lower California, Mexico. Bassariscus astutus
yumanensis: 3 from Tinajas Altas, Gila Mountains, Yuma County, Arizona
(type locality) ; 1 from Laguna Dam, Imperial County, California.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 26, pp. 361-362 June 15, 1937
A NORTHWESTERN RACE OF THE MEXICAN
BLACK HAWK
BY
A. J. van Rossem and The Marquess Hachisuka
Dickey Collections, California Institute of Technology
Recently, when the writers were shown a breeding pair of Mexican
Black Hawks collected by Mr. W. J. Sheffler in southeastern Arizona,
we at once recognized them as something quite distinct from typical
Buteogallus anthracinus anthracinus of southern Mexico and Central
America. Mr. Sheffler generously allowed us to borrow these specimens
for study and our investigations show that a well-marked race is present
in northwestern Mexico and the contiguous parts of the United States.
This race we name as
Buteogallus anthracinus micronyx subsp. nov.
Type. — Breeding male adult, no. 1477, collection of W. J. Sheffler; Arivaipa
Creek, Graham County, Arizona, June 3, 1936; collected by W. J. Sheffler.
Subspecific characters. — Most closely resembling Buteogallus anthracinus
anthracinus (Lichtenstein) of southern Mexico and Central America, but general
coloration paler and more brownish plumbeous (less blackish) ; mottling on
under wing coverts and remiges more extensive and, in the latter instance, tend-
ing to gray rather than buff or reddish brown; lores and sub-ocular streak pure
white instead of buff or pale buff. In the matter of size, micronyx has a longer
wing and tail, and shorter, more slender claws. Juvenile very much paler than the
corresponding stage of anthracinus, the ground color being nearly white and the
ventral streaking narrow.
Range. — Southern Arizona, south to western Chihuahua and southern
Sonora.
Remarks. — Lichtenstein's type of Falco anthracinus was collected by Deppe
on his first (von Sack) trip to Mexico and therefore came from southeastern or
362 San Diego Society of Natural History
southwestern Mexico. This type is now in the Berlin Museum and was examined
by van Rossem in 1933, but his notes and measurements concerning the speci-
men have unaccountably disappeared. However, three specimens from the state
of Vera Cruz (Alvarado; Pasa Nueva) and one from Tehuantepec (all in the
Museum of Vertebrate Zoology) belong unmistakably with the southern race.
We are unalile to perceive any significant differences between black hawks from
southern Mexico and those from Guatemala, and El Salvador. However, two
specimens from Limon, Costa Rica (Dickey collection) , are more intensely
black below than any typical anthracinus examined, and in addition have notably
larger and more powerful feet and claws. Additional material may show the
existence of a southern Central American race, in which case the name of Buteo-
gallus anthracinus bangsi (Swann) will probably be applicable.
Measurements. ' —
Adult Males Wing Tail Middle Claw Hind Claw
2 micronyx from Arizona and Sonora 365-385 220-222 19.0-19.7 21.5-22.5
4 anthracinus from southern
Mexico and Central America 355-360 195-200 21.5-22.0 25.0-25.1
Adult Females
3 micronyx from Arizona and Sonora 395-398 222-237 20.0-23.0 24.0-26.0
6 anthracinus from southern
Mexico and Central America 370-390 204-220 22.5-25.5 26.0-27.8
2 anthracinus (?) from Costa Rica 385-390 218-226 28.0-29.5 31.1-33.1
Specimens examined. — B. a. anthracinus, Mexico, 6; Guatemala, 1; El
Salvador, 10; Costa Rica, 2. B. a. microynx, Chihuahua, 1 (Colonio Pacheco) ;
Sonora, 4 (Sonora; Alamos; Guirocoba) ; Arizona, 2 (Arivaipa Creek) . B. a.
subtilis. El Salvador, 8.
1 Immature birds approximate adults in measurements save that almost invariably they
have longer tails.
J**1i JAN 3 193!
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 27, pp. 363-366 December 1 5, 1937
A NEW SNAKE OF THE GENUS SONORA
FROM MEXICO
BY
Laurence M. Klauber
Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, San Diego Society of Natural History
Through the kindness of Robert Hoard of San Diego State Col-
lege, I have received a Sonora from the state of Sonora, Mexico, which,
while obviously related to Sonora occipitalis, the Shovel-nosed Ground
Snake of southeastern California and southwestern Arizona, differs con-
spicuously from that species in pattern. It is likewise somewhat low in
ventral scale counts, although the significance of the latter difference
cannot be determined until more specimens of the new form are avail-
able. The territory intervening between the most southerly known speci-
mens of S. occipitalis (these are from southern Arizona) , and the type
locality of the new snake (central Sonora) is suitable in character to
either form, consequently the two may later be shown to intergrade.
However, the extreme southerly specimens of S. occipitalis, as compared
with those from the center of its range, do not show directive character
trends toward the new form. I therefore deem it advisable to consider it
a full species, until intergradation be demonstrated, and suggest for it
the name of
Sonora palarostris sp. nov.
Sonoran Shovel-nosed Ground Snake
Holotype. — No. 26,771 in the collection of LMK. Collected 5 miles south
of Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico, by George Lindsay, April, 1937.
Diagnosis. — A Sonora resembling S. occipitalis in configuration, but with
fewer dorsal blotches and with a low ventral scale count. An examination of 219
364 San Diego Society of Natural History
specimens of S. occipitalis reveals from 18 to 40 black dorsal rings on the body,
the average being 26.3. The holotype of S. palarostris has 10 black rings. S. occipi-
talis males have from 147 to 170 ventrals, the average being 155; S. palarostris
has 144.
Description of the Type. — Adult male.The head is somewhat wider than
the neck, and is narrowed anteriorly. The snout is wedge-shaped in profile, with
the lower jaw inset, the rostral projecting beyond the mental. The rostral is wider
than high, recurved above, and deeply concave below; it extends farther backward
below than above. The scales on the top of the head consist of a pair of inter-
nasals, which are wider than long; a pair of prefrontals which widen laterally; a
large hexagonal frontal; a pair of supraoculars, not conspicuously imbricate and
shorter than the frontal; and a pair of contacting parietals, considerably larger
than the frontal, and one-third longer than wide. The nasal is small, entire, longer
than high, and with the nostril somewhat posterior to the center. There is a single
loreal on each side, smaller than the nasal, and longer than high. The preoculars
are 1 — 1; postoculars 2 — 2, the lower being the smaller. The temporals are 1+2.
There are 7 supralabials; the 6th is the largest; the 3rd and 4th contact the eye.
The mental is small and quadrangular. There are eight infralabials, the first pair
contacting on the median line; the fourth is the largest. The chin shields are in
two pairs; the first pair in contact and nearly twice as long as the second; the latter
are separated by a single gular. There are six gulars between the posterior tips of
the first chin shields and the first ventral. The dorsal scale rows number
15 — 15 — 15; they are smooth and polished, with single apical scale-pits. The
ventrals number 144; anal divided; subcaudals 39, all divided except the rather
blunt terminal scale.
The pattern consists of alternating black and red rings or blotches, separated
by narrow strips of yellow ground color.1 There are 10 black rings on the body
and 3 on the tail, the last being at the tail tip. The black rings are about twice
the width of the yellow separating strips, and the red rings or blotches in turn
have about twice the longitudinal extent of the black. In terms of dorsal scales
(end to end) the rings have approximately the following widths: yellow, If
scales; black, 3i scales; red, 62 scales. Both the black and red rings narrow on the
sides, so that laterally the ground color is more in evidence than dorsally. The
anterior black ring does not contact the ventrals; the second, while not complete,
is represented ventrally by a pair of black spots. The third and all subsequent
black rings completely encircle the body. They widen ventrally, compared with
their lateral extent, but are not as wide as on the mid-dorsal line. The red blotches
fade out laterally at the first row of scales above the ventrals; the two red rings
on the tail are complete ventrally, but none on the body crosses the ventrals.
There are a few black dots irregularly disposed in the red areas.
The snout is cream colored. There is a large black parietal blotch covering
the posterior 2/3 of the frontal and extending to the posterior edge of the parietals;
on the sides the blotch engages the eyes and the upper edges of the posterior
supralabials. While this blotch is analogous to the crescent-shaped black blotch
• The ring arrangement formula is that usually given as distinguishing the coral snake
from various harmless snakes.
Klauber — New Snake from Mexico 365
characteristic of S. occipitalis, in this form it is more rectangular. The underside
of the head is cream. Referring to Ridgway (Color Standards, 1912), the three
dorsal colors of the alcoholic type are Maize Yellow, Brazil Red, and Black;
these colors were observed shortly after preservation. The ventral shade is Cream
Color.
The length over-all is 312 mm.; tail length 57 mm. The pupil of the eye
is round.
Habits. — The type specimen was found abroad crawling across the road
at about seven o'clock in the evening. From the likeness to S. occipitalis it may be
assumed that this snake is a burrower; however, the top of the head is slightly
convex from frontal to rostral, whereas in S. occipitalis this digging wedge is
flat, or may even be dished. The type contained the remains of a large spider.
Remarks. — The number of black cross-bands on the body in S. occipitalis
is a relatively constant character. Statistics of specimens ranging from Inyo
County to Imperial County in California, and eastward in Arizona to Wicken-
burg and Picacho, are as follows :
Range 18 to 40 bands2
Mean 26.3 ±0.18 bands
Standard deviation 4.03 bands
Interquartile range 23.6 to 29.0 bands
Coefficient of variation 15.3 per cent
There is some tendency of the number of bands to increase as we go north
from the southern border of California to Kern and Inyo Counties, but the Ari-
zona specimens, nearest to the probable range of palarostris, are not low. Thus
there is no directive tendency toward intergradation, as far as cross-bands are
concerned. The deviation of the palarostris type, from the mean of occipitalis,
is 4.04 times the standard deviation of the latter — a highly significant difference.
The relative lengths of the red and black blotches in occipitalis are also quite
different. Palarostris is a brilliantly colored little snake, and with its conspicuous
red blotches is even more beautiful than occipitalis, which is admired even by
persons who do not usually care for snakes.
2 The type of occipitalis from the Mohave Desert had 33 black bands.
At UK
JAN 3 1938
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 28, pp. 367-374, plate 24 December 15, 1937
A NEW SEA-URCHIN FROM THE "OLIGOCENE"
OF OREGON1
BY
Hubert Lyman Clark
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass.
Introduction
Several years ago Professor Hubert G. Schenck, of Stanford Uni-
versity, sent to the Museum of Comparative Zoology a rock fragment,
collected in Oregon in 1931, bearing the mold of most of the upper sur-
face of a large spatangoid of which he desired identification. Besides the
nearly complete impression, the fragment bears portions of the molds of
at least three other individuals of the same species, but these are of prac-
tically no assistance in determining the systematic position of the spatan-
goid involved. Recently (1936) Professor Schenck has sent an additional
specimen of what he thinks is the same species, but from a different locality
— State of Washington, and has asked for a name by which these echini
may be designated.
There is no doubt that the molds in the earlier specimen represent
more or less of the petaloid areas of a species of Brisaster, very similar to,
but probably not identical with, the Recent species, B. townsendi (A.
Ag.), which occurs along the whole western coast of North America in
water of moderate (511-995 fathoms) depth. The apical system of the
fossil is much more anterior than in townsendi, and the petals are straight-
er and relatively narrower. But unfortunately townsendi is a very variable
species and not a great deal of reliance can be placed on these differences.
1 Abstract in Geol. Soc. Am. Proc. for 1936 (1937).
368 San Diego Society of Natural History
In view, however, of the very much greater size of the fossil form, it may
perhaps be justifiable to lay some stress on the markedly anterior apical
system and distinguish the extinct species from its Recent congener under
the name maximum. Careful comparison with a large example of townsendi
enables one to describe this new Brisaster as follows :
Brisaster maximus, sp. nov.
Plate 24, fig. 9
Length about 84 mm., with the width approximately 76 mm.; nearly
the whole width is shown in the large mold. If the proportions were the
same as in townsendi, the height was about 42 mm. In the Recent species
the apex is far back of the middle of the dorsal surface, so that its center
is only .40 of the test length from the posterior margin of the test; in the
fossil the apex is so near the center that the anterior margin could not have
been more than 4 or 5 mm. further away than the rear end of the test.
As a result of this difference in the position of the apex, the distal ends
of petals I and V are far from the test margin in maximus, while in town-
sendi they nearly reach it; indeed, in some specimens they would over-
reach it if they did not diverge markedly from each other and from the
longitudinal axis. The size of the petals and the angles which they make
with the axis and with each other show very great diversity in townsendi,
but it is rare for petals I and V to form as narrow an angle with each other
as they do in maximus (about 80°) ; in townsendi the angle commonly
exceeds 90° and may be much more.
The tuberculation of the test in maximus was apparently very much
as in townsendi, the larger tubercles occurring beside the petals, especially
near the distal ends. Fragments of the peripetalous fasciole can be dis-
tinguished here and there, most evidently around the tip of petal V and
thence anteriorly towards petal IV.
HOLOTYPE AND TYPE LOCALITY
The holotype of maximus is in the Museum of Comparative Zoology,
Harvard University, No. 3830; a plastotype is in the Schenck Collection,
Stanford University, No. 2196. Collector: John T. Holman, who de-
scribes the type locality (Holman field locality No. 44) as follows :
Washington County, Oregon, from the center of the south line of
Section 12, T. 3 N., R.4W.; dug well along road at C. H. Bonham farm;
1000 feet south of coal seam exposure; Pittsburg Bluff formation, Re-
fugian Stage; Acila shumardi zone, "Oligocene" of Pacific Slope authors.
Clark — New Sea-urchin from Oregon 369
The locality is shown on the map in the monograph by Schenck (1936,
p. 43).
Specimen from Washington
The specimen sent by Professor Schenck in 1936 comes from "Loc.
N. P. 55, 2 near Porter, Washington," H. Hannibal, collector. It con-
sists of the upper and lower portions of a mold in a soft, clay-like, gray
rock. In connection with petal IV, on the lower portion, is a small part of
the test with many minute spines still present, while on the upper portion
a large part of the peripetalous fasciole can be made out. The specimen
was badly crushed before fossilization and its normal size and proportions
are therefore uncertain. Apparently it was 60-65 mm. long and 50-55 mm.
wide. While it seems unquestionably a Brisaster, there are some features
of the petals I and V that are unlike maximus and make it possible to
have some doubts as to its identity with the Oregon specimens, in spite
of Professor Schenck's opinion (presumably on stratigraphical grounds)
that "it must belong to the same species." But in view of the great diversity
shown by individuals of townsendi, it seems foolish to doubt that the
Oregon and Washington fossils represent the same species of Brisaster,
since their geological position is essentially the same. Whether maximus
is the direct forerunner of townsendi is a matter that admits of more un-
certainty.
The Genus Brisaster
The genus Brisaster was named by Gray (Cat. Rec. Ech. Brit. Mus.,
p. 61, 1855) as a subgenus of Schizaster with three species; fragilis, gib-
bendus, and cubensis. The year before, d'Orbigny (Pal. France Cret., p.
270, 1854) had placed cubensis in the genus Periaster. In 1883, Pomel
(Class. Meth. Ech., p. 36) made gibbendus the type of the genus Paraster.
Thus, Schizaster fragilis Agassiz and Desor, 1847, alone is left to be the
type of Brisaster.
A. Agassiz, Duncan, and W. B. Clark and Twitchell never recog-
nized Brisaster, but treated it as a synonym of Schizaster. However, Mor-
tensen (Ingolf Ech. pt. 2, pp. 122-123, 1907) discussed the genus Schiz-
aster, recognizing four subgenera : Paraster, Schizaster, s.s., Tripylaster,
and Brisaster. H. L. Clark (Mem. Mus. Comp. Zobl., vol. 46, no. 2, pp.
159 et seq., 1917) accepted Mortensen's four biologic units as valid
2 Professor Schenck informs me that the initials stand for "North Pacific" and that the
number is H. Hannibal field locality No. 55.
370 San Diego Society of Natural History
genera, and included six Recent species in Brisaster, two of which (lati-
frons and townsendi) , occur in the eastern and northern Pacific Ocean.
In short, there can be no doubt that Brisaster is a valid nomenclatural
unit.
The species of Schizaster and Brisaster are distinguished by three
characters, as follows :
1. Test relatively high and more or less swollen in Schizaster, es-
pecially posteriorly; more flattened and widened in Brisaster.
2. Genital pores : two in Schizaster, three in Brisaster.
3. In Schizaster, petals II and IV are short, wide, divergent; petal
III deeply sunken, but usually not very broad. In Brisaster, petals II and
IV are long, comparatively narrow, directed well forward, sometimes so
markedly so as to be nearly parallel for a short distance; petal III some-
what sunken, broad.
The time range of Brisaster is given commonly as Eocene to Recent,
as may well be. Lambert and Thiery, for example, list a number of species
of Brisaster which they assign to the Eocene. There is not one that can
unqualifiedly be called Brisaster, although Schizaster pyrenaicus Munier-
Chalmas is a likely candidate.
Clark — New Sea-urchin from Oregon 371
Selected Bibliography
Agassiz, Alexander
1904. The Panamic Deep Sea Echini. Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 31,
pp. 1-243, 112 pis., chart, 319 text figs.
Agassiz, Louis (and Desor, Edouard)
1847. Catalogue raisonne des families, des genres et des especes de la classe
des Echinodermes. Ann. Sci. Nat. ser. Ill, Tom. VI-VIII, Paris.
Clark, Hubert Lyman
1917. Hawaiian and other Pacific Echini, based upon collections made by
the U. S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross in 1902, Commander
Chauncey Thomas, U. S. N., Commanding. The Spatangina. Mem.
Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 46, no. 2, p. 85-283, 22 pis.
Gray, John E.
1855. Catalogue of the Recent Echinida in the British Museum, pt. 1,
Echinida Irregularia, London.
Kew, William S. W.
1920. Cretaceous and Cenozoic Echinoidea of the Pacific Coast of North
America. Univ. Calif. Pub. Dept. Geol., Bull. vol. 12, no. 2, pp.
23-236, 40 pis., 5 figs.
Merriam, John C.
1899. The Tertiary Sea Urchins of Middle California. California Academy
of Sciences, Proc. (3rd Series), Geol., vol. 1, no. 5, pp. 161-174, 2 pis.
Mortensen, Th.
1907. Echinoidea. The Danish Ingolf- Expedition, 1895-1896. Scientific Re-
ports, vol. 4, pt. 2, pp. 1-200, 19 pis.
d'Orbigny, Alcide
1853-1860. Paleontologie francaise, Description zoologique et geologique de
tous les animaux mollusques et rayonnes fossiles de France, Terrains
cretaces, VI Echinodermes, Atlas de pi., Paris.
Pomel, M. A. (Auguste)
1883. Classification Methodique et Genera des Echinides Vivants et Fossiles,
Thesis for Dr.'s Degree, Paris, pp. 132, 1 pi., Alger.
Schenck, Hubert G.
1936. Nuculid Bivalves of the Genus Acila. Geol. Soc. Am., Special Paper
4, pp. 149, 18 pis., 15 figs, in text.
372 San Diego Society of Natural History
Explanation of Plate
Figs. 1-6. Brisaster jragilis (Agassiz and Desor) , x 3/4.
Recent. Hypotype No. 6064, (Stanford University Paleo. Type
Coll.). Off east coast of the United States, 140-216 fathoms.
Length of specimen 49.2 mm., width 46.8, thickness 30.8.
Figs. 7-8. Brisaster latifrons (Agassiz) , x 4/5.
Recent. Eastern Pacific, "Albatross" station 3431, 995 fathoms.
(Copy of protographs) .
Fig. 9. Brisaster maximus H. L. Clark, n. sp., x 2/3.
Holotype No. 3830, (Museum of Comparative Zoology, Har-
vard University). From Washington County, Oregon, Sec. 12,
T. 3 N, R. 4 W. "Oligocene."
Figs. 10-12. Brisaster townsendi (Agassiz). Recent. Eastern Pacific.
Figs. 10-11, x 4/5. Hypotype No. 6949, (Calif. Acad. Sci. Loc.
28046) . Howe Sound, British Columbia. Collector, S. A. Glassell.
Length, 50.4 mm., thickness 26.8 mm.
Fig. 12, x 4/5. Hypotype No. 6950, (Calif. Acad. Sci. Loc.
28046). Howe Sound, British Columbia. Length, 56.5 mm.
(Photographs of this species by Frank L. Rogers, W. P. A. pro-
ject) .
Figs. 3, 8, and 12 are views of the upper surface.
Figs. 2, 7, and 10 are views of the lower surface.
Figs. 1 and 1 1 are views of the rear end.
Figs. 5 and 6 are side views.
Fig. 4 is an anterior end view.
Clark — New Sea-urchin from Oregon
Plate 24
»s !/o.
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I 1 ,
.y \'v.
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11
12
JAN 3 1938
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 29, pp. 375-378, text figs. 1, 2 December 15, 1937
AN EXTINCT PUFFIN FROM THE PLIOCENE
OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
BY
Loye Miller
Professor of Biology, University of California at Los A ngeles
Through the very great courtesy of Director Clinton G. Abbott and
Mr. Frank Gander of the museum of the San Diego Society of Natural
History, I have lately come into possession of an interesting bird femur
from the San Diego Pliocene. The specimen was collected by Mr. Gan-
der's son from an exposure of marine gravels on Market Street near
Euclid Avenue in the eastern part of the city of San Diego. This forma-
tion and this same locality yielded, five years ago, the second known
specimen of Mancalla californiensis Lucas (Miller, L., 'Condor,' XXXV,
pp. 34-35, Jan., 1933). Dr. U. S. Grant has made some study of the in-
vertebrate fauna of these beds with the conclusion that they are of Upper
Middle Pliocene age, well above the middle of the San Diegan formation.
The matrix is fine grained, gray sand of quite uniform texture.
Enough motion had taken place prior to the entombment of the specimen
to wear away the more delicate contours, a fact that would indicate that
relatively shallow and active water had deposited the stratum.
The bone has been extensively mineralized without appreciable stain-
ing. A clean fracture of the shaft shows a central cavity that seems, at
first impression, rather small for a bird bone. However, the diving birds
do not have such large shaft cavities in their bones, especially in the femur.
In the femur of the loon, the cavity is almost rendered nil by the abundant
cross struts of dense bony tissue. In the fossil specimens such struts are
376 San Diego Society of Natural History
not found at the point of fracture. In those highly specialized divers, the
loons and grebes, that depend mainly upon the feet for underwater prog-
ress, the femur tends toward a short, thick, and strongly curved form.
The puffins, on the other hand, have relatively weak feet. In rapid
underwater progress, their wings are brought into play in a true under-
water flight. The pelvic limb is less specialized and the long, slender
femur does not differ radically from that of their surface feeding rela-
tives, the gulls. The fossil femur here discussed is of this latter type. It
is about the size of that of the Herring Gull from which it differs as
would a living puffin. The trochanter is less developed, there is a slightly
greater dorsiventral curvature and a much greater lateral arching. Anhin-
ga, Sula, the cormorants, and the diving anserines are entirely different.
The fossil is most closely like the puffins of the genus Lunda, from which it
differs in certain details as well as in its much greater size. There seems
to be no genus of the living Alcidae to which the specimen may properly
be referred. It is therefore deemed necessary to establish a new genus for
which the name Pliolunda is proposed.
Pliolunda diegense, new gen. and sp.
Type. — Right femur, No. 33409, Museum of Paleontology, University of
California; from the Upper Middle Pliocene, San Diegan formation.
Most closely like Lunda cirrhata in general appearance, curvature of shaft,
and axes of the articulations. Size much greater; trochanteric ridge less prolonged
down the shaft; obturator ridge more pronounced; popliteal area more depressed;
rotular groove slightly wider; external condyle more prolonged and inner condyle
less prolonged up the anterior face of the shaft.
These differences are sufficiently pronounced to prevent assignment to the
genus Lunda, but they are not considered to be fundamental, nor do they appear
to be correlated with adaptive differences. The femur of the Great Auk (Plautus
impennis) has much the same characters of the distal end, but is not so closely
like it proximally. Plautus might properly be considered as the extreme of speciali-
zation among the Recent alcids, but this specialization is not reflected in the
femur. The Lucas Auk (Mancalla californiensis) from the same formation is
almost as large as the Great Auk, hence the specimen here discussed could not
be properly considered of that species, the femur of which is not known. It does
appear, however, as a contemporary of the Lucas Auk, and it may have had
similar habits.
Remarks- — The present day metropolis of the puffins and their nearer allies
is well to the northward of San Diego. During the later stages of Pliocene time
there were accumulated at a number of stations along the Southern California
coast quite extensive molluscan faunas, some species of which serve as tempera-
ture indicators of fairly definite nature.
Miller — Extinct Puffin from San Diego
377
According to Grant and Gale (Mem. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. I,
1931, p. 35), the San Diegan formation begins with a fairly warm water fauna
which changes definitely to a cool water fauna toward its close so that Upper
Pliocene is found to contain "numerous specimens of species that live today
between Alaska and Puget Sound." Into such a picture of advancing cold, this
new species of Pliocene puffin would fit quite harmoniously.
1<
Measurements — Measurements of type specimen of Plwlunda are as fol-
Length from trochanter to outer condyle 55.7 mm.
Least shaft diameter 4.5 mm.
Transverse diameter through condyles 10.8 mm.
Figs. 1,2. Anterior and external views of the
type specimen Pliolunda diegense, approximately
natural size.
aiin JAN 3 1938
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 30, pp. 379-406, plates 25, 26
AN UPPER PLEISTOCENE FAUNA FROM THE
BALDWIN HILLS, LOS ANGELES COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA
BY
George Willett
Los Angeles Museum
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
December 15, 1937
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
Fred Baker Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
AN UPPER PLEISTOCENE FAUNA FROM THE
BALDWIN HILLS, LOS ANGELES COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA
BY
George Willett
Los Angeles Museum
In 1926 Professor A. J. Tieje (Bull. Am. Assoc. Petr. Geol., Vol.
10, p. 510), in a discussion of the Pliocene and Pleistocene history of the
Baldwin Hills, referred to a warm water fauna uncovered in Trench 6
of the Los Angeles Outfall Sewer, giving it the name of the Centinela
Gravels. A much more extensive exposure of what is apparently the same
fauna occurred a few years later during the widening of Lincoln Avenue,
which crosses the outfall sewer about two miles northeast of Playa del
Rey. At a point just south of the sewer, at an altitude of about fifty feet
above sea level, excavations by steam shovels cut into the upper part of the
fossiliferous strata, exposing large numbers of marine invertebrates.
During the summer of 1935 a number of lots of fossil shells from
this section were brought to me for identification, and, after studying
them, I became sufficiently interested in certain features of the collections
to undertake a rather careful examination of the locality from whence
they came.
The fossiliferous stratum, from eight to twelve inches thick in most
places, was found to be mainly from two to four feet below the present
surface. It was bordered, both above and below, by sand which sometimes
contained sparsely scattered, small, water-worn stones. In some sections
there was a thin stratum of echinoderms a few inches above the mollusk-
bearing vein, but this was by no means constant.
During 1935 and 1936 I made many trips to this fossil locality, and
excavated, screened and carefully examined several tons of material. This
resulted in an accumulation in the Los Angeles Museum of more than
30,000 specimens. While the majority of these are mollusks, several other
groups were well represented. No attempt was made to preserve all the
specimens uncovered, in the case of the more common species only a good
representation being kept, and all badly worn or broken specimens being
discarded except in case of the rarer species. A million would probably be
382 San Diego Society of Natural History
a conservative estimate of the total number of specimens examined.
In addition to the above, I have had access to the collections of John
Q. and Tom Burch, Alex Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Philip M. Connelly,
Miss Edna T. Cook, Mrs. Bertha M. Fuller, Steve A. Glassell, J. C.
Marsh, Miss Alice Waterbury, and H. C. and Homer L. White, all of
whom possess considerable material from the Del Rey deposits. To these
friends, who have not only allowed free use of their collections, but have
donated numerous specimens to the Los Angeles Museum, my sincere
thanks are due. I am also indebted to the following students for classify-
ing material in their respective fields : Steve A. Glassell, decapod crusta-
ceans; Dr. U. S. Grant, echinoderms; Dr. Howard R. Hill, barnacles
and bryozoans; and Dr. Hildegarde Howard, birds. Finally my gratitude
is expressed to Dr. U. S. Grant and A. M. Strong for helpful informa-
tion regarding literature and taxonomic questions.
Among the more striking features of this deposit are the abundance
of crustacean remains, the great number of specimens of small mollusks,
such as Pyramidellids, Melanellids and Turrids, and the periodic purity
of the entire assemblage; that is, it may be almost entirely attributed to
one distinct and rather exact period. There has apparently been very little
mixing of materials from different geological ages, as is so common in
many of our coastal fossil deposits. That this horizon is the same as Pro-
fessor Tieje's "Centinela Gravels" is indicated, not only by locality, but
by comparison with a list of fifty-five species of mollusks in an unpublished
manuscript of Professor Tieje.
From a study of the nature of the marine fauna of this section, it
would appear that its habitat was sandy ocean bottom, at a depth of from
ten to twelve fathoms, near the mouth of a bay or slough, the latter feature
being indicated by the presence of a few examples of marsh species such as
Melampus, Helisoma and Gyraulus, which must have drifted down from
coastal marshes.
A summary of the material preserved is as follows. Of mammals
there are the remains of two species, a seal, and a dolphin or porpoise,
that we have not identified more closely up to the present. According to
Dr. Hildegarde Howard, ten species of birds are represented, two being
extinct and the other eight apparently Recent. One of the fossil species is
Chendytes lawi, a very large diving duck, first described by Dr. Loye
Miller from the Upper San Pedro formation of Santa Monica Canyon.
The other fossil bird is a hitherto undescribed gannet, of the genus Moris,
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 383
this genus being previously known on the Pacific coast by only one species,
from the Miocene of Kern County. In the 'Condor' (vol. 38, 1936, p.
213) Dr. Howard has named this gannet Moris reyana and has given a,
detailed account of the avian remains found in this deposit.
There is a goodly representation of fish material, more than 700
specimens being preserved, but we have, as yet, not found any ichthyolo-
gist who can give the time necessary to identify all of the elements. Teeth
of at least two species of sharks are rather common, and teeth and stingers
of rays are even more so. There are also teeth of a sheephead, and many
ear bones, vertebrae and other elements unidentified as yet.
Echinoderms were abundant, but very fragile, and perfect specimens
difficult to obtain. According to Dr. U. S. Grant, the following are repre-
sented: Strongylocentrotus sp. ?., Lorenia cardiformis A. Agassiz, and
Dendraster sp. nov. The latter species is known only from late Pleistocene,
the others being found living in this same latitude today. The Round
Bryozoa, Lichenopora radiata (Audouin), the only member of the group
found, was abundant and usually well preserved. The barnacles, identified
by Dr. Howard R. Hill, are of three species. The Pink Barnacle, Balanus
tintinnabulum californicus Pilsbry, was abundant; two specimens of Tet-
raclita squamosa rubescens Darwin were found, also a number of seg-
ments of the Whale Barnacle, Coronula regina Darwin.
The decapod crustaceans were studied by Steve A. Glassell, who
reports the following species : Callianassa longimana Stimpson, Darda-
nus arnoldi Rathbun, Dromidia larraburei Rathbun, Randallia ornata
(Randall) (by far, the most abundant species), Hepatus [meatus Rath-
bun, Heterocrypta occidentalis (Dana) (second in numbers), Meso-
rhoea idae Rathbun, Pyromaia tuberculata (Lockington), Pugettia pro-
ducta (Randall), Pugettia richii Dana, Taliepus nuttallii (Randall),
Loxorhynchus grand is Stimpson, Callinectes bellicosus Stimpson, Por-
tunus xantusii (Stimpson), Cancer branneri Rathbun, Cancer anten-
narius Stimpson, Cancer gracilis Dana, Cancer anthonyi Rathbun, Cancer
productus Randall, Lopbopanopeus frontalis (Rathbun), Lophopanopeus
diegensis Rathbun, and Cycloxanthops novemdentatus (Lockington) ;
also three species not yet determined, probably undescribed.
Mr. Glassell comments on this assemblage as follows : "Of the iden-
tified species, the greater per cent are living here today. Three (Mesorhoea
idae and two species as yet unnamed) are only known as fossils, but may,
like two other species (Hepatus lineatus and Callinectes bellicosus) found
384 San Diego Society of Natural History
in this horizon, be represented at the present time in lower latitudes. In
this lot also have been found three species of our present day fauna which
have not previously been reported as fossil. These are Dromidia larraburei,
Taliepus nuttallii, and Cancer antennarius. A striking feature of the col-
lection is the absence of the remains of strictly inter-tidal forms. So far,
not a single specimen of these numerous species has been observed, al-
though an occasional one might well be expected. While all of the species
are not intrinsically shallow water forms (some having a bathymetric
range of over fifty fathoms), still the living ones may all be taken today
from the extreme minus tide line to at least the fifteen fathom contour.
Due to the preponderance of fragments of one or two species (nothing
but pieces remaining), it might be inferred that the balance of species in
this Pleistocene deposit was not the same as the present day fauna. This,
however, is probably not the case, for it is safe to assume that only those
crustacean processes have survived which were structurally able to do so."
A study of the mollusks has resulted in recognition of 296 species,
which divide as follows: Pelecypods, 90; Scaphopods, 5; Gastropods,
201. Five genera and forty-eight species are added to the Calif ornian fossil
list. These genera are Ensis, Siphonodentalium, Atys, Engina and Simnia.
The species are Mytilus adamsianus Dkr., Rochefortia reyana sp. nov.,
Bornia cooki sp. nov., Petricola tellimyalis (Cpr.), Ensis californicus
Dall, Dentalium numerosum Dall, Siphonodentalium quadrifissatum
Dall, Carolina trispinosa Lesueur, Atys casta Cpr., Cancellaria bullata
Sby., Engina strongi Pils. and Lowe, Purpura carpenteri (Dall) , Purpura
petri (Dall) , Purpura gemma (Dall) , Purpura santarosana (Dall) , Thais
biserialis (Blain.), Simnia catalinensis (Berry), Erato vitellina Hinds,
Alabina tenuisculpta diegensis Bartsch, Cerithiopsis cosmia Bartsch,
Cerithiopsis halia Bartsch, Cerithiopsis oxys Bartsch, Cerithiopsis ante-
munda Bartsch, Rissoella sp. ?, Fartulum orcutti Dall, Fartulum occiden-
tal Bartsch, Calyptraea contorta Cpr., Acmaea cassis nacelloides Dall,
Tricolia substriata (Cpr.), Tegula pulligo (Mart.), Calliostoma glorio-
sum Dall, Epitonium sawinae Dall, Turbonilla sanctorum Dall and
Bartsch, Turbonilla superba Dall and Bartsch, Turbonilla vexativa Dall
and Bartsch, Turbonilla antestriata Dall and Bartsch, Turbonilla almo
Dall and Bartsch, Turbonilla adusta Dall and Bartsch, Turbonilla weldi
Dall and Bartsch, Turbonilla ista Bartsch, Turbonilla canfieldi Dall
and Bartsch, Turbonilla regina Dall and Bartsch, Odostomia eugena Dall
and Bartsch, Odostomia nemo Dall and Bartsch, Odostomia donilla Dall
and Bartsch, Odostomia helena Bartsch, and Lepidopleurus nexus (Cpr.) .
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 385
That there has been a mixing of faunas, though an exceedingly lim-
ited one, is indicated by the presence of examples of the following ten
species of a colder water fauna: Pecten hericeus Gld., Lora fidicula
(Gld.), Spirotropis barbarensis (Dall), Spirotropis perversa (Gabb),
Neptunea tabulata (Baird), Exilioidea rec tiros tris (Cpr.), Trophon
orpheus (Gld.), Ranella oregonensis (Redf.), Epitonium wroblewskyi
(Mbrch), and Tegula pulligo (Mart.). These are all Recent species,
occurring at the present time either further to the northward or in deeper
water in our latitude. The total number of individuals of these ten species
in our collections is only seventeen, so that the true ratio of their abun-
dance would be, not ten to 289, but seventeen to several hundred thou-
sand, as all representatives of the cold water fauna were preserved, while
the majority of warmer water forms were discarded. Most of these seven-
teen specimens are more or less fragmentary and all are much eroded,
their appearance thus indicating greater age than that of the remainder of
the fauna. There is no doubt in my mind that the few representatives of
this older fauna were already fossils at the time the others were living.
These deposits have been referred to as being, for the greater part,
representatives of a warm water fauna, and that the water was even less
cold than it is today is indicated by the following facts. Of the 286 species
(after deleting the ten older ones) , 261 occur living in this latitude today,
and nineteen are found, so far as we know, only further to the southward,
many of them being confined to Mexican waters. These are: Pecten
vogdesi Arnold, Crassinella branneri (Arnold), Crassinella varians
(Cpr.), Aligena cerritensis Arnold, Cardium procerum Sby., Mactra
pallida Brd.' and Sby., Dentaliam numerosum Dall, Retusa carinata
(Cpr.), Bulla punctulata A. Adams, Pseudomelatoma penicillata semiin-
flata Grant and Gale, Mangelia cetolaca Dall, Cancellaria bulla ta Sby.,
Mitra fultoni E. A. Smith, Cantharus fortis (Cpr.), Nassarius cerritensis
Arnold, Purpura leeana (Dall), Thais biserialis (Blain.), Turbonilla
sanctorum Dall and Bartsch, and Turbonilla superba Dall and Bartsch.
Six remaining species, Rochefortia reyana sp. nov., Bornia cooki sp. nov.,
Rissoina pleistocena Bartsch, Delphinoidea coronadoensis Arnold, Epi-
tonium clarki T. S. Oldroyd, and Ischnochiton sanctaemonicae Berry are
listed as extinct. However, a Recent specimen of Epitonium clarki, from
Lower Californian waters, has been examined, and it is entirely possible, if
not probable, that the other five may eventually be found living in mod-
erate depths off Lower California, this being a region where very little
shallow dredging has been done to date.
386 San Diego Society of Natural History
Among the interesting facts brought out by a study of the genetic
relationship of the mollusks in this deposit, two features were emphasized
particularly. First, in no single instance, where a sufficient amount of
comparative Recent material was available, was there any perceptible dif-
ference in either form or sculpture between fossil and Recent examples of
a species. Second, the accumulation of an abundant representation of
some supposed species, previously known by very few specimens, indi-
cates that many characters generally used in differentiating species are
extremely inconstant, and can be considered to represent only individual
variation within the species.
The literature most used in this study includes : Paleontology and
Stratigraphy of San Pedro, California, by Ralph Arnold (1903) ; A Mon-
ograph of West American Pyramidellid Mollusks, by Dall and Bartsch
(1909) ; Marine Shellbearing Mollusks of the Northwest Coast of Ameri-
ca, by W. H. Dall (1921 ) ; Marine Shells of the West Coast of North
America, by Mrs. Ida S. Oldroyd (1924-27), and Pliocene and Pleisto-
cene Mollusca of California, by Grant and Gale (1931). No attempt has
been made to include a complete synonymy of the species, but where the
names in the above works differ from those used in this paper, they are
listed as synonyms.
The following is a list of the mollusks, with remarks on some of the
species. A number after the name of a species refers to the number of
specimens preserved in the Los Angeles Museum, unless otherwise stated.
Nucula (Nucula) exigua Sowerby. — Syn., Nucula suprastriata Cpr.
(Arnold, 1903). — Abundant; many still in pairs. (550 pairs, 1150 valves).
Leda taphria Dall. — Syn., Nuculana taphria (Dall) (Grant and Gale,
1931). — Common. (30 pairs, 120 valves).
Yoldia cooperi Gabb. — 1 fragment, including hinge, found by Miss
Edna T. Cook.
GlycYmeris septentrionalis (Middendorff). — Syn., G. subobsoleta
(Cpr.) : G. barbarensis Conr.: G. corteziana Dall ?. — (110 valves). I am not
sure of the above synonymy, but believe it correct, with the possible exception of
the last name. Shells in my collection, identified by Dr. Dall as corteziana, are
certainly the same as the fossils, but I have not seen the type of corteziana.
These shells differ greatly individually as regards shape, thickness and amount of
sculpture.
Ostrea lurida Carpenter. — 13 valves.
Ostrea palmula Carpenter. — 1 valve.
Pecten (Hinnites) multirugosus Gale. — Syn., Pecten giganteus Gray
(Arnold, 1903) : Hinnites giganteus Gray (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— Not
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 387
very common, probably because of sandy character of locality. (7 valves).
Pecten (Chlamys) hericeus Gould. — Syn., "Pecten hastatus Sby."
(Grant and Gale, 193 1 ) . — 2 valves in White collection.
Pecten (Aequipecten) latiauritus Conrad. — Abundant. (170
valves) .
Pecten (Aequipecten) circularis Sowerby. — Syn., P. c. aequisulca-
tus Cpr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— Much less common than the last. (8
valves).
Pecten (Pecten) stearnsii diegensis Dall. — 2 right valves, 1 left
valve, 25 fragments.
Pecten (Pecten) vogdesi Arnold. — Syn., P. dentatus, of some authors;
not of J. Sowerby; P. excavatus, of some authors; not of Anton: P. cataractes
Dall (Nautilus, 27, 1914, p. 121) : P. heimi Hertlein (Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci.,
Ser. 4, 14, 1925, p. 9). — 1 right valve and 9 fragments; 2 valves in White col-
lection.
Lima dehiscens Conrad. — 5 valves.
Anomia peruviana d'Orbigny. — Syn., A. lampe Gray (Arnold, 1903) .
— Upper valves common, probably having drifted in from rocky localities.
Pododesmus macroschisma (Deshayes) . — Much less plentiful than
Anomia. 2 valves taken by the writer and 1 by Mrs. Fuller.
Mytilus (Mytilus) californianus Conrad. — 1 half valve (with hinge)
found by Mrs. Fuller; 1 pair in White collection.
Mytilus (Mytilus) adamsianus Dunker. — 1 valve.
Volsella modiolus (Linnaeus) . — Syn., Modiolus modiolus Linn. (Dall,
1921; Oldroyd, 1924) .— 8 valves, 12 fragments.
Volsella capax (Conrad). — Syn., Modiolus capax Conr. (Dall, 1921;
Oldroyd, 1924) .— 3 valves.
Volsella flabellata (Gould) .— Syn, Modiolus flabellatus Gld. (Dall,
1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— 9 fragments.
Lithophaga plumula (Hanley) . — 1 pair collected by Tom Burch.
Periploma planiuscula Sowerby. — Syn, P. argentaria Conr. (Arnold,
1903). — Hinge teeth rather common; occasional fragments of other sections of
shell.
Thracia (Cyathodonta) undulata (Conrad). — Syn, Cyathodonta
dubiosa Dall, C. pedroana Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— 10 fragments.
Pandora punctata Conrad. — Syn, Clidiophora punctata Conr.
(Arnold, 1903) . — 2 pairs, 6 fragments.
Crassinella branneri (Arnold). — Syn, Astarte branneri (Arnold,
1903).— 180 valves.
Crassinella varians (Carpenter). — (6 pairs, 45 valves). Not listed
by Grant and Gale, but recorded by Woodring (Am. Journ. Sci, 29, 1935, p.
303) from San Pedro Hills.
Glans carpenteri (Lamy) . — Syn, Lazaria subquadrata Cpr. (Arnold,
388 San Diego Society of Natural History
1903) : Cardita subquadrata Cpr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924) : Glans minuscu-
la (Grant and Gale, 1931) . — 2 valves.
Chama pellucida Broderip. — 34 valves.
Lucina (Myrtea) californica Conrad. — Syn., Phacoides calif ornicus
Conr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— 1 valve.
Lucina (Myrtea) nuttallii Conrad. — Syn., Phacoides nuttallii Conr.
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924) .— Abundant. (3 pairs, 85 valves) .
Lucina (Myrtea) tenuisculpta approximata (Dall).— Syn., L.
tenuisculpta Cpr. (Arnold, 1903, at least part) : Phacoides approximate Dall
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924) .— Abundant. (375 valves). This appears to be a
southern race of L. tenuisculpta and it is probable that Arnold's "Upper San
Pedro" specimens are referable to it. Southern shells are smaller, with accentuated
radial sculpture. That the two forms exist in the same latitude, as has been in-
ferred by many authors, is perhaps doubtful.
Lucina (Here) excavata Carpenter. — Syn., Phacoides richthojeni Gabb
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— (67 valves). Gabb's richthojeni is undoubtedly
the adult of Carpenter's excavata.
Taras orbellus (Gould). — Syn., Diplodonta orbella Gld. (Arnold,
1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924) .— 6 valves.
Kellia suborbicularis laperousii (Deshayes) . — Syn., Chironia sub-
orbicularis laperousii Desh. (Grant and Gale, 1931). — This species is so fragile
that it occurs mostly in fragments. However, 16 valves in fair condition are pre-
served. The name laperousii is used here solely because of the statement by Grant
and Gale that Pacific coast specimens average larger than shells of the British
Isles. These authors used the generic name Chironia with this species on the
grounds that Heermannson (1847) named Cardium (Lasaea) rubrum Mont,
as type of the genus Kellia. However, Winckworth (Journ. Conch., 20, 1934, p.
52) calls attention to the fact that Recluz (Revue Zool. Cuv., 7, 1844, p. 295)
had previously designated Mya suborbicularis Mont, as the type of Kellia.
Aligena cerritensis Arnold. — 7 valves.
Rochefortia aleutica (Dall). — Common. (40 pairs, 220 valves).
Rochefortia reyana, sp. nov.
Plate 25, figs. 1, 2
Similar to R. pedroana Dall, but more equilateral, and with heavier and more
elongated hinge teeth, the hinge line in the right valve occupying almost one-half
of the margin of the valve. Left valve with one very small lamella immediately
below the umbone, and deflected umbonal margin.
Types, right and left valves, No. 1046 L. A. Mus., taken by the writer, with
thirty-six additional valves and one connected pair, in the Del Rey Pleistocene
deposit. Type right valve measures, in millimeters: diam., 6.7; alt., 5.2; ant.
lateral, 4; post, lateral, 3: left valve, diam., 7.6; alt., 5.9.
Bomia retifera Dall. — Like Kellia, this shell is very fragile and seldom
found entire. It was probably more plentiful than the specimens preserved (1
pair and 21 valves) would indicate.
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills
Plate 25
Fig. 1. Rochejortia reyana Willett, type, right and left valves; x 4.
Fig. 2. Bornia cooki Willett, type, left valve; x 4.
Fig. 3. Bornia cooki Willett, type, right valve; x 4.
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 389
Bornia cooki, sp. nov.
Plate 25, figs. 3-6
Shell thin, white, moderately convex, oblong, inequilateral; beaks small, dis-
tinct, situated at posterior third of shell. Surface marked by numerous concentric
striations and growth lines of varying strength; also by several faint, rounded,
radial ridges which start near the center of the valve and run to the ventral mar-
gin. In the type there are four of these ridges and trace of a fifth, and in the para-
type, in Miss Cook's collection, the ridges are fainter but more numerous (6-7) .
The shagreened pattern, usual to members of the genus, is only perceptible near
the margins, but it is possible that this may have been worn away on the earlier
portions of the shell. Dentition similar to that of B. ret if era Dall, but with
shorter laterals and wider notch.
Type pair, No. 1047 L. A. Mus., collected, together with another right
valve, by Miss Edna T. Cook, for whom it is named. The type measures, in
millimeters: diam., 9.9; alt., 6.4. The paratype, in Miss Cook's collection, meas-
ures: diam., 11.4; alt., 6.8.
Except in dentition, this species is quite different from B. retifera Dall, the
only other member of the genus found in this deposit. In its oblong, inequilateral
form it is more similar to some species of the genera Erycina, Montacuta and
Sportella, but its dentition would seem to place it with Bornia.
Cardium (Laevicardium) elatum Sowerby. — 8 valves; many frag-
ments noted.
The writer prefers not to follow some recent authors who have divided this
old familiar genus. He believes that the various divisions in the group may be
satisfactorily indicated by using subgeneric names, as was done by Dr. Dall
(1921).
Cardium (Laevicardium) substriatum Conrad. — 1 valve found.
Cardium (Laevicardium) procerum Sowerby. — Common. (60
valves) .
Cardium (Laevicardium) quadragenarium Conrad. — The most
plentiful species of the genus.
Cardium (Fragum) biangulatum Broderip and Sowerby. — Fairly
common. (30 valves).
Venus (Antigona) fordii Yates. — 1 immature valve.
Venus (Chione) succincta Valenciennes. — Syn., Chione undatella
Sby. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924) : Venus neglecta Sby., V. simillima Sby.
(Arnold, 1903).— 21 valves.
Venus (Chione) fluctifraga Sowerby. — 3 valves.
Venerupis (Callithaca) tenerrima (Carpenter). — Syn., Tapes
tenerrima Cpr. (Arnold, 1903) : Paphia tenerrima Cpr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd,
1924) . — Fairly common, but usually broken. (2 pairs, 4 hinges) .
Venerupis (Protothaca) staminea (Conrad) . — Syn., Tapes staminea
Conr. (Arnold, 1903): Paphia staminea Conr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924). —
Less plentiful than the last. (3 valves, 2 fragments) .
390 San Diego Society of Natural History
Compsomyax subdiaphana (Carpenter) .— Syn., CalUsta subdia-
phana Cpr. (Arnold, 1903): Marcia subdiaphana Cpr. (Dall 1921; Oldroyd,
1924): Clementia subdiaphana Cpr. (Grant and Gale, 1931). — (2 valves).
Dr. U. S. Grant informs me that he now considers this species generically differ-
ent from Clementia.
Transenella tantilla (Gould) . — Syn., Psephis tantilla Gld. (Arnold,
1903).— 5 valves.
Tivela (Pachydesma) stultorum (Mawe).— Syn., T. crassatelloides
Conr. (Arnold, 1903). — (2 valves). There appears to be some doubt whether
Mawe's Donax stultorum, stated to be from "Indian Seas," is really the same as
this species, though his figure shows a similar shell. Possibly Conrad's name
crassatelloides should be revived.
Saxidomus nuttalli Conrad. — Syn., S. aratus Gld. (Arnold, 1903). —
1 valve.
Pitar newcombianus (Gabb) . — Syn., Callista newcombiana Gabb
(Arnold, 1903): Pitaria newcombiana Gabb (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).—
1 valve.
Amiantis callosa (Conrad) . — Syn., Callista callosa Conr. (Arnold,
1903).— Abundant.
Petricola tellimyalis (Carpenter) . — 70 valves.
Petricola californiensis Pilsbry and Lowe. — Syn., P. denticulata Sby.
(Arnold, 1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924; Grant and Gale, 1931).— 2 valves.
Petricola carditoides (Conrad) . — 1 valve collected by Miss Edna
Cook.
Cooperella subdiaphana Carpenter. — 4 valves (three in Miss Cook's
collection).
Tellina idae Dall. — Common. ( 10 pairs, 26 valves) .
Tellina buttoni Dall. — 3 valves.
Tellina bodegensis Hinds. — 8 valves.
Tellina santarosae Dall. — 3 valves.
Apolymetis biangulata (Carpenter) . — Syn., Metis alta Conr. (Arn-
old, 1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).— Common. (5 pairs, 2 valves).
Macoma nasuta (Conrad) . — 5 valves.
Macoma yoldiformis Carpenter. — 6 pairs, 22 valves.
Macoma secta (Conrad). — Common. (15 valves).
Macoma indentata Carpenter. — Syn., M. i. tenuirostris Dall (Dall,
1921; Oldroyd, 1924) .— Abundant. (5 pairs, 40 valves) .
Semele decisa (Conrad.) — 1 fragment found by the writer, another
by Miss Cook.
Semele pulchra (Sowerby) . — 7 valves.
Donax califomicus Conrad. — 1 valve; 2 valves in Miss Cook's collec-
tion.
Donax gouldii Dall. — Syn., D. laevigata Desh. (Arnold, 1903). —
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 391
Abundant. (30 valves).
Gari edentula (Gabb). — Syn., Psammobia edentula Gabb (Arnold,
1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924) .— 3 fragments, with hinges.
Tagelus californianus (Conrad) . — 1 fragment, with hinge.
Tagelus subteres (Conrad) . — 1 valve.
Solen sicarius Gould. — 20 fragments, with hinges.
Ensis califomicus Dall. — 24 valves.
Siliqua lucida (Conrad) . — 1 valve, 7 hinges.
Mactra (Mactra) califomica Conrad. — Common. (23 valves).
Mactra (Spisula) planulata Conrad. — Syn., "Mactra falcata Gld."
(Arnold, 1903): Spisula planulata Conr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924).—
Abundant. (1 pair, 50 valves).
Mactra (Spisula) hemphilli Dall. — Common. (3 pairs, 21 valves).
Mactra (Spisula) catilliformis (Conrad) . — 1 valve.
Mactra (Mulinia) pallida modesta (Dall). — Syn., "Mactra exo
leta Gray" (Arnold, 1903) . — Rather common. (3 pairs, 45 valves) .
Schizothaerus nuttallii (Conrad). — Syn., Tresus nuttalli Conr
(Arnold, 1903) . — Not rare, but mostly fragmentary. (2 pairs) .
CrYptomya califomica (Conrad) . — Abundant. (8 pairs, 60 valves)
Corbula (Lentidium) luteola Carpenter. — Abundant; pairs of con
nected valves common. (250 pairs, 100 valves) .
Panope (Panope) generosa Gould. — Syn., Panopea generosa Gld
(Arnold, 1903; Oldroyd, 1924). — Fairly common. (1 pair, 6 valves, 5 hinges)
Saxicava arctica (Linnaeus). — 1 valve.
Pholas pilsbryi Lowe.— Syn., TJnphaea gabbi Tryon (Arnold, 1903
Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1924): Pholas gabbi Tryon (Grant and Gale, 1931). —
1 valve, 1 fragment.
Pholadidea (Pholadidea) penita (Conrad). — 1 pair.
Dentalium neohexagonum Sharp and Pilsbry. — Syn., Dentalium
pseudohexagonum Dall (Arnold, 1903). — Abundant. (700).
Dentalium numerosum Dall. — Six specimens seem referable to this
species. In addition to these are numerous examples, referred to neohexagonum,
that have more ribs than the typical of that form and, although complete inter-
gradation between neohexagonum and numerosum is not shown in our series,
rather close relationship between the two appears to be indicated.
Dentalium semipolitum Broderip and Sowerby. — 58 specimens, mostly
more or less fragmentary.
Siphonodentalium quadrifissatum Dall. — 17 specimens.
Cadulus fusiformis Pilsbry and Sharp. — Abundant. (1300). Consider-
ing the abundance of this species in a deposit so near those worked by Arnold,
it is difficult to understand why he did not find it. Pilsbry (Nautilus, 17, 1904,
p. 108) believed Arnold's figure of "Cadulus nitentior Cpr." to be "probably of a
392 San Diego Society of Natural History
serpuloid annelid," but, if possible, this should be checked by a study of Arnold's
material. There is some variation in this species in both shape and diameter, and
Arnold's figure may represent a worn Cadulus.
Cavolina telemus tricuspida (Rivers). — Syn. Carolina occidentals
Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 1 specimen collected by Miss Edna T.
Cook.
Cavolina trispinosa Lesueur. — 1 in Museum collection and 3 in col-
lection of Miss Cook.
Acteon (Acteon) traski Stearns. — Rather common, though usually
broken. (225).
Acteon (Rictaxis) punctocaelatus (Carpenter) . — 38.
Retusa (Acteocina) culcitella (Gould). — Syn., Tornatina culcitella
Gld., T. cerealis Gld. (Arnold, 1903) : Acteocina culcitella Gld. (Dall, 1921;
Oldroyd, 1927) : Acteocina pedroensis T. S. Oldroyd (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.,
65, 1925, art. 22, pp. 23, 24) .— Common. (600) .
Retusa (Acteocina) carinata (Carpenter) .
Retusa (Acteocina) inculta (Gould) . — More than 600 specimens of
the short, blunt-spired Retusas were preserved. While the majority of these appear
referable to carinata, a few are indistinguishable from inculta and others are vari-
ously intermediate between the two. A sufficient number of Recent specimens
will probably show that carinata and inculta are not more than subspecifically
distinct, the former being a southern form and the latter a more northern one
of the same species.
Volvulella cylindrica (Carpenter) . — Syn., Volvula cylindrica Cpr.
(Arnold, 1903). — (700). A careful examination of this splendid series shows
much variation in size, length of spire, and amount of spiral sculpture. It is prob-
able that some other named species are only variants of cylindrica.
Atys casta Carpenter. — 1 juvenile specimen.
Cylichna attonsa Carpenter. — Syn., Cylichna alba Brown (Arnold,
1903, at least part) : Cylichnella attonsa Cpr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927). —
(1000) . Although there is considerable variation in this series, it seems advisable
to refer them all to the above species, of which many are typical. Some specimens
approach C. diegensis Dall, which may be the same as C. propinqua Smith.
None appears referable to C. alba Brown, which name, in the past, has been used
for most southern Californian fossils. This latter species is probably confined to
northern waters and, if it has appeared at all as a fossil in southern California, it
should be only in a cold water fauna.
Bulla punctulata A. Adams. — Syn., Bullus punctulatus (A. Ad.)
(Grant and Gale, 1931). — (62). Our specimens assigned to this species differ
from available Lower Californian examples in larger size (largest, 48x33 mm.),
slightly more globular form, and fewer (3-6) spirals in the umbilicus. This is
probably the shell that Pilsbry (Man. Conch., 15, 1893, p. 341) refers doubt-
fully to B. aspersa A. Adams. The difference in number of spirals in the um-
bilicus does not appear to coincide with different localities, as both types are
present in specimens from the west coast of South America in the H. N. Lowe
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 393
collection. For use of Bulla instead of Bullus, see Pilsbry, Nautilus, 44, 1931,
p. 98.
Haminoea vesicula (Gould) . — 1 juvenile.
Melampus olivaceous Carpenter. — (14). These undoubtedly washed
down from coastal marshes.
Williamia peltoides (Carpenter). — (26). The species represented is
the one with elevated apex. Whether the above name is correctly applied here may
be open to question (see Grant and Gale, 1931, p. 464).
Terebra (Strioterebrum) pedroana Dall. — Syn., T. simplex Cpr.
(Arnold, 1903) : T. pedroana philippiana Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927). —
(260) . Abundant. The typical and the variant named philippiana both present.
Conus calif ornicus Hinds. — Rather common. (16) .
Megasurcula remondii (Gabb). — Syn., Cryptoconus stearnsianus
Raymond (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) : Surculites remondii (Gabb) (Grant
and Gale, 1931).— 41.
Megasurcula carpenteriana (Gabb). — Syn., Pleurotoma carpen-
teriana Gabb, P. tryoniana Gabb (Arnold, 1903) : Cryptoconus car penterianus
Gabb, C. tryonianus Gabb, C. tremperianus Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) :
Surculites car penterianus (Gabb) (Grant and Gale, 1931) . — (130) . A common
and very variable species.
Lora fidicula (Gould) . — Syn., Bela fidicula GId. (Arnold, 1903, part) :
"Lora viridula Fabr." (Grant and Gale, 1931). — 1 specimen collected by Miss
Edna T. Cook.
Spirotropis (Borsonella) barbarensis (Dall) . — Syn., Borsonella
barbarensis Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927): "Borsonella dalli Arnold" (Dall,
1921, part; Oldroyd, 1927, part). — 1 specimen in Museum collection and an-
other in collection of Mrs. E. M. Clark.
Spirotropis ( Antiplanes) perversa (Gabb) . — Syn., Pleurotoma per-
versa Gabb (Arnold, 1903) : Antiplanes perversa Gabb (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd,
1927) . — 8 specimens, all much worn and few entire. Evidently of an older fauna
than the bulk of the deposit.
The writer cannot follow Grant and Gale in relegating such species as
rotida, santarosana and catalinae to the synonymy of perversa. They appear to
have not only different forms, but different ranges.
Moniliopsis incisa fancherae (Dall) . — Syn., "Drillia inermis Hds."
(Arnold, 1903) : Clathrodrillia halcyoms Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927). —
Abundant. (150).
Moniliopsis incisa ophioderma (Dall) . — Syn., "Drillia inermis peni-
cillata Cpr." (Arnold, 1903) : "Moniliopsis incisa Cpr." (Dall, Proc. U. S. Nat.
Mus., 56, 1919, pi. 12, fig. 7; Oldroyd, 1927, pi. 18, fig. 3).— (10). Much less
common than the last.
There has been much confusion among authors regarding the names to be
applied to the varieties of this well known species. It would seem that the correct
application of names depends entirely upon the identity of Carpenter's type of
incisa, which does not appear to be definitely established. The arrangement here
394 San Diego Society of Natural History
used is based on the assumption that typical incisa is the northern form with
"grooved" spirals and axial sculpture confined to faint growth lines. This is the
shell figured by Grant and Gale (1931, pi. 26, fig. 21) as the "typical variety,"
but is not the same as some of the forms included in their synonymy.
The fact is that we have in southern California, both fossil and Recent, two
common varieties of M. incisa, each of which has been referred to by several
names. One type (jancherae, as used here) is more slender, with rounder body
whorl, and sharper spiral sculpture, and is a dredged shell. The other (ophio-
derma), frequently collected at low tide, is characterized by greater diameter,
more or less flattened body whorl, less sharp spiral sculpture, and (in life) verti-
cal reddish lines. Dall's figures of both incisa and ophioderma (Proc. U. S. Nat.
Mus., 56, 1919, pi. 12, figs. 5 and 7) appear to be of this latter form. M. rhines
Dall (cancellata Cpr.) is probably a color form of jancherae, Carpenter's de-
scription calling for a white shell. Such specimens are in the writer's collection
from Catalina Island.
Clavus (Cymatosyrinx) empyrosia (Dall). — Syn., "C. pallidas
Sby." (Grant and Gale, 1931, part).— 1.
Clavus (Cymatosyrinx) halocydne (Dall). — Syn., "C. pallidas
Sby." (Grant and Gale, 1931, part).— (3). Although Grant and Gale place
this and the last species in the synonymy of C. pallidus (Sby.), the writer does
not consider such action justified. A comparison of halocydne and pallidus shows
that the latter is larger and relatively wider, and has a much heavier callus on the
inner lip and a narrower constricted area at the suture. In halocydne this constric-
tion, on all whorls but the last, is almost as wide as the remainder of the whorl.
Furthermore, the color of halocydne is not white like pallidus, but light brown,
darker in the aperture. C. empyrosia differs from halocydne and pallidus in both
size and sculpture.
Clavus (Cymatosyrinx) hemphilli (Stearns). — Syn., Dnllia hemp-
hilli Sts. (Arnold, 1903): Cymatosyrinx hemphilli Sts. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd,
1927) : C. aeolia Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 56, 1919, p. 11).— (16). All
are of the ribbed form called aeolia by Dr. Dall. A fine series of topotypes of
hemphilli collected by Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Connelly at Todos Santos Bay,
Lower California, are mostly quite different, both in sculpture and color, from
Los Angeles County specimens of "aeolia," but enough intergrades have been
examined to show that the two are conspecific. It is possible that aeolia may be a
geographical race of hemphilli, but this remains to be demonstrated.
Clavus (Crassispira) montereyensis (Stearns) . — Syn., Crassispira
arsino'e Dall (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 56, 1919, p. 26).— 1 specimen found by
Miss Alice Waterbury and donated to the Museum.
Mangelia (Mangelia) hexagona Gabb. — Syn., Mangdia branneri
Arnold (Arnold, 1903; Dall, 1921).— 7.
Mangelia (Mangelia) merita (Hinds). — 1.
Mangelia (Bela) variegata Carpenter. — Syn., M. angulata Cpr., not
Reeve (Arnold, 1903; Dall, 1921) : M. oenoa Dall, M. pulchnor Dall, M. beta
Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) : M. barbarensis Oldroyd (1927) : "M. hece-
tae Dall and Bartsch" (Grant and Gale, 1931). — (1800). Our specimens of
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 395
this species exhibit every variation between typical variegata and the other forms
listed in the above synonymy. Plate 26, fig. 1, shows intergradation between the
two extremes, typical variegata on the one hand, and the angulated variety on the
other. That this intergradation also occurs at the present time is indicated by
specimens in the writer's collection. While, as Grant and Gale point out (1931,
p. 593), the shell of M. hecetae Dall is indistinguishable from some specimens
of the angulated form of variegata, an example of hecetae in the writer's collec-
tion, taken in southeastern Alaska, possesses an operculum, which, according to
our present understanding, would place it in the genus Lora.
Mangelia (Bela) cetolaca Dall. — Syn., Columbella (Aesopus) old-
roydi (Arnold, 1903, p. 238), not Mangilia oldroydi (Arnold, 1903, p. 213):
"Mangelia perattenuata Dall" (Grant and Gale, 1931). — (720). Grant and
Gale considered M. perattenuata Dall, Pbilbertia phylira Dall, and P. amyela
Dall identical with this species. However, an examination of our large series does
not appear to substantiate their views. Perattenuata seems more tapering than
cetolaca, with sutures far too narrow, and with the last whorl longer than the rest
of the shell, which is not the case in specimens of cetolaca the same size as the
type of perattenuata. Philbertia phylira has fewer and more regularly spaced
spiral cords than M. cetolaca, and Philbertia amyela has too few axials.
Mangelia (Bela) arteaga roperi Dall. — Syn., "Mangilia sculpturata
Dall" (Arnold, 1903). — (360). Our specimens are uniformly more slender
than examples of the typical form. It is probable that roperi is a southern race
and that typical arteaga does not range as far southward as has been generally
believed.
Cancellaria bullata Sowerby. — Rather rare. 1 specimen in the Museum
collection, and 3 in the White collection.
Cancellaria crawfordiana Dall. — 2 specimens found, one by the
writer and the other by Mrs. E. M. Clark.
Cancellaria cooperi Gabb. — 1 broken specimen.
Olivella biplicata (Sowerby). — Common. (76).
Olivella baetica Carpenter. — Abundant. (170).
Hyalina (Cypraeolina) pyriformis (Carpenter) . — Syn., Merovia
pyrijormis Cpr. (Dall, 1921): Cypraeolina pyriformis Cpr. (Oldroyd, 1927). —
1 specimen collected by Mrs. Clark.
Mitra idae Melvill. — Syn., "Mitra maura Swain." (Arnold, 1903):
Stngatella idae Mel. (Dall, 1921) . — 1 specimen in White collection.
Mitra fultoni E. A. Smith.— 11.
Mitra catalinae (Dall). — 10.
Fusinus barbarensis (Trask). — Syn., Fusus barbarensis Trask
(Arnold, 1903).— 1.
Fusinus arnoldi (Cossman) . — Syn., Fusus rugosus Trask (Arnold,
1903) : Fusinus trash Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 22.
Fusinus kobelti (Dall) . — 6.
Fusinus monksae (Dall). — Syn., "Fusus robustus Trask" (Arnold,
396 San Diego Society of Natural History
1903).— 1.
Fusinus luteopictus (Dall) . — (130) . By far, the most common species
of the genus.
Kelletia (Kelletia) kelletii (Forbes). — Syn., Siphonalia kellettii Fbs.
(Arnold, 1903). Rather common. (9).
Cantharus fortis (Carpenter). — Syn., Pisania fortis Cpr. (Arnold,
1903) . — 1 specimen; 2 additional in White collection.
Neptunea (Sulcosipho) tabulator (Baird). — Syn., Chrysodomus
tabulatus Baird (Arnold, 1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 3 fragments.
Exilioidea rectirostris (Carpenter). — Syn., Chrysodomus rectirostris
Cpr. (Arnold, 1903): Exilia rectirostris Cpr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).—
1 specimen.
Engina strongi Pilsbry and Lowe. — Syn., "Engina carbonaria Rve."
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927). — 2 specimens; an additional one in Miss Cook's
collection.
Nassarius (Zeuxis) tegula (Reeve) . — Syn., Nassa tegula Rve. (Arn-
old, 1903) : Alectrion tegula Rve. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) .— 55.
Nassarius (Schizopyga) califomianus (Conrad) . — Syn., Nassa
californiana (Conr.) (Arnold, 1903) : Alectrion calij orniana Conr. (Dall, 1921;
Oldroyd, 1927).— 290.
Nassarius (Schizopyga) cerritensis (Arnold) . — Syn., Nassa cerri-
tensis Arn. (Arnold, 1903) : Alectrion cerritensis Arn. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd,
1927). — (160). Our series appears to show that this species grades into N.
califomianus at one end, and approaches very near to N. mendicus cooperi at the
other, though none have as few axial ribs as cooperi.
Nassarius (Schizopyga) mendicus cooperi (Forbes). — Syn.,
Nassa mendica cooperi Fbs. (Arnold, 1903): Alectrion cooperi Fbs. (Dall,
1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 135.
Nassarius (Schizopyga) perpinguis (Hinds). — Syn., Nassa per-
pinguis Hds. (Arnold, 1903) : Alectrion perpinguis Hds. (Dall, 1921; Old-
royd, 1927) .— 260.
Nassarius (Schizopyga) fossatus (Gould) . — Syn., Nassa fossata
(Gld.) (Arnold, 1903): Alectrion fossata Gld. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).—
50.
Nassarius (Schizopyga) insculptus (Carpenter) . — Syn., Nassa in-
sculpta Cpr. (Arnold, 1903) : Alectrion insculptus Cpr. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd,
1927).— 2.
Mitrella carinata (Hinds). — Syn., Columbella carinata Hds. (Arnold,
1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) : C. carinata hind si (Gask.) Rve. (Dall, 1921;
Oldroyd, 1927).
Mitrella carinata gausapata (Gould) . — Syn., Columbella gausapata
Gld. (Arnold, 1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) : C. californiana Gask. (Arn-
old, 1903): C. carinata californiana Gask. (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927). —
(400) . In this series are examples typical of each of the two above forms and
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 397
many intergrades between them. If only southern Californian specimens were con-
sidered, there would seem to be no justification in recognition of more than one
race, as our shells, both fossil and Recent, show no point of division. From what
is known at the present time, however, it appears that the range of the form
gausapata extends considerably farther north than typical carinata. In a sense,
therefore, they may be considered geographical races.
Mitrella tuberosa (Carpenter). — Syn., Columbella tuberosa Cpr. (Arn-
old, 1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 130.
Amphissa reticulata Dall. — 3.
Amphissa versicolor Dall. — (40) . Because of the great amount of
variation in these species, I find it difficult to separate reticulata from versicolor,
especially in the case of immature specimens. Three are referred to reticulata
largely on account of their greater size.
Amphissa undata Carpenter. — 7.
Purpura (Pteropurpura) carpenteri (Dall). — Syn., Murex carpen-
feri Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 8.
Purpura (Pteropurpura) petri (Dall).— Syn., Murex petri Dall
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 46.
Purpura (Centrifuga) leeana (Dall). — Syn., Murex leeanus Dall
(Arnold, 1903). — (70). A rather common species, a fine growth series being
preserved. An interesting feature is the similarity of the young of this species to
half-grown Tritonalia barbarensis (Gabb) (see Plate 26, figs. 2, 3) .
Purpura (Jaton) festiva (Hinds).— Syn., Murex festivus Hds. (Arn-
old, 1903; Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) .— Abundant. (100).
Purpura (Jaton) gemma (Sowerby). — Syn., Murex gemma Sby.
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) .— 6.
Purpura (Jaton) santarosana (Dall). — Syn., Murex santarosana
Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 1.
Tritonalia foveolata (Hinds). — Syn., Ocinebra foveolata Hds. (Arn-
old, 19C3). — (40). Arnold's record of "Ocinebra perita Hds." may refer to
this species.
Tritonalia interfossa (Carpenter) . — Syn., Ocinebra interfossa Cpr.
(Arnold, 1903). — 2, one typical and the other near to the form beta Dall.
Tritonalia poulsoni (Nuttall in Carpenter) . — Syn., Ocinebra poulsoni
Nutt. (Arnold, 1903). — (85). The most common member of the genus.
Thais biserialis (Blainville). — 38.
Thais emarginata (Deshayes).— Syn., Purpura saxicola Val. (Arnold,
1903) .— 2 in White collection
Acanthina spirata (Blainville). — Syn., Monoceros engonatum Conr.
(Arnold, 1903). — (85). This series varies from the high spired form, with
rounded whorls, to the short, carinated one.
Trophon (Boreotrophon) orpheus (Gould). — 1.
Forreria belcheri (Hinds).— Syn., Chorus belcberi Hds. (Arnold,
398 San Diego Society of Natural History
1903) . — Common.
Bursa califomica (Hinds) . — Syn., Ranella California Hds. (Arnold,
1903).— Abundant.
Ranella (Priene) oregonensis (Redfield).— Syn., Tritonium ore-
gonensis Redf. (Arnold, 1903): Argobuccinum oregonensis Redf. (Dall, 1921;
Oldroyd, 1927).— 1 collected by Miss Edna Cook and another by J. C. Marsh.
Simnia (Neosimnia) catalinensis (Berry) .— Syn., Neosimnia cata-
linensis (Berry, Nautilus, 30, 1916, p. 21).— 2 specimens in Museum collection
and 2 more in White collection. Our largest measures 24x9 millimeters, and a
Recent specimen in the writer's collection measures 32.5x12 millimeters. When
these measurements are considered, the statement of F. A. Schilder (Proc. Mai.
Soc. London, 20, 1932, p. 54) that catalinensis is "evidently the young of
loebbeckeana Weinkauff" would seem palpably erroneous.
Cypraea spadicea Swainson. — 4.
Trivia califomiana (Gray).— Syn., T. califomica Gray (Arnold,
1903).— 3.
Trivia solandri (Gray in Sowerby) . — 1.
Erato vitellina Hinds. — 1.
Erato columbella Menke. — 4.
Alabina tenuisculpta diegensis Bartsch.— 5.
Bittium (Lirobittium) omatissimum Bartsch. — 1 collected by Tom
Burch.
Bittium (Semibittium) rugatum Carpenter. — 2 collected by the writer
and another by Miss Edna Cook. One of the features of this deposit was the
scarcity of Bittiums which are usually so abundant in our Pleistocene localities.
Cerithidea califomica (Haldeman).— (29). Undoubtedly washed
down from salt marshes.
Seila montereyensis Bartsch. — Syn., "Sella asslmilata C. B. Ad."
(Arnold, 1903) . — (100) . The commonest species of the family.
Cerithiopsis antefilosa Bartsch. — 2.
Cerithiopsis cosmia Bartsch. — 29.
Cerithiopsis oxys Bartsch. — 16.
Cerithiopsis antemunda Bartsch. — 8.
Cerithiopsis halia Bartsch. — 3.
Triphora pedroana (Bartsch). — Syn., Trlfora pedroana Bart. (Dall,
1921).— 1 in White collection.
Rissoella sp. ? — 18 specimens tentatively referred to this genus, but
absence of opercula and soft parts makes the assignment uncertain. These re-
semble somewhat elongated specimens of Syncera translucens (Cpr.), but they
are narrowly umbilicated and spirally striated. This may be the species described
by Bartsch (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 70, 1927, p. 31) as Rissoella ? califomica,
but it appears to differ from the figure of that species in much rounder body whorl
and less open umbilicus.
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 399
Rissoina kelseyi (Dall and Bartsch). — Syn., Alaba oldroydi Dall
(Nautilus, 19, 1905, p. 15).— 3.
Rissoina pleistocena Bartsch. — 1 specimen collected by Mrs. E. M.
Clark.
Turritella jewettii Carpenter. — 1 very worn specimen found by J. C.
Marsh.
Turritella cooperi Carpenter. — 38.
Vermicularia eburnea (Reeve). — 4.
Aletes squamigerus Carpenter. — Syn., Serpidorbis squamigerus Cpr.
(Arnold, 1903). — 19 specimens, one of which is probably referable to A. s.
pennatus (Morch). Whether this latter form is of any ecological significance is
questionable.
Spiroglyphus lituellus (Morch). — 1.
Micranellum crebricinctum (Carpenter) . — Syn., Caecum crebricinc-
tum Cpr., "Caecum magnum Stearns" (Arnold, 1903) : Micranellum pedroense
Bartsch (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927; Grant and Gale, 1931) .— Common.
(197).
It appears to the writer that M. pedroense Bartsch, and "Caecum magnum
Sts." as figured by Arnold, are the young of M. crebricinctum Cpr. This species,
during juvenility, is slender, rather strongly curved, and the plug is longer and
narrower; as it becomes older, the slender part of the shell is discarded; some of
the curve being lost, and the plug becomes thicker and more blunt.
Fartulum orcutti (Dall). — 3.
Fartulum occidentale Bartsch. — Common. (920).
Littorina scutulata Gould. — 2 immature specimens.
Lacuna unifasciata Carpenter.— 65.
Iselica fenestrata (Carpenter) . — Syn., Fossarus jenestrata Cpr. (Arn-
old, 1903) .— 1 collected by Miss Edna T. Cook.
Hipponix antiquatus cranioides Carpenter. — 2.
Hipponix tumens Carpenter. — 2.
Crepidula onyx Sowerby. — Common.
Crepidula excavata (Broderip). — Abundant.
Crepidula lingulata Gould. — Syn., Crepidula dorsata Brod. (Arnold,
1903 ) . — Common.
Crepidula nummaria Gould. — Syn., C. navicelloides Nutt. (Arnold,
1903) : "C. mvea C B. Ad." (Oldroyd, 1927) .— Common.
Crepidula nummaria glottidiarum Dall. — (30). An interesting
feature in the presence of this race is that no trace was found of the Brachiopod,
Glottidia, upon which it undoubtedly lived.
Crucibulum spinosum (Sowerby). — 7.
Calyptraea contorta Carpenter. — Syn., Galerus mammillaris Brod.
(Arnold, 1903, at least part) : Calyptraea mammillaris Brod. (Grant and Gale,
1931, part) . — (380) . This is probably the only species of the genus to be found
400 San Diego Society of Natural History
in the Upper San Pedro formation, but it is possible that the more northern C.
fastigiata Gld. occurred in earlier periods. Contorta may be a stunted, southern
form of fastigiata, but both differ from mammillaris, of southern waters, in their
thinner shell.
Polinices (Neverita) reclusianus (Deshayes). — Common. (45).
Polinices (Neverita) alius Dall. — Abundant. (60) .
Polinices (Euspira) lewisii (Gould) . — Only 1 specimen is referred
to this species, although a number of individuals in our series of Polinices have
an open umbilicus. Neither this feature nor the presence or absence of a funicle
seem to be good characters in differentiating between lewisii and reclusianus. A
series of specimens before me at this writing proceeds without a perceptible break
from a completely closed umbilicus to a wide open one. The funicle is often
present in the juvenile shell and absent in the adult. The shoulder of the whorls
is not a constant feature in lewisii, but is usually present; it is, also, sometimes indi-
cated in reclusianus. Lewisii grows to a much greater size than reclusianus and
ranges considerably farther north, specimens having been taken by the writer in
southeastern Alaska.
Sinum scopulosum (Conrad) . — Syn., S. debile, of some authors; not
of Gould, 1853: S. califomicum Oldroyd (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— Com-
mon. (130).
Acmaea cassis Eschscholtz subsp. ? — 2 juveniles.
Acmaea cassis nacelloides Dall. — 1.
Acmaea insessa (Hinds). — (30). The fact that this species, which
lives on kelp, is the only member of the genus that is at all common in the deposit,
is added evidence of scarcity of rocks.
Tricolia pulloides (Carpenter) . — Syn., Phasianella pulloidea Cpr.
(Dall, 1921): P. pulloides Cpr. (Oldroyd, 1927) .— (300). Arnold's speci-
mens of "Phasianella compta Gld." should be checked with this species.
Tricolia substriata (Carpenter) . — Syn., Phasianella substriata Cpr.
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 135.
Astraea (Pomaulax) undosa (Wood). — Syn., Pomaulax undosus
Wood (Arnold, 1903).— 12.
Leptothyra carpenteri Pilsbry. — Syn., Homalopoma carpenteri Pils.
(Grant and Gale, 1931).— 1.
Norrisia norrisi (Sowerby) . — 10.
Halistylus pupoideus (Carpenter) . — Syn., H. subpupoideus Tryon
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 8.
Tegula (Chlorostoma) gallina (Forbes). — Syn., Chlorostoma gal-
lina Fbs. (Arnold, 1903) .— 17.
Tegula (Chlorostoma) gallina multifilosa (Stearns). — 1.
Tegula (Chlorostoma) aureotincta (Forbes). — Syn., Chlorostoma
aureotinctum Fbs. (Arnold, 1903). — 26.
Tegula (? Chlorostoma) ligulata (Menke). — Syn., Chlorostoma
vindulum ligulatum Mke. (Arnold, 1903).— 19.
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 401
Tegula (Promartynia) pulligo (Martyn) . — 1 specimen in White
collection.
Calliostoma canaliculatum (Martyn). — Common. (70).
Calliostoma gemmulatum Carpenter. — 18.
Calliostoma tricolor (Gabb). — Abundant. (190).
Calliostoma gloriosum Dall. — 1 collected by the writer, 2 by Miss
Edna T. Cook.
Calliostoma supragranosum Carpenter. — 2.
Calliostoma splendens Carpenter. — 6.
Turcica caffea Gabb. — Syn., Thalotia caffea Gabb (Arnold, 1903) . — 2.
Margarites (Lirularia) optabilis (Carpenter) . — Syn., M. o. knechti
Arn., M. o. nodosa Arn. (Arnold, 1903; Grant and Gale, 1931).— (30). This
series includes both the typical form and the variety acuticostatus Carpenter.
Vitrinella williamsoni Dall. — 29.
Vitrinella eshnauri Bartsch. — 13.
Vitrinella stearnsi Bartsch. — 17.
Delphinoidea coronadoensis Arnold. — 1.
Haliotis cracherodii Leach. — 1 fragment.
Fissurella volcano Reeve. — Syn., F. v. crucifera Dall (Dall, 1921;
Oldroyd, 1927) . — 3 specimens (Museum, 2; Miss Cook, 1) .
Epitonium (Opalia) wroblewskyi (Morch) . — Syn., Opalia borealis
Gld. (Arnold, 1903).— 1.
Epitonium (Opalia) retiporosum (Carpenter). — 2.
Epitonium (Asperiscala) bellastriatum (Carpenter). — Syn., Scala
bellastnata Cpr. (Arnold, 1903) .— Common. (240).
Epitonium (Asperiscala) clarki T. S. Oldroyd. — Abundant. (490).
Epitonium (Nitidiscala) acrostephanum Dall. — 25.
Epitonium (Nitidiscala) indianorum (Carpenter) . — Syn., Scala in-
dianorum Cpr. (Arnold, 1903) . — (32) . This is a puzzling series, varying greatly
in number and form of varices. It may not be true indianorum, though I am not
able to distinguish it from young of that species. None approaches the size of
adults of indianorum from the north.
Epitonium (Nitidiscala) tinctum (Carpenter). — (35). Lacking the
color band, this species is difficult to identify in the fossil, and it is probable that
mistakes have been made. 150 juveniles of this group remain undetermined.
Epitonium (Nitidiscala) cooperi Strong. — Syn., "Scala tincta Cpr."
(Arnold, 1903): Epitonium hindsu Cpr. (Packard, Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool.,
14, 1918, p. 319) : E. fallaaosum Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 48.
Epitonium (Nitidiscala) sawinae Dall. — Syn., E. catalinensis Dall
(Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927).— 64.
Melanella micans (Carpenter). — Syn., Eulima micans Cpr. (Arnold,
1903 ) .— Abundant. ( 1850) .
402 San Diego Society of Natural History
Melanella oldroydi Bartsch. — Rather uncommon. (24).
Melanella rutila (Carpenter). — Abundant. (1100).
Melanella sp. ? — 3 specimens, the size of rutila, but less slender and
with higher body whorl.
Strombiformis raymondi (Rivers). — Syn., S. riversi Bartsch (Proc.
U. S. Nat. Mus., 53, 1917, p. 339).— (17). S. calif omica Bartsch is very simi-
lar to this species and may be the same, but none of our specimens of the Recent
form is as large as adults of the fossil.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) hypolispa Dall and Bartsch. — 21.
It is with much hesitation that the writer employs here a division of sub-
genera different from that in general use. The easier method would be to follow,
without comment, the arrangement used by Dall and Bartsch in their great "Mon-
ograph of West American Pyramidellid Mollusks," which appeared in 1909.
However, after intensive study of west American Turbonillas, the writer is not
convinced that the generally accepted division of the group as regards subgenera
is not more arbitrary than natural. In fact, a number of excellent conchologists,
known as keen students of Californian shells, have expressed their inability to
separate the various subgenera of Turbonilla by their supposed characters. The
natural inference drawn by an average student from such a condition might well
be that there is no difference in value between a subgenus and a section.
It appears to the writer that Californian members of the genus Turbonilla
fall into five natural groups, as follows: Turbonilla (including Chemmtzia and
Strioturbonilla) , Pyrgolampros, Pyrgiscus (including Pyrgisculus) , Bartschella
(Dunkena), and Mormula.
Cbemnitzia and Strioturbonilla have been differentiated from the subgenus
Turbonilla because their axial sculpture does not extend onto the base and, in
case of Strioturbonilla, because of spiral striations. In the species usually assigned
to the subgenus Turbonilla the strength of the basal sculpture varies greatly; in
some species, such as centrota and gilli, it is very weak, while in others like acra
and diegensis, it is strong. At least one species, cayucosensis Willett (Nautilus,
43, 1929, p. 26) , lacks basal sculpture in the young and shows it in the adult. As
to Strioturbonilla: Although Dall and Bartsch state that the "spiral sculpture
is always stronger than microscopic striations," in the majority of specimens
examined by the writer this sculpture was not perceptible under a magnification
of thirty diameters. The characters cited as a basis of separation of Pyrgisculus
from Pyrgiscus appear to the writer to be only of sectional value, rather than sub-
generic. Of the known Californian species, only laminata is here assigned to
the subgenus Bartschella. Arata, which was included in this subgenus by Dall
and Bartsch, when further material is available, may prove to be conspecific with
weldi, generally included in Pyrgiscus.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) asser Dall and Bartsch. — 500.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) torquata (Gould). — 145.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) stylina (Carpenter). — 111.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) buttoni Dall and Bartsch. — 4.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) ralphi Dall and Bartsch. — Syn., "T. torquata
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills 403
GH." (ArnoU, 1903).— 160.
Turbonilla (Turbonilla) simpsoni Dall and Bartsch. — 22.
Turbonilla (Pyrgolampros) lowei Dall and Bartsch. — 200.
Turbonilla (Pyrgolampros) pedroana Dall and Bartsch. — 175.
The last two species have been divided solely on the difference in number of
ribs on the early whorls, no other stable differences being perceptible to me.
There are also some specimens that appear to bridge the gap between pedroana
and the following species.
Turbonilla (Pyrgolampros) arnoldi Dall and Bartsch.
Turbonilla (Pyrgolampros) halia Dall and Bartsch..
Turbonilla (Pyrgolampros) keepi Dall and Bartsch. — 1500. This
splendid scries appears to demonstrate conclusively that the three above named
were conspecific in late Pleistocene. They exhibit a surprising amount of variation
and, in addition to ranging through the three already described species, there are
numerous variants that, if found under some conditions, would undoubtedly be
considered worthy of naming. Whether these three species are still connected, or
whether the connecting links have disappeared since late Pleistocene, will remain
uncertain until a larger number of Recent specimens are available for study.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) sanctorum Dall and Bartsch. — 3 specimens
are referred to this species, although they have a few more incised spirals than
the type has. The largest of our specimens has fifteen whorls and measures: alt.,
10 mm.; diam., 2.2 mm.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) cf. superba Da!l and Bartsch. — 1 specimen,
taken by Mrs. E. M. Clark and donated to the Museum, appears nearest to this
species, but differs from the type in position of median series of pits, which is a
Ii:tle anterior to the middle of the whorl instead of posterior to it; furthermore,
the ribs do not terminate as abruptly at the suture as is shown in the figure
of superba. Our series of about 1000 specimens of the subgenus Pyrgiscus clearly
demonstrates that many of the features generally used in differentiation of the
species in the group are of little value. Variation in number and strength of both
spirals and axials are endless. In many groups, undoubtedly of the same species,
it is difficult to find two specimens exactly alike. These facts have caused the
writer to adopt an entirely different view of the definition of species in the genus
Turbonilla, with the direct result that no new ones are named in this paper, al-
though there are numerous specimens that are different in appearance from any-
thing hitherto described.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) vexativa Dall and Bartsch. — 2.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) antestriata Dall and Bartsch. — 290.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) almo Dall and Bartsch. — (460). A study of
our series leads to the conclusion that the type of almo was not adult. For varia-
tion in the species, see Plate 26, fig. 4.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) adusta Dall and Bartsch. — 1.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) weldi Dall and Bartsch. — Our 80 specimens
exhibit great variation and appear to show intergradation between weldi, wick-
hami and arata.
404 San Diego Society of Natural History
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) cf . ista Bartsch. — 2.
Turbonilla (Pyrgiscus) canfieldi Dall and Bartsch. — (193). A varia-
ble series, extending from typical canfieldi to histias; some individuals indicating
close relationship to macbridei and almejasensis.
Turbonilla (Bartschella) laminata (Carpenter). — 43.
Turbonilla (Mormula) tridentata (Carpenter). — Syn., T. ambusta
Dall and Bartsch.— 565.
Turbonilla (Mormula) regina Dall and Bartsch. — Syn., T. catalinen-
sis Dall and Bartsch. — ■ (18). Throughout the subgenus Mormula the number
of incised lines and axial ribs, and basal sculpture vary greatly within the species,
in both fossil and Recent specimens. The writer is unable to find any constant
characters separating regina from catalinensis, or ambusta from tridentata.
Turbonilla (Mormula) pentalopha Dall and Bartsch. — (23). The
adult of this species is quite different in appearance from the figure of the type
given by Dall and Bartsch; in fact, it is much more like their figure of the type of
castanea. The last whorl is long and rounded and, in some examples, possesses
more than forty axials, and the internal lirations are so far back as to be hardly
perceptible without breaking away the outer lip.
Odostomia (Chrysallida) eugena Dall and Bartsch. — 2 specimens;
an additional one in Miss Cook's collection.
Odostomia (Evalea) nemo Dall and Bartsch. — (2100). By far the
most abundant Odostomia.
Odostomia (Evalea) donilla Dall and Bartsch. — 9.
Odostomia (Evalea) cf. phanea Dall and Bartsch. — 1.
Odostomia (Amaura) helena Bartsch. — (188). This species varies
considerably in diameter and in amount of tabulation of whorls. Some specimens
show spiral sculpture.
Lepidopleurus nexus (Carpenter) . — Syn., L. heathi Berry, L. ambus-
tus Dall (Dall, 1921; Oldroyd, 1927) .— 2 head and 2 median valves.
Mopalia acuta (Carpenter) . — 1 head, 2 tail and 7 median valves.
Ischnochiton sanctaemonicae Berry. — 1 median valve found by
Miss Cook and donated to the Museum.
Helisoma cf. trivolvis (Say). — 2 juveniles.
Gyraulus vermicularis (Gould). — 2.
Zonitoides arboreus Say. — 1.
Willett — Pleistocene Fauna from Baldwin Hills
Plate 26
Fig. 1. Mangelia variegata Cpr., showing intergradation between two ex-
tremes; x 2.
Figs. 2. 3. Purpura leeana (Dall), juv., (fig. 2), showing similarity of the
young of this species to half-grown Tritonalia barbarensis (Gabb) (fig. 3) ; x 2.
Fig. 4. Turbonilla almo Dall and Bartsch, showing variation in the species;
x2.
JAN 27 1938
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 31, pp. 407-408 January 18, 1938
A NEW HUMMINGBIRD OF THE GENUS
SAUCEROTTIA FROM SONORA, MEXICO
BY
A. J. VAN ROSSEM AND THE MARQUESS HaCHISUKA
Dickey Collections, California Institute of Technology
During the past spring and summer van Rossem and Hannum
continued field work in southern Sonora in order to gather data supple-
mentary to the work initiated by van Rossem in 1930 and subsequent
years. Many interesting facts were discovered, some of which have been
published and others are in press.
The presence of a strong Arid Tropical element in southern Sonora
is now so well established that any further discoveries of tropical species
or races may be considered as evidence purely additional to that already
produced. One of the tropical genera of hummingbirds encountered was
Saucerottia, whose presence was already known through the species
beryllina (dubiously of the race viola Miller). An additional species of
this genus was discovered during the recent field work.
Two representatives of Saucerottia, namely sumichrasti (Salvin)
of Oaxaca and ocai (Gould) of Vera Cruz are each known from
(unique?) specimens in the British Museum. They differ from other
closely related members of the genus in having bronzy instead of chest-
nut, purplish, or blue rectrices and upper tail coverts. It is to this bronze-
tailed group that the new species from Sonora belongs. The single speci-
men was sent, as an additional check, to J. L. Peters and Ludlow Gris-
com at the Museum of Comparative Zoology and neither has been able
408 San Diego Society of Natural History
to place it with any known hummingbird; neither can they associate it
as a hybrid. We therefore name it as
Saucerottia florenceae sp. nov.
Type. — Female adult, no. 31,888, Dickey collections at the California In-
stitute of Technology; Rarcho Santa Barbara, 20 miles northeast of Guirocoba,
southeastern Sonora, Mexico; altitude 5000 feet in the oak-pine association; June
9, 1937; collected by A. j. van Rossem and Robert Hannum.
Specific characters. — Belonging, obviously, to the sumichrasti-ocai group of
the genus Saucerottia in possessing golden, bronzy-green rump, upper tail cov-
erts, and rectrices. Above, bright, semi-iridescent, metallic grass green, darker
on pileum and forehead and brighter, more coppery, on rump, upper tail coverts,
and rectrices. Under parts grayish white, heavily spangled with green save on the
abdominal region and under tail coverts; the spots on chin and throat smaller
and more bluish green, those on the pectoral region and sides larger and more
grass green. Under tail coverts chiefly grayish white, but buffy gray centrally.
Auriculars dusky, surmounted by an indistinct grayish white post-ocular streak.
Wings, dull black with a strong purplish hue, and white concealed bases of the
flight feathers pale buff. Rectrices, (from above) golden, bronzy green, less
obviously so on the outer pairs whose terminal portions are more or less dusky
and whose shafts are pale chestnut; from below the coloration of the tail is simi-
lar, but the lateral rectrices are obsoletely mottled with steely blue on the subter-
minal portions. Bill, black, with the basal three-fourths of the mandible flesh
color; iris, dark brown; feet, dull black. The measurements are: wing, 58; tail,
32; exposed oilmen, 22 mm.
flange. — So far as known at present, the pine-oak association in the Sierra
Madre in extreme southeastern Sonora.
Remarks. — The unique specimen was shot at late dusk as it was flying
actively about the topmost branches of a leafless oak. The light, in fact, was so
dim that the fallen bird was found only by the aid of a flashlight. Two other
hummingbirds of unknown species were seen under similar circumstances and
one is naturally tempted to speculate on the possibility of nocturnal, or at least
crepuscular activity in the case of certain species.
This species is named for Florence van Rossem, the wife of the
senior author.
JAN 27 1938
q Sr * 1 V
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Vol. VIII, No. 32, pp. 409-410 January 18, 1938
A NEW MUSKRAT FROM UTAH
BY
Laurence M. Huey
Curator of Birds and Mammals, San Diego Society of Natural History
Among the mammals collected by the writer on an expedition for
the San Diego Society of Natural History in southwestern Utah during
the summer of 1937 is an apparently unnamed form of muskrat.
In the absence of sufficient material at hand for adequate compari-
son, the skulls of the muskrats secured were forwarded to Major E. A.
Goldman of the Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C, where
needed comparative specimens from the national collections were avail-
able. Through his kindness a number of comparisons were made and
reported to the writer.
It is with pleasure that the animal is named in Major Goldman's
honor as
Ondatra zibethica goldmani subsp. nov.
Virgin Valley Muskrat
Type. — From Saint George, Washington County, Utah; no. 12915, collec-
tion of the San Diego Society of Natural History; adult female; collected by
Laurence M. Huey, August 11, 1937.
Characters. — A race of Ondatra zibethica larger in size than either Ondatra
zibethica pallida or O. z- bernardi of the Colorado River drainage system in
Arizona, and smaller than O. z- mergens of the Great Basin region in northwest-
ern Nevada and northeastern California. In color, O. z- goldmani is somewhat
similar to O. Z- bernardi but has a heavier coating of guard hairs dorsally. Com-
pared with O. z- pallida, goldmani is lighter in color; in fact pallida, despite its
name, is the darkest of the three forms found along the lower Colorado River
410 San Diego Society of Natural History
drainage system. Compared with O. z- mergens, goldmani is somewhat paler
and more uniformly light brown. Cranially, goldmani differs from mergens in
having a relatively narrower, less massive skull; braincase decidedly narrower;
lambdoid crest narrower, less flaring and upturned; interparietal narrower; pre-
maxillae wider at fronto-maxillary suture; basi-occipital narrower; auditory bullae
more inflated laterally. Compared with bernardi, goldmani has a relatively nar-
rower, mor? elongated skull, with interparietal larger and longer, that is to say
more extended antero-posteriorly. The bullae are distinctly larger and more fully
inflated. Compared with pallida, goldmani has a relatively more elongated skull
with a more slender rostrum. The interparietal differs as it does from that of
bernardi, the zygomatic arches are more arched and the audital bullae more
inflated.
Color and Measurements of Type. — Dorsally uniform Dresden Brown,1
slightly darker on nose and rump, shading to lighter on sides and underparts.
Tail thinly fringed on dorsal and ventral ridges, with dark, nearly black, hairs.
Feet thinly covered dorsally with lighter-colored hairs. Vibrissae black. Total
length, 502; tail, 215; hind foot, 76; ear, 17. Skull: greatest length, 59.6;
zygomatic breadth, 36.9; nasals, 19.6; tooth row, 14.8.
Range. — Probably limited to the riparian association along the Virgin
River in southwestern Utah, from near Zion National Park westward at least
to Saint George and perhaps farther westward along the course of the Virgin
River into the extreme northwestern tip of Arizona and southeastern Nevada.
Specimens examined by the writer. — Ondatra zibethica mergens: 1 from
Eagle Lake, Lassen County, California. Ondatra zibethica pallida-?- 24 from
Camp Verde, Yavapai County, Arizona (type locality). Ondatra zibethica
bernardi:1 9 from 4 miles south of Gadsden, Yuma County, Arizona (type
locality). Ondatra zibethica goldmani: 7 from Saint George, Washington
County, Utah (type locality) .
1 Ridgway, Color Standards and Color Nomenclature, 1912.
2 From collection of Bernard Bailey.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 33, pp. 41 1-454, plates 27-36
%**%
NEW AND OBSCURE DECAPOD CRUSTACEA
FROM THE WEST AMERICAN COASTS
BY
Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
May 31, 1938
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 413
Family Crangonidae
Genus Homoriscus Rathbun
Homoriscus macginitiei, sp. nov 414
Genus Betaeus Dana
Betaeus ensenadensis, sp. nov 416
Family Paguridae
Genus Paguristes Dana
Paguristes sanguimmanus, sp. nov 419
Paguristes anahuacus, sp. nov 421
Family Porcellanidae
Genus Euceramus Stimpson
Euceramus panatelus, sp. nov 423
Euceramus transversilineatus (Loclcington), new combination 426
Genus Minyocerus Stimpson
Minyocerus fork, sp. nov 430
Genus Porcellana Lamarck, restricted
Porcellana magdalcnensis Glassell, 431
Genus Ulloaia, gen. nov 434
Ulloaia perpusillia, sp. nov 434
Genus Pisonella, gen. nov 436
Key to the Species of Pisonella 437
Pisonella sinuimanus (Loclcington) , new combination 437
Pisonella tuberculipes (Loclcington), new combination 440
Pisonella smithi (Glassell), new combination 442
Pisonella erosa (Glassell), new combination 442
Key to the West North American Species of Petrolisthes 442
Key to the West North American Species of Pachycheles 444
Family Goneplacidae
Genus Hexapus de Haan
Hexapus wdliamsi, sp. nov 445
Family Pinnotheridae
Genus Alarconia, gen. nov 446
Alarconia seaholmi, sp. nov 448
Genus Pinnotheres Latreille
Pinnotheres orcutti Rathbun, 451
Genus Fabia Dana
Fabia granti Glassell, 452
NEW AND OBSCURE DECAPOD CRUSTACEA
FROM THE WEST AMERICAN COASTS
BY
qJS^ Steve A. Glassell
Research Associate in Crustacea, San Diego Society of Natural History
INTRODUCTION
The material for this paper was collected from several sources, with
localities ranging from La Jolla, California, to La Libertad, Ecuador.
Twelve genera in five families are represented. Of these, three genera are
proposed as new. Four genera are newly introduced to the west American
fauna, three of these having been monotypic genera from west Atlantic
waters, one, a monotype, from the Indo-Pacific region. Keys are given
for three genera of west North American porcellanids, Petrolisthes,
Pachycheles and the proposed genus Pisonella, split off from the genus
Pisosoma. The holotypes for all the new species are deposited with the
San Diego Society of Natural History.
For specimens I am indebted to Professor George E. MacGinitie of
the California Institute of Technology, and Captain W. J. Seaholm and
Mr. Woodbridge Williams, who brought in a splendid collection of well
preserved material from southern waters, taken on a cruise of the yacht
"Stranger," under the command of Captain Fred E. Lewis, of Balboa,
California.
For the loan and gift of comparative material, photographs of obscure
publications, literature and advice, I am under obligations to Dr. Waldo
L. Schmitt, of the U. S. National Museum, Dr. Fenner A. Chace, Jr., of
the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Mr. G. Robert Lunz, Jr., of the
Charleston Museum, Dr. K. H. Barnard, of the South African Museum,
and Mr. Melbourne Ward, of the Australian Museum.
To Mr. Anker Petersen, of Beverly Hills, California, who has given
his own time and means to the drawing of the plates, I can but offer my
thanks, with the full knowledge that his contribution is greater than my
own.
414 San Diego Society of Natural History
CRANGONIDAE
Genus Homoriscus Rathbun
Homoriscus macginitiei, sp. nov.
Plate 27, figures 1-4
Type. — Female, holotype, Cat. No. 1120, San Diego Society of Natural
History; from La Jolla, California, low tide; March 4, 1935; collected by George
E. MacGinitie.
Diagnosis. — Rostrum anteriorly subovate, armed. Antennal scale armed
with 7 or 8 teeth. Chelipeds subchelate. Telson armed with 3 pairs of lateral
spines. Outer margin of dactyl of 3rd ambulatory leg armed with 11 spines.
Description. — Carapace lightly pubescent, with 7 sharp longitudinal crests;
the median occupies the posterior 4/5 of carapace and is interrupted by the cervi-
cal groove; the submedian and supero-lateral crests begin near base of rostrum,
the former posterior to this point. Both of these crests are less than half the length
of the carapace, the supero-lateral being the shorter of the two. The infero-
lateral crest begins at antennal sinus of anterior margin of carapace and is about
half as long as submedian crest. Orbit semicircular, a little narrower than the
black cornea beneath; outer orbital angle small and blunt-pointed. Rostrum
semioval, armed anteriorly with fine, sharp teeth; upper surface lightly granulous,
slightly concave. Third antennular peduncle extending its entire length past
tip of rostrum. Antennular flagellum nearly 1/2 the length of the median crest
of the carapace. Antennal peduncles subequal in length to that of the antennular.
Antennal acicle subovate, armed on its outer margin with a row of 7 or 8 fine,
sharp teeth, inner margin setose. Flagellum nearly as long as the body.
Chelipeds subchelate, somewhat resembling those of the genus Crangon.
Manus subquadrate, upper margin carinate, straight; lower margin with a median,
fixed tooth, which acts as the pollex, the distal lower edge armed with 3 sharp,
triangular teeth, the proximal the largest; the dactyl is arcuate, sharp-pointed,
setose on its upper crest and unarmed on its inner edge. The 1st ambulatory leg
in short and stout, in comparison with the others; the lower margin of the merus
and the upper margin of the carpus, propodus and dactylus are setose; the dactyl
is simple and heavier than the others; of the ambulatory legs the 2nd is the
longest, followed by the 3rd, 4th and 1st. The dactlyi of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th
are slender, lanceolate, with their lengths as in the order given.
The outer maxillipeds have their ischium armed on the inner side with a row
of spinules; the merus on the distal outer end with a spine; the propodus and
dactylus subequal in length and longer than the carpus. Telson longer than
broad, rounded at extremity; sides obscurely spinulous, with 3 pairs of lateral
spines. Lateral lamina longer than telson; inner lamina longer than outer; outer
margin of inner lamina smooth, of outer lamina spinulous.
Sexual variation and Color in life. — Unknown.
Measurements. — Female holotype: length from rostrum to tip of telson
18.3 mm., of carapace 7 mm., width of carapace 3.1 mm.
Material examined. — The two ovigerous type specimens.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 27
x^.
-—gglz
~^~^
TT
^£/"~ ^*v
•30
-^^
it
1 ' [Va
-ir
/
^"^^^^rr
yr ~-
*)/
Ik. \
J)^*
1
^ ;
n. m .
>■" Eg
5}fes MttlJ ?.
1^1
u^^?^
Fig. 1. Homoriscus macginitiei Glassell, sp. nov. Right cheliped.
Fig. 2. Homoriscus macginitiei Glassell, sp. nov. Telson.
Fig. 3. Homoriscus macginitiei Glassell, sp. nov. Carapace.
Fig. 4. Homoriscus macginitiei Glassell, sp. nov. Ambulatory legs.
416 San Diego Society of Natural History
Habitat. — Professor MacGinitie reports finding these two specimens in a
small pool at extreme low water, after he had turned some stones in search of
Typhlogobius californiensis Steindacher (the Blind Goby) .
Remarks. — This proposed species is closely allied to H. portoricensis Rath-
bun, 1902. For the differences between these two species I cannot do better
than quote a letter received from Dr. Fenner A. Chace, Jr., of the Museum of
Comparative Zoology, at Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, who
was kind enough to compare photographs of my drawings with a specimen of
H. portoricensis, sent him from Havana, Cuba. Dr. Chace's findings are as
follows :
"There is no doubt in my mind but that your form is specifically distinct
from the Atlantic species. In comparing the two, the following differences are
the most apparent: (1) Rostrum rounded rather than bluntly acute, (2) ros-
trum margined with a few distinct spines instead of being merely finely serrate,
(3) rostrum reaching nearly to end of second antennular article rather than to
middle of third segment, (4) submedian and supero-lateral crests of carapace
entire instead of being minutely serrate, (5) antennal scale armed with 7 or 8
spines rather than 4 or 5, (6) the dactyl of the chelipeds is slightly shorter, the
ratio of the length of the dactyl to the length of the palm being as 1 : 0.78
instead of as 1 : 0.73; consequently the apposable surface of the palm is longer,
the large spine being placed more proximal, although the ratio of length to
breadth of the palm is essentially the same in the two species — perhaps it is
slightly broader in the Pacific species — and the armature is almost identically
the same, (7) outer margin of palm of cheliped entire rather than armed with
3 or 4 small spines at distal fourth, (8) outer margin of dactyl of 3rd ambu-
latory leg armed with 11 spines rather than 2 or 3, (9) telson slightly longer
and narrower at distal end; ratio of length to breadth as 1 : 0.60 instead of as
1 : 0.70, (10) telson armed with three pairs of lateral spines instead of a single
pair at the junction of the smooth lateral margin with the setose terminal mar-
gin, and (11) outer margins of outer uropods much straighter; in H. portoricen-
sis they are very convex. I might add that the inner margins of the dactyls of
all the ambulatory legs in H. portoricensis are pectinate, irregularly so in the
central portion. In the above comparisons, the characteristics of your species
are given first in each case."
This proposed species is named for my good friend Professor George E.
MacGinitie, of the California Institute of Technology, who collected this aber-
rant form and allowed me the privilege of describing it.
Genus Betaeus Dana
Betaeus ensenadensis, sp. nov.
Plate 28, figures 1-3
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 1121, San Diego Society of Natural
History; from Estero de la Punta Banda, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico,
low tide; December 19, 1930; collected by George E. MacGinitie.
Diagnosis. — Front evenly rounded, not emarginate between the eyes.
Hands similar, oblong, compressed; propodus subtruncate at apex; dactyl falcate
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 28
;-~>
r"\.
Fig. 1. Betaeus ensenadensis Glassell, sp. nov.
Fig. 2. Betaeus ensenadensis Glassell, sp. nov. Cheliped.
Fig. 3. Betaeus ensenadensis Glassell, sp. nov. Telson.
418 San Diego Society of Natural History
at tip, armed with three well-formed teeth.
Description.- — Front evenly rounded, not emarginate. Carapace smooth, in
life transparent, so that vital organs may be plainly seen, opaque in preservative.
Second peduncle of antennule nearly twice the length of the third. Flagellum of
antennae as long as chelipeds. Antennal acicle reaches past the proximal end of
third peduncle of antennule, entire on outer margin, terminating in a spine;
inner margin of acicle terminates near base of spine, evenly rounded at distal
end, margin setose.
Chelipeds similar, 1/3 longer than length of carapace; merus lightly den-
tate on inner margins, outer margin with a broad oblique sinus, transverse sub-
distal groove deep; carpus with a vertical, lamellar projection on inner face
which fits into a recess of the merus, when arm is flexed; hand oblong, com-
pressed, lightly granulated when viewed under a lens; the length of the palm is
greater than the length of the dactyl; the dactyl is strongly falcate at the apex,
is armed with three strong teeth, the median the largest, the proximal the small-
est; the propodus is lightly granulated, proximally armed with a single, small
tooth in the gape. The propodus terminates in a single, sharp, up-turned spine,
at the base of which the propodus is truncate; the fingers are crossed at their
tips, and gape from base to apex.
Color in life. — The carapace, abdomen and chelipeds are covered with light
tinted chromatophores in reds and blues, the fingers and telson are tinted a light
purple.
Measurements. — Male holotype (not the largest specimen, but the most
perfect) : length from rostrum to tip of telson 19.5 mm., of carapace 6.8 mm., of
cheliped 10 mm., of manus 5.6 mm., of dactyl 3 mm. Female paratype: length
from rostrum to tip of telson 21.2 mm., of carapace 6.5 mm. (the hands were
missing) .
Range. — So far only known from the type-locality.
Material examined. — A series of 12 specimens, from Estero de la Punta
Banda, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico; collected by George E. MacGinitie,
December 19, 1930. The types were selected from this series.
A male specimen collected by the author at the same locality, December
25, 1936.
Habitat. — These specimens were found at low water in the burrows of
Callianassa and Upogebia. Professor MacGinitie reports finding them in pairs.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to B. longidactylus Lockington,
1877, but differs from that species by the hands being more uniform in both the
sexes, and in the individual showing little if any variation, instead of varying
from long slim fingers with little gape, to those as figured by Schmitt in Univ.
Calif. Publ. Zool., vol. 23, 1921, pi. 12, fig. 2, where the fingers are widely
separated throughout their length. In addition, B. ensenadensis has the apex of
its propodus subtruncate and spine-tipped, instead of being rather blunt-pointed
as in B. longidactylus; it differs also by the dactyli being armed with 3 well-
formed teeth, and being falcate distally where the fingers cross each other, in-
stead of being unarmed, or having, at best, a small proximal tooth; the tips of
the fingers crossed slightly. It also differs by the peduncles of the antennules
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 419
being of different length, the second nearly twice the length of the third, instead
of being about equal length. In addition, B. ensenadensis is a much smaller
species, a mature specimen of B. longidactylus measuring from rostrum to tip
of telson 40.5 mm.
B. ensenadensis resembles the other known Californian representative of
the genus, B. harfordi (Kingsley), 1878, in size, shape and relative lengths of
the antennular peduncles (the 2nd being nearly twice the length of the 3rd),
but differs in that the front is evenly rounded, instead of emarginate, by the
hands being similar and suboblong, instead of dissimilar and oval, by the ter-
minal spine of the antennal article extending far past the rounded inner margin,
instead of extending a little past the rounded inner edge.
To Professor George E. MacGinitie of the California Institute of Tech-
nology, belongs the credit for collecting and recognizing this proposed species.
Note. — Since the above notes were written, an important extension of range
for this species has been made by Professor MacGinitie, who collected two males
and one ovigerous female, in Upogebia tubes, at False Bay, San Diego, Califor-
nia, on November 18, 1937. These specimens are in the author's collection.
PAGURIDAE
Paguristes sanguinimanus, sp. nov.
Type.— Male, holotype, and female, paratype, Cat. Nos. 1122 and 1123,
San Diego Society of Natural History; from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico,
low tide; May 2, 1935; collected by Steve A. Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Precervical portion of carapace longer than wide, areolate,
laterally punctate, a gastric median groove; rostral tooth long, exceeding laterals.
Chelipeds subsimilar, heavy, wide; inner margin of carpus not regularly, though
distinctly, spined; hand with 4 spines on margin of palm. Flagellum reaching
palm of hand, lightly ciliate. Eye-stalks long, cylindrical. Tip of antennal acicle
extends but slightly past the median length of the eye-stalk, and is subequal in
length to the distal end of the 3rd antennal peduncle. The flagellum of the
antennule extends past the cornea.
Description. — Carapace with precervical portion longer than wide, punctate
laterally and on the anterior portion of the gastric region, lightly setose laterally,
smooth centrally, a median protogastric groove. The median tooth is long and
slightly depressed, subtruncate at the tip, extending midway between the eye-
scales, and is 1/6 the length of the eye-stalk. The laterals extend 1/3 the distance
of the median, are obtuse, with a short terminal spine. The margin between the
teeth is revolute and granulous.
Eye-stalks long, cylindrical, slightly outward turned, with tufts of setae on
upper surface; in length they equal the length of the carpus. Ophthalmic scales
triangular, sharp-pointed, margins entire.
Antennal acicle bifid at tip, a strong, proximal spine on upper surface at
proximal 1/3, two outer marginal, distal spines; in length it extends a little past
the median portion of the eye-stalk. The 3rd antennal peduncle has 3 spines on
420 San Diego Society of Natural History
the upper proximal surface, in length it slightly exceeds the tip of the acicle. The
flagellum reaches the palm of the hand and is longer than the precervical portion
of the carapace, is lightly ciliated.
Chelipeds subsimilar, stout, wide, heavy, the upper surface covered with
short, sharp-pointed tubercles, interspersed with short setae and some pubescence,
the setae not much longer than the tubercle; merus with upper distal surface
triangular, inner surface smooth, its lower margin spined, outer surface rough-
ened with granules, lower distal margin spined; carpus about as wide as long,
spines more prominent on and near inner margin, outer margin not distinct,
surface covered with short, sharp-pointed tubercles; manus semiovate, longer
than wide, 4 conical, sharp-pointed spines on inner margin of palm, outer mar-
gin with small spines distally, entire surface set with sharp-pointed tubercles;
fingers close set, tips corneous.
Ambulatory legs stout, rugose and setaceous, the first pair margined on the
upper crest of the carpus, propodus and dactylus with spines, the second pair
with a distal carpal spine only; the dactyli are slightly twisted.
The distal edge of the telson is armed with 4 well-spaced teeth on each
segment; the right is the largest.
Color in alcohol. — The carapace, merus and carpus have a buff ground color
with numerous circular red spots, the perimeter only being colored; the mem-
branous covering of the branchials is reddish-purple. The hands are blood-red.
The eye-stalks are orange-red, the base purple.
Measurements. — Male holotype (the largest specimen) : length from ros-
trum to tip of telson 103 mm., of carapace 25 mm., of precervical portion of
carapace 13 mm., width 11 mm., length of cheliped 38 mm., of merus 11 mm.,
of carpus 9 mm., width of carpus 8 mm., length of manus 13 mm., width of
manus 10 mm., length of eye-stalk 9 mm.
Range. — Gulf of California.
Material examined. — A large series of 20 or more males, and 20 or more
females, non-ovigerous, from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, low tide; May 2,
1935; the types were selected from this series.
A series of 10 or more males, and 10 or more females, non-ovigerous, from
the same location; April 12, 1937. Both series collected by the author.
Habitat. — This hermit crab, contrary to the majority of species in the genus,
is apparently a littoral form, being very numerous at the type-locality, from
mean low water down. The carcinoecia was a species of Turritella.
Remarks. — This proposed species is closely allied to P. digueti, Bouvier,
1892, which it resembles in many particulars, such as the shape of the front and
the form of the chelipeds, particularly the hands. It differs from that species,
however, by lacking distinct heavy spines on the inner carpal margin, instead of
having 3 large conical spines, by the antennal acicle extending only a little past
the middle of the eye-stalk, instead of 2/3 the length of the eye-stalk, by the
upper proximal surface of the 3rd antennal peduncle being armed with 3 spines,
instead of with 2 spines, and by the ophthalmic scales being sharp-pointed, with
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 421
margins entire, instead of having a bifid tip.
In addition to these structural differences, there is one of anatomical dis-
tortion, for P. sanguinimanus occupies a shell with a circular aperture, the cara-
pace remaining normal, while P. digueti favors a dwelling such as Strombus,
which distorts the carapace, depressing the precervical portion and distending
the branchial regions. This may be taken as a general statement.
While both species live in the same waters, P. digueti has been recorded
at depths ranging from 10 to 40 fathoms, and P. sanguinimanus has so far only
been taken as a shore form.
Paguristes anahuacus, sp. nov.
Type. — Male, holotype, and female, paratype, Cat. Nos. 1124 and 1125,
San Diego Society of Natural History; from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico,
low tide; May 2, 1935; collected by Steve A. Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Rostral tooth long, sharp-pointed, margined, concave on upper
surface, extending well between the ocular scales for more than half their length.
Eye-stalks extending past merus. Flagellum not reaching distal end of carpus,
lightly ciliated. Chelipeds densely tomentose; carpus with 5 inner-marginal
spines; palm of hand with 3; hand nearly twice as long as wide.
Description. — Precervical portion of carapace nearly 1/3 longer than wide,
tuberculate and tomentose laterally. Median tooth long, sharp, pointed, heavily
margined, upper surface concave, the apex extending slightly past the center of
the eye-scales; lateral teeth short, their outer margins convex, the inner concave.
The margin between the laterals and the median is deep and revolute.
Eye-stalks long, nearly as long as the width of the carapace, heavy at the
base, cylindrical distally, extending past the merus of the chelipeds and to the
tip of the 3rd antennular peduncle. The ophthalmic scales are bifid, toothed
on the outer margin, entire on the inner, and are tomentose distally.
The antennal acicle extends 2/3 the length of the eye-stalk, and is armed
on its proximal inner edge with a single, sharp-pointed tooth; the outer margin
has 1 or 2 teeth at the distal 1/3; the tip is bifid. The outer distal portion of the
2nd antennal peduncle extends 1/3 the length of the acicle, is bifid and spined
on the outer edge. The acicle is covered with long pinnate tomentum. The distal
end of the 3rd antennal peduncle just reaches past the acicle. The flagellum ex-
tends past the middle of the carpus, is subequal in length to that of the hand,
and is lightly ciliated.
The chelipeds are subequal; the upper crest of the merus and the upper
surfaces of both the carpus and manus are densely tomentose, though not
entirely covering the fingers; merus trigonal, distally spined, a transverse sub-
distal groove extending down both sides, the outer surface rectangular, lightly
rugose, the inner lower margin spined; carpus subequal in length to the merus,
widest distally, the inner margin armed with 5 upward- and forward-pointing,
corneous-tipped, conical spines, the outer margin with 8 or more smaller spines,
the upper surface with numerous well-spaced tubercles; a prominent spine over
422 San Diego Society of Natural History
the upper hinge joint of the hand, the inner face smooth. The hands are nearly
1/2 longer than wide, the inner margin of the palm with 3 spines, upper surface
flat, covered with sharp-tipped tubercles, not quite in a distinct pattern; the
outer distal margin of the pollex is spined, as is the upper proximal edge of the
dactyl. The tips of the fingers are corneous, spooned. The hand is densely cov-
ered with tomentum except for the inner edges of the fingers.
The ambulatory legs are thickly margined with tomentum down to the
corneous tips of the dactyl i; the 1st pair extend past the chelipeds by the length
of their dactyli; the carpi, propodi and dactyli of the 1st pair are crested with
spines, the 2nd pair with a distal carpal spine only. The distal end of the telson
is wider than its base, broadly V-shaped and armed with small teeth.
Color in alcohol. — Carapace reddish-brown with light blue spots. Chelipeds
orange with cream-colored spots. Ground color of ambulatory legs orange over-
cast with blue, which gives the appearance of a dull lavender. The eye-stalks at
their distended bases are light orange; the stalk is white with a submedian band
of dusky violet-blue which distinguishes the species. The antennules are light
blue. The antennal flagellum has it joints light blue on their proximal end and
white distally. The tomentum is cream color.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length from rostrum to tip of telson
46.6 mm., of carapace 12.6 mm., of precervical portion 8.2 mm., width 5.5 mm.,
length of cheliped 22 mm., of merus 6 mm., of carpus 6 mm., of manus 7.5 mm.,
width 4 mm., length of eye-stalk 4 mm.
Range. — So far only known from the upper end of the Gulf of California.
Material examined. — A series of at least 100 specimens of both sexes,
collected at Punta Pehasco, Sonora, Mexico, low tide; May 2, 1935; and a
smaller series taken at the same locality, April 12, 1937; both series collected by
the author.
Habitat. — Found from extreme low water to a depth of 10 fathoms. The
carcinoecia of the type specimens was a species of Turritella. They are abundant
at the type-locality.
Remarks. — This proposed species is allied to P. aztatlanensis Glassell,
1937, in that the chelipeds are of similar shape, especially the hands, the
flagellum being short and lightly ciliated; but it differs in that the median spine
is long, extending well between the eye-scales, instead of being triangular and
extending between the bases of the eye-scales, by the carpus of the chelipeds
having 5 inner-marginal spines, the hand 3, instead of the carpus having 4
spines, the hand 3, and by the chelipeds being densely clothed with tomentum,
instead of being lightly tufted. The front of the carapace in this proposed species
somewhat resembles that of P. spinipes A. Milne Edwards, 1880.
This is another of the few species in this primitive genus of Paguridae,
which may be termed littoral.
The name of this species is taken from a Nahuatl word signifying "within
the water."
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 423
PORCELLANIDAE
Genus Euceramus Stimpson
Euceramus panatelus, sp. now
Plate 29
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 1126, San Diego Society of Natural
History; from La Libertad, Ecuador, 6-9 fathoms; March 24, 1937; collected by
Woodbridge Williams, on Captain Fred E. Lewis' yacht "Stranger."
Diagnosis. — Carapace slightly longer than twice the width, nude, transverse,
minute striations; frontal region tridentate, the median slightly longer than the
laterals. Antennal flagellum 1/3 longer than carapace, ciliated as in the genus
Lepidopa. Chelipeds subequal in length to carapace, fingers gaping. Maxillipeds
attached to a broadly truncate sternal segment.
Description. — Carapace slightly longer than twice the width, regularly
curved like a segment of a cylinder, nude, cervical groove defined, minutely
striated transversely, the lateral marginal carina only broken near posterior
margin, precervical portion anteriorly granulate. Posterior margin widely V-
shaped, edge revolute. Front horizontal, tridentate, teeth sharp, triangular, the
median slightly the longest, separated from the laterals by a U-shaped sinus.
Orbits incomplete, with concave superior margins, a microscopic spinule at its
outer margin. A single lateral spine at the shoulder, behind the cervical groove.
The eyes are retractile, stalks cylindrical, slightly contracted below cornea. When
extended, the eyes extend past the frontal teeth and are equally as far advanced
as the base of the flagellum; when retracted, they are not visible in a dorsal view.
The antennules extend half their length past the eyes. The antennae are massive;
the width of the first peduncle is nearly 1/4 the width of 'he carapace, and
equal to the length of the 2nd peduncle; the 3rd is short. The flagellum is nearly
1/3 longer than the carapace, lined on its inner surface with two rows of inward
directed cilia, so that when the antennae are brought together a hairy tube is
formed, as in the antennae of the genus Lepidopa.
The chelipeds are subsimilar, unequal, slightly shorter than the length of
the carapace; merus 1/2 the width of the carapace and nearly as wide as long,
unarmed, rugose; the carpus is equal in length to the merus, cylindrical, widest
distally, unarmed, rugose on entire outer surface; the major hand is slightly
more than twice as long as wide, slightly flattened on the outer surface of the
palm, distended on the inner, with a wide rugose crest on the upper margin, the
outer surface is transversely rugose, the rugae anteriorly bordered with short
setae. The lower margin is proximally median between the articulations, formed
of an obliquely longitudinal ridge of interrupted rugae which becomes beading
on the lower margin of the pollex. From the inner side of the palm, and ending
at the lower marginal crest, is a row of oblique rugae. The hand is widest at the
base of the pollex. The pollex is nearly horizontal, slightly upturned at the tip
and armed with a short distal cutting edge. The dactyl is falcate, with the upper
margin armed with a few spinules and setae, on the under side with a median
blunt tooth. The fingers gape widely from base to tips. The minor hand is simi-
424 San Diego Society of Natural History
lar to the major, except that it is not so stout, the fingers more slender and
curved at their tips; in addition they are armed on their cutting edges with a
row of small teeth. These fingers also gape from base to tips. The dactyli cross
their respective pollices on opposite sides.
The ambulatory legs differ from each other, not alone in length, the 2nd
and 3rd being longer than the 1st, but also in the relative shape of their carpi,
propodi and dactyli: all three legs are margined with fine setae. The carpi and
meri of the 2nd and 3rd legs are subequal in length to their meri, while the car-
pus is shorter than the merus in the 1st leg. The propodi of the 1st and 2nd
legs are distorted, subequal in length to the dactyl in the 1st, shorter than the
dactyl in the 2nd. The dactyli of the 1st and 2nd are slightly curved at the tip,
rounded on their upper surfaces and slightly flattened beneath. In the 3rd leg,
which is carried up over the back, the propodus is compressed, is as wide as long,
and is shorter than the dactyl; the dactyl is sub-equal in length to its carpus, is
vertically compressed, curved, and with a blunt tip. The lateral edges of all three
pairs of dactyli are lined with setae. The fingers of the manus in the chelate last
leg are half the length of the hand. The hand is 1 mm. in length.
The sternal piece, to which the maxillipeds are attached, is broadly trun-
cate in front. The telson is composed of 7 plates.
Sexual variation. — In the female the hands are subequal, subsimilar and
slighter than those in the male. The male abdomen is narrower than that of the
female.
Color in alcohol. — Carapace cream, with front red and a transverse red
median band. Fingers of chelipeds flecked with red.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 8.7 mm. width 4
mm., length of antennal flagellum 12.5 mm., length of major cheliped 7.5 mm.,
of merus 2 mm., of carpus 2 mm., of manus 3.5 mm., of dactyl 1.6 mm., width
of hand 1.6 mm., length of 1st ambulatory propodus 1 mm., of dactyl 1 mm.,
length of 2nd ambulatory propodus 1.3 mm., of dactyl 1.5 mm., length of 3rd
ambulatory propodus 0.9 mm., of dactyl 1.6 mm.
Range. — From Tenacatita Bay, Mexico, to La Libertad, Ecuador.
Material examined. — The following specimens were all collected by Wood-
bridge Williams, on Captain Fred E. Lewis' yacht "Stranger." 2 males and 2
females, La Libertad, Ecuador, in 6-9 fathoms, sand with mud bottom; March
24, 1937. One ovigerous female, San Jose, Guatemala, in 10 fathoms, sand bot-
tom; April 1, 1937. One female, Isle Grande, Mexico, in 10-13 fathoms, sand
bottom; April 8, 1937. One male and one female, Tenacatita Bay, Mexico, in
5 fathoms, fine grain sand with shell; April 11, 1937.
Habitat. — Found on a sand and mud, or sand and shell, bottom, in from
5 to 13 fathoms. Without doubt, to judge from the structure of the ambulatory
legs and the disposition of the peculiarly ciliated antennae, this species is a
burrowing form which remains concealed just under the surface of the sand.
Remarks. — This proposed species is closely allied to E. praelongus Stimp-
son, 1860, of the Atlantic coast, of which it is the Pacific analogue. It differs
in that the dactyli of the ambulatory legs, with the exception of the first pair,
which are equal to the length of their propodi, are longer than their propodi,
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 29
<* X-f
—VS5Z3SP*'' " v">^~w*K
Euceramus panatelus Glassell, sp. nov. Male.
426 San Diego Society of Natural History
instead of "nearly as long as penult joint;" by the chelipeds being nearly as long
as the carapace, instead of much shorter than the carapace; and by the maxilli-
peds being attached to a broadly truncate sternal plate, instead of a triangular
sternal piece. In addition, the antennae in E. panatelus are much longer than
those of the Atlantic species.
An examination of two specimens, a male and a female, of E. praelongus,
furnished me by G. Robert Lunz, Jr., of the Charleston Museum, collected at
Charleston, South Carolina, January 7, 1936, and a male specimen loaned me
through the kindness of Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt, by the U. S. National Museum,
collected by the U. S. Fish Commission Str. "Fish Hawk," off the west coast
of Florida, in 3 fathoms, January 8, 1902, shows that in all three specimens the
fingers of the chelipeds gape from base to apices, and are not as Stimpson de-
scribed them "not gaping."
This proposed species, on account of its elongated shape and red median
band, suggested a shape of cigar sold under the trade-name "Panatela."
Euceraraus transversilineatus (Lockington) , new combination
Plate 30
Porcellana transversilineata Lockington, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 5, vol. 2,
1878, p. 405 (type-locality, Boca de las Piedras, Sinaloa, Mexico; types
not extant) .
Lockington's type-locality falls well within the Gulf of California, if I am
correct in assuming that Boca de las Piedras, Sinaloa (name not in the Coast
Pilot) , is the entrance to the Estero de las Piedras. The estero opens on the gulf
6 miles southward of the mouth of the Rio del Fuerte or Santa Maria de Ahome,
and is in lat. 25° 50' N. and long. 109° 25' W. His second locality, Angeles
Bay, Baja California, is in the upper part of the Gulf of California. This series,
like all of Lockington's type material, was destroyed by fire in the San Francisco
disaster of 1906.
On April 13, 1937, at Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, I took a small series
of 3 specimens, at extreme low water, from the sand and shell material at the
base of gorgonian corals. On May 8, 1937, at San Felipe, Baja Calfiornia,
Mexico, I secured another specimen under similar collecting conditions. In addi-
tion to the above, I took, on January 1, 1932, off the north end of Tiburon
Island, Gulf of California, a female in 12 fathoms. From this material I am
designating one female the neotype and one male the allotype.
Neotype.— Female; Cat. No. 1127, San Diego Society of Natural His-
tory; from off the north end of Tiburon Island, Gulf of California, Mexico;
January 1, 1932, 12 fathoms; collected by Steve A. Glassell.
Allotype.— Male; Cat. No. 1128, San Diego Society of Natural History;
from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico; April 13, 1937, low tide; collected by
Steve A. Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Carapace 1/3 longer than wide, transversely striate. Antennae
subequal in length to width of carapace; basal peduncle short; flagellum naked.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 30
6>"
Z rrv m .
Enceramus transversilineatus (Lockington) . Male.
428 San Diego Society of Natural History
Chelipeds in females subequal, similar; in males unequal, dissimilar; merus with
an inner distal spine; carpus with a submedian inner spine. Outer maxillipeds
attached to strongly arched sternal segment. Dactyli of ambulatories subequal,
stout, falcate. Telson of abodmen much larger in female, triangular, with 7
plates.
Description. — Carapace elongate, broadest posteriorly, about 1/3 longer
than wide, regions well-marked; surface transversely crossed by well-spaced,
asymmetric, distinct striations which begin at the inner edge of the obliquely pli-
cated, thin, lateral margins. Distally the lateral margins end in a sharp, forward-
pointing spine, separated from the outer antennal-marginal tooth by a V-shaped
notch. Posterior margin a concave obtuse angle. Protogastric ridge distinct,
toothed, divided by a median sulcus. Front tridentate, the median slightly ad-
vanced beyond the laterals, which are on a slightly lower plane. The eyes are
retractile, as in the genus. The antennae are short, the 2nd peduncle the longest;
flagellum naked.
The chelipeds in the female are equal, subsimilar; in the male they are dis-
similar and much stouter. The merus is distally armed on the inner margin with
a sharp spine, rugose on upper and lower surfaces as is the carpus and manus;
carpus on upper surface rectangular, flattened, with a single, submedian, inner
marginal spine, and in addition there may be one or more spinules distally. The
major hand in the male is stout, thick, with rugose upper carina and a spined
lower margin; the fingers gape from base to blunted tips; the dactyl is crested
with smooth granules, and is armed on the under edge with 3 or more large
teeth; the proximal is double; the pollex is horizontal, armed with a row of low
irregular lobes. The minor hand is narrow, with a median rugate ridge which
divides the outer surface of the hand into two subconcave surfaces; the lower
margin is spined, the fingers long, not gaping, the tips sharp. In the female the
hands are like the minor hand in the male. In both sexes the outer surface is
sparsely covered with clavate setae.
The ambulatory legs are stout, rugose and lightly covered with setae; the
dactyli are subsimilar, long, stout, falcate, tips corneous.
The male abdomen is much smaller than that of the female, as is the telson.
The outer maxillipeds are attached to a broadly arched first sternal segment.
Color in alcohol. — Deep cream with markings of orange-red.
Measurements. — Female neotype: length of carapace 8.3 mm., width
6.1 mm., length of hand 5 mm., width 1.5 mm., length of telson 4.1 mm., width
at base 2.1 mm. Male allotype: length of carapace 6.2 mm., width 4.2 mm.,
length of major hand 5 mm., width 2.6 mm., thickness 1.6 mm., length of telson
1.9 mm., width at base 1 mm.
Range. — So far known only from the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Material examined. — The female neotype (see neotype) . A series of 2
males and 1 female from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, taken April 13,
1937, one of which is the allotype (see allotype) . A single female from San
Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, taken May 8, 1937. All collected by the author.
Habitat. — Found from extreme low water, partly covered with sand and
shell fragments, to a depth of 12 fathoms.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 3 1
Fig. 1. Minyocerus for fa Glassell, sp. nov. Antennae.
Fig. 2. Minyocerus farfa Glassell, sp. nov. Left 3rd ambulatory le£
Fig. 3. Minyocerus farfa Glassell, sp. nov. Male holotype.
430 San Diego Society of Natural History
Remarks.- — This species of Lockington's is more closely allied to E. praelon-
gus Stimpson, 1860, than it is to E. panatelus Glassell, although it differs in
many respects from both of these species: (1) the carapace is shorter for its
breadth, (2) the dactyli of the ambulatory legs are more nearly uniform and
falcate, (3) the antennae are shorter and naked, (4) the major hand in the
male is heavier in proportion to its length, (5) the striations on the carapace are
more distinct, (6) the telson is longer in proportion to its width.
Lockington in his description of this species failed to mention the sex of
his specimens, but it is evident that these were all females — "females with ova,"
for, had he also had adult males he would have noted the dimorphic character
of the hands.
Genus Minyocerus Stimpson
Minyocerus kirki, sp. nov.
Plate 31, figures 1-3
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 1129, San Diego Society of Natural
History; female, paratype, Cat. No. 1130, S. D. S. N. H.; from San Felipe,
Baja, California, Mexico, low tide; May 11, 1937; collected by Steve A. Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Carapace convex in both directions, oblong. Chelipeds stout,
rugose; carpus armed on inner margin. Ambulatory legs lightly ciliate; merus
stout, rugose.
Description. — Carapace nearly 1/3 longer than wide, suboblong, convex in
both directions, highest longitudinally along median line, lightly rugose, more
distinct posterior to the faintly outlined cervical groove. Front with three sub-
equal teeth, the median slightly advanced, if any, past the laterals. A sharp
forward- and upward-pointing spine at the shoulder, posterior to which the
sides are subparallel. Posterior margin slightly concave. The antennules extend
past the apices of the frontal spines. The antennae are extremely minute and
difficult to locate without staining. They are placed posterior to the outer orbital
spine, have 3 movable joints and a rudimentary flagellum; their total length
is not equal to the width of the cornea of the eye. The eyes are retractile, on
cylindrical white stalks, and in life the cornea is extended forward as far as the
tips of the lateral spines.
Chelipeds stout in the male, more slender in the female, subsimilar, slightly
unequal, more pronounced in the male; merus stout, rugose on upper surface,
armed on inner distal margin with a sharp spine; carpus rugose and flattened
on upper surface, armed on inner margin with a large median spine, followed
distally by several spinules; the length of the major hand, in the male, including
the fingers, is equal to the width of the carapace, and is nearly 1/3 as wide as
long; the hand in the female is shorter, but has the same length to width ratio;
the outer margins are subparallel, the lower fringed with cilia; the fingers are
close-fitting, their tips obtuse.
Ambulatory legs stout, margined with microscopic cilia; merus stout, nearly
as wide as long, unarmed, rugose; the dactyli are lanceolate, sharp, curved at
tip, nearly as long as their carpi. The telson has 7 segments.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 431
Color in life. — Carapace with median longitudinal area white with a yellow
cast, branchial areas brown with a greenish cast. Antennules blue, flagellum
yellow. Palp of maxillipeds light green. Chelipeds and ambulatory legs with a
whitish ground banded with brown. The carapace colors extend onto the first
two abdominal segments. ( Wm. A. Kirk, from field sketch) .
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 3.5 mm., width 2.5
mm., length of hand including fingers 2.5 mm., width 1 mm. Female paratype:
length of carapace 4 mm., width 2.8 mm., length of hand 2 mm., width 0.7 mm.
Range. — Known only from type-locality.
Material examined. — A series of 4 males and 4 gravid females, collected
at San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, May 11, 1937, by the author.
Habitat. — Found at extreme low water commensal on the sand starfish
Luidia Columbia (Gray). A pair of crabs was usually found on a single starfish,
one on the dorsal, the other on the ventral side.
Remarks. — This proposed species is closely allied to M. angustus (Dana),
1852, but differs from that species in the following respects: the upper surface
of the carpus of the chelipeds is nearly as wide as long, depressed and armed
with a large inner marginal tooth, instead of being oblong, nearly entire, and by
the meri of the ambulatory legs being stout, instead of slender.
Carlos Moriera, 1901, places Fritz Miiller's Porcellana stellicola, in syno-
nymy for M. angustus (Dana), and the same differences exist between my pro-
posed species and that of Miiller's, with the additional difference that in M.
kirfa, the antennae are composed of the usual three movable segments and a
rudimental flagellum, instead of having six segments and a rudimentary flagel-
lum, as figured in Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, vol. 11, 1863, pi. 1, fig. 2.
This proposed species is named for my worthy friend Mr. William A.
Kirk, of Los Angeles, California, who accompanied me to the Gulf of Cali-
fornia, and made the discovery of this obscure little anomuran.
Porcellana magdalenensis Glassell
Plate 32, figures 1, 2
Porcellana magdalenensis Glassell. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 8,
no. 21, 1936, p. 295.
At the time this species was described, the only specimens at hand were a
series of five females, two of which were juvenile. Since then, a series of five
males and one dismembered, ovigerous female, was collected in Acapulco Bay.
State of Guerrero, Mexico, by Mr. Woodbridge Williams, on Captain Fred
E. Lewis' yacht "Stranger," April 6, 1937. The adult males in this series
differed in so many respects from the already described females, that they were
at first considered to be a separate species. However, a close study of the juve-
nile and adolescent specimens proved their dimorphic character.
Description of male. — Carapace nearly smooth, except for light pubescence
anteriorly, cervical groove well defined. Front broad, slightly less than half the
length of the carapace, tridentate, the median twice the size of the laterals.
432 San Diego Society of Natural History
triangular, with a median longitudinal sulcus, microscopically margined with
spinules, depressed and obtuse at the tip. The laterals are half the length of
the median tooth, from which they are separated by a V-shaped sinus. Their
outer spinous margins form the upper ocular margins. The lateral margin of
the carapace is bordered with a row of sharp, upward- and forward-pointing
spines, and is continued onto the carapace, behind the cervical groove, forming
an unarmed though slightly granulose shoulder. The posterior margin is nearly
straight. The antennal flagellum exceeds the length of the chelipeds.
The chelipeds are long, unequal, dissimilar; merus nearly smooth, unarmed
on carpal articulation, with a wide, anteriorly produced, compressed, inner, distal
lobe, well dentated on the margin in adolescents and females, nearly obsolete
in adult males, carpus microscopically rugose on the slightly rounded upper
surface, 1/3 longer than wide, and the upper, inner margin may or may not be
armed with two small spines in the adults. The major manus is naked, stout,
unarmed on margins or surfaces; the upper margin of the palm has a slight
carina; a blunt longitudinal median ridge extends from the proximal end to a
point near the gape; from this ridge to the outer, slightly beaded or simply round-
ed margin, the surface is slightly concave, as is the outer surface of the pollex. The
pollex is short, blunt, stout, and armed with a single low lobe. The dactyl is
smooth, slightly curved, stout and armed with a median lobe. The fingers gape
from their bases to their blunt apices. There is a trace of pubescence in the gape.
The minor cheliped has the two inner marginal spines of the carpus more dis-
tinct, the entire margin roughened with smaller spines; in adolescents and
females the outer carpal margin has a row of upturned spines which are lacking
in adult males; the manus is narrow, contorted, armed on its outer margin with
a row of spines, partly concealed in pubescence, inner margin smooth; a median
ridge, armed distally with sharp spines, divides the outer surface of the palm into
concave surfaces, the outer pubescent. The arched, sharp-pointed dactyl is longer
than the palm, crested with a row of spinules, and, on the scooped-out under
surface, is setose and pubescent. The pollex is distorted, sharp-tipped, slender,
and, like the dactyl, is setose and pubescent on its cutting edge.
Ambulatory legs long, as in the female; dactyl of the first pair extending
past the distal end of the carpus of the chelipeds. The telson is composed of 7
plates.
Color in alcohol.— Carapace cream. Chelipeds orange-red. Ambulatory legs
cream, banded with red or orange.
Measurements. — Adult male: length of carapace 3.6 mm., width 3.8 mm.,
length of carpus 3 mm., width 2 mm., length of major manus 5.5 mm., width
2.2 mm., length of minor manus 4.5 mm., width 1.3 mm.
Range. — From Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico, to Panama.
Material examined. — In addition to the type-series from Magdalena Bay,
I examined an adolescent male, from Perico Island, Panama, collected by the
U. S. Fish Commission, S. S. "Albatross," October 26, 1904. This specimen
was sent me for identification by Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt of the U. S. National
Museum, and has been returned to that institution.
Remarks. — The juveniles of both sexes are quite similar to the adult female
form.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 32
0m
jt/j : ■■ i
Fig. 1. Porcellana magdalenensis Glassell. Female.
Fig. 2. Porcellana magdalenensis Glassell. Male.
434 San Diego Society of Natural History
Ulloaia, gen. nov.
Carapace oblong-ovate, slightly longer than broad, convex, regions defined,
surface squamo-tuberculate, lateral margins carinate, toothed. Front in dorsal
view with a deep, wide, V-shaped, median notch, on each side of which are 2
short, multi-spined spinules, separated from each other by a notch. The median
or rostral process in frontal view is subvertical, truncate and serrate on the lower
edge. Eyes small, not retractile. First antennal peduncle removed from the eye,
not joining the margin of the carapace; nagellum short, slightly more than 1/2
the width of the carapace. Chelipeds short; carpus cylindrical, slightly longer than
wide; hands compressed, weak. Ambulatory legs short, compressed, bent; dactyli
simple, not multiunguiculate.
This proposed genus is rather distantly related to Minyocerus, Stimpson,
1858, in which the carapace is concave, the ambulatory legs short, the dactyli
not multiunguiculate. In the shape of the carapace and its peculiar front, this
genus differs from all the other genera in the family; in fact, in the general
appearance of the carapace, it somewhat resembles species of the genus Mithrax,
Latreille, 1817, of the family Majidae.
Genotype. — Ulloaia perpusillia, new species, taken at Punta Penasco (Rocky
Point), Sonora, Mexico, low tide, April 12, 1937, by Steve A. Glassell.
Remarks- — This proposed genus is named for Francisco de Ulloa, conquis-
tador, explorer and navigator, who was the first to prove that Baja California
was not an island, by directing his ship into the treacherous upper reaches of
the Gulf of California, after which he traversed the eastern coast of the penin-
sula, doubled Cabo San Lucas, at the lower end, and sailed westward into the
setting sun.
Ulloaia perpusillia, sp. nov.
Plate 33, figure 1
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 1131, San Diego Society of Natural
History; from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, low tide; April 12, 1937; col-
lected by Steve A. Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Carapace oblong-ovate, longer than broad, convex, with a
raised, longitudinal, median groove dividing the carapace into two halves. Gas-
tric and cardiac regions raised. Posterior margin convex, entire. Branchial region
with raised, flat-top tubercles. Telson with 7 plates.
Description. — Carapace oblong-ovate, longer than broad, convex, regions
well defined; a longitudinal groove over the gastric and cardiac regions extend-
ing from the front to the posterior border divides the carapace into halves.
The gastric and cardiac regions are raised, separated from each other by a well
defined sulci; the median groove on the gastric region is bordered by longitudinal
rugose ridges, on the cardiac region by rounded excrescences. The branchial
regions have numerous wart-like, truncate-tipped, excrescences arising from the
punctate surface, these granulose ridges and warts being more prominent on the
posterior half of the carapace. The intestinal region is free from tubercles except
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 33
Fig. 1. Ulloaia perpusillia Glassell, sp. nov. Male holotype.
Fig. 2. Fabia granti Glassell. Male.
436 San Diego Society of Natural History
for small granules bordering the median groove. The front in a dorsal view
has a deep, granulous, median notch, on each side of which are two forward-
and upward-pointing spinules, separated from each other by a small V-shaped
notch. In a frontal view the rostral process is subvertical, truncate and serrate
at the tip, a sort of apron between the antennules. There is a tubercle on the
upper ocular margin. The lateral margin is a carinate row of granulose lobes,
diminishing in size anteriorly. The antennae are short; the joints of the flagellum
rather long, with sparse cilia.
Chelipeds stout, short (only one chela remaining on the two specimens) ;
merus short, stout, armed with an inner distal, lamellar lobe, width extremely
narrow on the anterior carpal articulation, triangular and wide on the upper
posterior face; carpus slightly longer than wide, inner margin with a median,
serrate lobe; upper surface very rough, with an uneven median ridge bordered by
sulci, a twisted row of tumid excrescences anterior to the median ridge, a row of
unequal serrate lobes on the outer margin. The lower surface of the merus and
carpus are on one plane, and flat. The hand is weak, compressed, shorter than
the combined length of the lower surface of the carpus and merus, flexed, the
arch of travel in the carpal articulation being small. The under surface of the
hand is tomentose, granulate, and near the inner side are several longitudinal
rows of beading. The upper surface is flattened, with a median ridge, the outer
margin spinose; the inner margin of the palm has an upward-turned crest, and
between this crest and the median ridge the surface is concave. Fingers short,
thin, close-fitting, 1 /3 the length of the hand, tips crossed.
Ambulatory legs are short, compressed, rugose, spined and lightly margined
with tomentum; merus wide, postero-distal lamellar process shields 1/2 the
length of the carpus on its posterior face; the carpus has a like projection over
1/3 the propodal length; propodus fluted with ridges of spinules; dactyli fal-
cate, corneous tipped. The telson is composed of 7 plates.
Color in alcohol.- — Cream tipped with orange-red.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 3.5 mm., width 3.1
mm., length of carpus 1.5 mm., width 1.1 mm., length of hand 2.2 mm., width
1.2 mm.
Range. — Known only from the type-locality. Gulf of California.
Material examined. — One male and one ovigerous female (see type) .
Habitat. — Found among gorgonian corals, sponges and bryozoan growths,
at extreme low tide.
Remarks. — The aberrant type, herein described, somewhat resembles, in
the shape of the carapace, Ethusa sexdentata (Stimpson), as figured in Smith-
sonian Misc. Coll., vol. 49, no. 1717, 1907, pi. 19, fig. 4, with due allowance
for family differences.
Pisonella, gen. nov.
Carapace suboval, orbicular, slightly convex laterally, lateral margins high,
ridged. Front depressed, arched and subentire in dorsal view, with median alone
or with median lateral projections when viewed from the front. Eyes very small.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 437
First article of outer antennae produced, joining margin of carapace, as in the
genus Porcellana; flagellum longer than carapace. Chelipeds short, stout; carpus
with inner margin armed or unarmed; hands thick. Ambulatory legs stout;
dactyli simple, not multiunguiculate.
This proposed genus has a close affinity to the genus Pisosoma Stimpson,
1858, which is based on P. pi sum (M. Edw.), 1837, but differs in that the eyes
are smaller and that the basal segment of the antennae is removed from the
ocular hiatus, instead of the eyes being large, and the first article of the outer
antennae short, not reaching upper margin of the carapace and occupying a
portion of the ocular hiatus, as in the genera Pisosoma and Petrolisthes Stimp-
son, 1858. It differs, also, from the genus Porcellana. Lamarck, restricted Stimp-
son, 1858, by the carapace not being generally longer than broad, the front not
tridentate and prominent.
Genotype. — Pisonella sinuimanus (Lockington) , (=Pisosoma sinuimanus
Lockington) .
Remarks. — This genus is proposed for the reception of the following
species:
Pisonella sinuimanus (Lockington), (—Petrolisthes {Pisosoma) sinui-
manus Lockington) , the genotype.
Pisonella tuberculipes (Lockington), (—Pachychcles tuberculipes Locking-
ton, =Polyonyx tuberculipes (Lockington) Nobili) .
Pisonella smithi (Glassell) , (^Pisosoma smithi Glassell) .
Pisonella erosa (Glassell), (^Pisosoma erosa Glassell).
Key to the Species of Pisonella
A1. Telson of abdomen with 7 plates. Carapace without lateral spines.
B1. Carapace with light transverse plications or nearly smooth. Chelipeds
smooth or lightly granulated on under surface.
C. Carapace nearly smooth. Chelipeds granulate; carpus armed
with an inner marginal lobe; hands unequal sinuimanus
C2. Carapace lightly rugose. Chelipeds granulate on hands; carpus
unarmed, lightly rugose; hands subsimilar smithi
B2. Carapace heavily eroded. Chelipeds eroded on upper surface, rugose
and roughened on under surface; carpus armed, eroded; hands
unequal. Ambulatory legs eroded erosa
A2. Telson of abdomen with 5 plates. Carapace with lateral spines. Chelipeds
heavily tuberculated on upper surface, smooth on under side; carpus
armed; hands in male dissimilar tuberculipes
Pisonella sinuimanus (Lockington), new combination
Plate 34, figure 2
Petrolisthes (Pisosoma) sinuimanus Lockington, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 5,
vol. 2, 1878, p. 401 (type-locality [?], La Paz and Port Escondido, Baja
438 San Diego Society of Natural History
California, Mexico; types not extant) .
Petrolisthes sinuimanns (Lockington) Nobili, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. comp. R.
Univ. Torino, vol. 16, no. 415, 1901, p. 15 (Isle of Flamenco, Ecuador).
— Rathbun, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 38, 1910, p. 599.
Pisosoma sinuimanus Lockington. Glassell, Zoological N. Y. Zoological Soc,
vol. 22 (part 1) , no. 4, 1937, p. 83.
This species was found at two localities on the Gulf coast of Baja Califor-
nia, Mexico; La Paz and Puerto Escondido, and was described by Lockington
in 1878. In 1906 the type series was destroyed in the San Francisco disaster.
In 1931 and in subsequent years, I have collected this species throughout
the Gulf of California, and have examined many other specimens collected in the
same locality. From a small series collected at Puerto Escondido (Hidden Har-
bor) , I am designating one male the neotype, and one female the allotype.
Neotype. — Male; Cat. No. 1132, San Diego Society of Natural History;
from Puerto Escondido, Baja California, Mexico; December 19, 1931; collected
by Steve A. Glassell.
Allotype. — Female; Cat. No. 1133, San Diego Society of Natural History;
Puerto Escondido, Baja California, Mexico; December 19, 1931; collected by
Steve A. Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Carapace suboval, anteriorly depressed, lateral margins granu-
lar. Front with a median, triangular, depressed lobe in front view. Carpus unilo-
bate, ridged.
Description. — Carapace suboval, convex fore and aft, depressed anteriorly,
lightly punctate, regions lightly denned, lateral margins granular, lightly serrate;
posterior margin a concave obtuse angle; front entire in dorsal view, arched,
viewed from the front, with a median, triangular, depressed lobe.
Chelipeds unequal, similar; merus with a blunt, granulate, low, longitudinal
lobe upon the inner distal margin; carpus more than half as wide as long, armed
with a single, granulate, blunt tooth on proximal half of anterior margin, upper
surface granulate, with three longitudinal, rolling ridges, divided by furrows,
median ridge the most elevated; hands unequal, subsimilar, thick, with four
longitudinal rolling ridges, divided by furrows, entire outer face granulate;
outer margin thick, granulate, to upturned thick tip of pollex; inner margin
sharply oblique, forming a flattened, triangular surface in a vertical plane whose
base is proximal, from near proximal end to a low lobe behind the upper base of
the dactylus, the line from the base of the hand to the base of the finger thus
forming an obtuse angle; the dactyli are sinuous, stout, cylindrical, with blunt,
curved, lobular tips; dactyl of major hand armed with two blunt teeth, the
pollex with one.
Ambulatory legs stout, granulate; carpus and propodus more granulate than
merus; carpus of 1st and 2nd legs produced backward at posterior distal end;
Dactyli stout, curved at corneous tip, setaceous, armed on under margin with
a row of spines; propodus of 1st leg armed with spines on posterior margin.
Epimera and abdomen fimbriate. Legs with a few setae.
Color in life. — The color varies from light cream to buff; the ventral side
is slightly iridescent.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 34
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Fig. 1. Pisonella tuberculipes (Lockington) . Male neotype.
Fig. 2. Pisonella sinuimanus (Lockington). Male neotype.
440 San Diego Society of Natural History
Measurements. — Male neotype: length of carapace 6 mm., width 6 mm.
Female allotype: length of carapace 4.5 mm., width 5 mm.
Range. — From the Gulf of California to Ecuador (Nobili) .
Material examined. — The types were selected from a series of 7 males and
2 females, collected by the author, at Puerto Escondido (Hidden Harbor),
Baja, California, Mexico; December 19, 1931; at low tide under rocks.
A series of 20 males and 20 females, from the NE end of Tiburon Island,
Gulf of California; January 2, 1932; collected by the author.
Habitat. — Found on the under side of rocks in the lower inter-tidal zone
to a depth of 3 fathoms.
Remarks. — The sexes may be instantly determined by the shape of the
terminal segments of the abdomen: in the male the ultimate plates are short and
wide, while in the female they are subquadrate; the penultimate lateral plates
in the male are long and narrow, the margins subparallel, while in the female
these plates are subtriangular, widest distally. The telson is composed of seven
plates.
Contrary to Lockington's description, in which he states that this is a
variable species, I have found very little variation, except as to size and sex.
A few specimens may show considerable roughness on the inner side of the
hands, the carapace may be more punctate or lightly pubescent in others, but the
carpus of the chelipeds is always armed with the proximal lobe on the anterior
margin, even though distally the margin may be produced almost as far forward
as the apex of the lobe. I have examined several hundred specimens of this
species, all from the Gulf of California.
Pisonella tuberculipes (Lockington) , new combination
Plate 34, figure 1
Pachycheles tuberculipes Lockington, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 5, vol. 2,
1878, p. 404 (type-locality, La Paz, Baja California, Mexico; type not
extant) .
Polyonyx tuberculipes (Lockington) Nobili, Boll. Mus. Zool. Anat. comp. R.
Univ. Torino, vol. 16, no. 415, 1901, p. 21 (Bay of S. Elena, Ecuador).
— Rathbun, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 38, 1910, p. 601.
Lockington described this species from 5 specimens (sex not noted, though
undoubtedly females) taken at La Paz, and other ports on the Gulf of Cali-
fornia. This type series was destroyed in the same manner and at the same time
as the types of P. sinuimanus.
In 1935 I collected a large series of this species at Punta Pehasco, Sonora,
Mexico. From this material I am designating one male, the neotype, and one
female, the allotype.
Neotype. — Male; Cat. No. 1134, San Diego Society of Natural History;
from Punta Pehasco, Sonora, Mexico; May 2, 1935; collected by Steve A.
Glassell.
Allotype. — Female; Cat. No. 1135, San Diego Society of Natural History;
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 441
from Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico; May 2, 1935; collected by Steve A.
Glassell.
Diagnosis. — Carapace slightly convex; lateral margins dentate; regions
defined, front projecting, subentire in dorsal view. Chelipeds in male, unequal,
dissimilar, covered with granulate tubercles. Ambulatory legs tuberculate.
Flagellum lightly ciliate. Telson with 5 plates.
Description. — Carapace slightly longer than wide, measured from tips of
spines, convex, with scattered tufts of pubescence, regions defined, areolate.
Lateral margins with 6 or 7 teeth, their upper surface covered with spinules, the
anterior tooth a spine-tipped lobe, nearly twice the width of the base of the 2nd
tooth; the posterior tooth is the extension of a short ridge on the carapace;
inside of the lateral spines, on the carapace, are several small granulate tubercles.
The protogastric ridge is sharply defined, tomentose, extending much higher
than the horizontal frontal region, and separated from a small, serrate-margined,
hepatic lobe, by a shallow sinus. The front projects forward, is broadly arched
or subtriangular, with a median furrow; in a dorsal view the outer margin is
subentire, and granulous; in a front view the median tooth is sharply depressed,
triangular, acute; the lateral lobes are separated from the median by a high
arched sinus, and are turned down and slightly under. The upper ocular margin
has a median, granulate tubercle, as has the upper border over the basal article
of the antennae. There is a sharp spine on the epistome below the basal antennal
article. The flagellum of the antennae is lightly ciliate.
The chelipeds in the male are stout, unequal, dissimilar and covered on
their upper surface with numerous granulous tubercles; the under surface is
smooth; in the females the chelipeds are more nearly equal. Merus short on
upper surface, broad, armed on inner margin with a short, lamellar, granular,
distal lobe; carpus longer than broad, armed on inner margin with a proximal
subhorizontal, granulous spine, nearly half as long as the inner carpal margin;
from the distal base of this tooth to the distal end of the carpus, the margin is
outwardly oblique and armed with several, short, stout spines. The upper surface
of the carpus is covered with spinose tubercles, with upturned spines on the
outer margin. The hands are thick, contorted, grotesque, unequal in the males,
dissimilar, and are 1/3 longer than their carpi. The fingers of the major hand,
in the male, are widely gaping, strongly curved, blunt tipped; the dactyl is fal-
cate, armed with a large median and proximal tooth; the pollex with a smaller
distal tooth. The fingers of the minor hand, which resemble those of both hands
in the female, gape in a lesser degree; the dactyl is armed with a row of well
formed teeth, the proximal the largest. The outer margins of the palms are
bordered with spines and setae. The carpus and hands, on their upper, outer
surfaces, are pubescent.
The ambulatory legs are stout, roughened with rugae and granulous tuber-
cles, and are covered with tomentum. The telson of the abdomen is composed
of 5 plates.
Sexual variation. — In the female the hands are more nearly alike than in
the male. As in P. sinuimanus, the ultimate plates in the male telson are short
and wide, the penultimate lateral plates long and narrow, the margins subpar-
442 San Diego Society of Natural History'
allel; in the female the ultimate plates are subquadrate, the laterals widest
distally.
Color in life. — Muddy grey, with a dark patch on the central regions. In
alcohol the carapace and chelipeds are light pink.
Measurements. — Male neotype: length of carapace 4.1 mm., width 3.9
mm., length of carpus of major cheliped 3 mm., of hand 4 mm. Female allotype
(ovigerous) : length 3.1 mm., width 3.1 mm.
Range. — From the Gulf of California, Mexico, to Ecuador (Nobili).
Material examined. — Several series of both sexes, numbering more than 25
specimens, collected by the author at San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico,
June 5, 1933; and Punta Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, May 2, 1935, and April
12, 1937.
Habitat. — This little crab is found on sponge incrusted sea-fans, but more
frequently on the rough sponges themselves, at extreme low water. They are
quite numerous, though obscure.
Remarks. — Lockington's description of this species is clear and unmis-
takable. That he placed it in the genus Pachycheles, was due, more to the im-
portance placed on the conformation of the chelipeds than its anatomical struc-
ture, for while the chelipeds might very easily belong to Pachycheles, the epimera
is entire, a peculiarity that removes it from that genus.
Nobili placed this species in the genus Polyonyx, with reservations, as he
was satisfied that it did not meet with all the requirements of that genus. He
was influenced by noting a small spinule on the dactyli of the ambulatory legs.
To obviate any chance of hidden characters remaining obscured by tomen-
tum, I depilated the largest male in my series (the neotype) , by using a weak
solution of sodium hypochlorite. When thus cleaned, the dactyli show only the
usual small spines on the under margin, which are to be found on nearly all the
uniunguiculate dactyli in this family.
Pisonella smithi (Glassell), new combination
Pisosoma smithi Glassell, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 8, no. 21,
1936, p. 286 (type-locality, Miramar Beach, near Guaymas, Sonora,
Mexico) .
Pisonella erosa (Glassell), new combination
Pisosoma erosa Glassell, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 8, no. 21,
1936, p. 289 (type-locality, Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico).
Types of the above two species are located in the U. S. National Museum,
and with the San Diego Society of Natural History.
Key to the West North American Species of Petrolisthes
A1. Hands bordered with setae, margined with spines. Chelipeds with carpus
armed. Ambulatory legs pubescent or setose; upper margin of meri
armed.
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 443
B1. Front trilobate. Chelipeds pubescent; hands dissimilar; fingers with
pubescence in gape.
C1. Carapace pubescent, with distinct striations. Carpus twice as
long as wide. Meri of ambulatory legs with postero-
distal end spined. Abdomen pubescent hirtipes
C2. Carapace naked without distinct striations. Carpus less than
twice as long as wide, armed with 3 or more spines. Meri
of ambulatory legs at postero-distal end unspined.
Abdomen naked nigrunguiculatus
B2. Front triangular. Carapace with distinct striations. Under side of
hands roughened; fingers with a short pile of pubescence; carpus
with 3 or more spines. Ambulatory legs setose.
C1. Carapace pubescent. Chelipeds pubescent; hands similar, carpus
with 6 spines, twice as long as wide. Meri of ambulatory
legs at postero-distal end spined.
Abdomen pubescent sanfelipensis
C2. Carapace naked. Chelipeds naked; hands dissimilar; carpus
with 4 or 5 spines, less than twice as long as wide. Meri
of ambulatory legs at postero-distal end unspined.
Abdomen naked polymitus
A2. Hands unmargined with setae.
B1. Hands unmargined with spines, similar.
C1. Fingers pubescent in gape. Meri of ambulatory legs at postero-
distal end unspined, upper margin unarmed. Chelipeds
naked; under side of hands smooth. Carapace naked.
D1. Carapace smooth. Carpus unarmed; margins parallel.
E1. Front triangular. Carpus twice as long as wide. Am-
bulatory legs pubescent eriomerus
E2. Front trilobate. Carpus more than twice as long as
wide. Meri of ambulatories naked gracilis
D2. Carapace roughened, regions well marked. Front trian-
gular. Carpus less than twice as long as wide, armed with
a lamellar lobe cinctipes
C2. Meri of ambulatory legs armed on upper margin. Chelipeds
with under side of hand roughened.
D1. Fingers pubescent in gape. Meri of ambulatory legs at
postero-distal end unspined. Carapace pubescent, areolate,
with distinct striations. Chelipeds pubescent, with carpi
unarmed rathbunae
D2. Movable finger with a short pile of pubescence only. Meri
of ambulatory legs at postero-distal end spined. Carapace
heavily striate. Chelipeds naked; carpi armed with 3 or
more spines edwardsii
B2. Hands unmargined with spines, under side smooth, dissimilar; fingers
with a short pile of pubescence; carpus less than twice as long
as wide. Carapace pubescent. Ambulatory legs pubescent; meri
unarmed on upper margin, at postero-distal end unspined.
444 San Diego Society of Natural History
C1. Carapace with regions well marked; frontal trilobate. Chelipeds
pubescent; carpus armed crenulatus
C2. Carapace with regions indistinct; front triangular. Chelipeds
naked; carpus unarmed schmitti
B3. Hands margined with spines, under side roughened, similar; fingers
with a short pile of pubescence. Chelipeds pubescent; carpus
twice as long as wide, armed with 5 or 6 spines. Carapace
pubescent, surface smooth; front triangular. Ambulatory legs
setose; meri armed, postero-distal end spined hirtispinosus
A3. Hands unmargined with setae, margined or unmargined with spines, under
side smooth. Chelipeds naked or pubescent. Meri of ambulatory legs
armed.
B1. Carapace naked or pubescent, surface smooth. Front triangular.
Chelipeds naked or pubescent; carpus twice as long as wide,
armed with 3 spines; hands dissimilar, unmargined with
spines; fingers with a short pile of pubescence. Meri of ambu-
latory legs at postero-distal end spined. Not dimorphic. .armatus
B2. Carapace naked, areolate, regions well marked. Front trilobate. Cheli-
peds naked; carpus in female armed, 3 times as long as wide in
male. Hands similar, margined with spines in female; fingers
pubescent in gape. Meri of ambulatory legs at postero-distal
end unspined. Dimorphic tiburonensis
Key to the West North American Species of Pachycheles
A1. Telson of abdomen with 5 plates.
B1. Front prominent, subtriangular.
C1. Gape of fingers naked.
D1. Chela with setae only. Carpus with a single serrated lobe.
Carapace pubescent rudis
D2. Chela with pubescence only. Carpus with 5 teeth. Cara-
pace lightly setose marcortezensis
C2. Gape of fingers with setae and pubescence. Chela with pubes-
cence only. Carpus with 2 or 3 teeth. Carapace naked
except rostrum - holosencus
B2. Front not prominent, subarcuate. Gape of fingers naked. Chela
naked. Carpus unarmed. Carapace naked biocellatus
A2. Telson of abdomen with 7 plates. Carpus with 3 teeth.
B1. Front prominent, subtriangular. Gape of fingers pubescent. Chela
with pubescence and setae. Carapace naked
except rostrum pubescens
B2. Front not prominent, subarcuate.
C1. Gape of fingers with setae. Chela with setae only. Carapace
lightly setose sonorensis
C2. Gape of fingers naked. Chela with pubescence only. Carapace
naked except rostrum setimanus
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 445
GONEPLACIDAE
Hexapus williamsi, sp. now
Plate 35, figures 1-4
Type.— Male, holotype; Cat. No. 1158, San Diego Society of Natural
History; from San Jose, Guatemala, 10-13 fathoms; April 1, 1937; collected by
Woodbridge Williams on Captain Fred E. Lewis' yacht "Stranger."
Diagnosis. — Carapace punctate, regions lightly defined. Front 1/4 the
width of carapace, trilobed, the median not as advanced as the laterals. Cheli-
peds unequal; hands with a tubercle on inner, upper distal side of palm to
engage with oblique stridulating ridge extending from the lateral margins of
the buccal area. Sixth segment of male abdomen 1/2 longer than wide at distal
end, 2-3-4-5-6 segments coalesced.
Description. — Carapace nearly 1/3 wider than long, convex fore and aft,
transversely flattened, punctate, lateral margins granulated; cervical groove de-
fines the lateral regions; gastric and cardiac regions smoother than remaining
surfaces, separated by a light sulcus; a light fold over the intestinal region. The
postero-lateral is short, subequal in length to the width of the ocular hiatus, with
two concave margins meeting at the proximal 1/3 in forming a sharp projection.
The posterior margin is slightly convex, 1/6 wider than the length of the cara-
pace. The upper ocular margin is raised and granulose. The front is depressed,
wider at the tip than between the eyes; in a front view the lateral ends project
farther than the broadly triangular median lobe; the margin between the median
and the laterals is granulose and concave. The eye-stalks are heavy at the base,
constricted in the middle, the cornea small in proportion to the base. A narrow,
oblique row of stridulations on the epistome meets the buccal cavity opposite
the distal end of the merus of the 3rd maxillipeds. The abdomen of the male is
slender; only the 1st and 7th segments are articulated; the five interior segments
are coalesced; the penultimate segment is nearly as wide as long at distal end;
the ultimate segment is as high as wide, subovate.
Chelipeds dissimilar, unequal, tomentose; the minor hand is held in a
normal position, the major hand is carried perpendicular to the minor; major
hand inflated, the palm nearly as wide as long, upper margin thick and, like the
minor hand, with a tubercle on the inner distal face which engages with the
stridulations of the epimera. The outer surface of the hands is granulose under
a thick pile of tomentum. The lower margin of the major hand is sinuous, of
the minor straight and beaded. The pollex in both hands is straight and the inner
edge armed with 3 or 4 large blunt teeth. The dactyli are compressed, thin,
fluted and armed with 3 large teeth on the major, 2 on the minor; while the
dactyli slightly cross their pollices at the tip, they do not completely close from
gape to apices.
The ambulatory legs are densely margined with tomentum, punctate, the
2nd the longest. Of the 1st leg the merus is trihedral, twisted, with a row of well
spaced tubercles on the posterior outer margin; of the 2nd and 3rd (last) legs
the merus is compressed, 3 times as long as broad, narrowing distally, and sub-
equal in length to the carpus and propodus combined; the dactyli are as long or
446 San Diego Society of Natural History
longer than their propodi, in the 1st pair slightly twisted, in the 2nd and 3rd
straight, long, tapering, fluted, with the crests tomentose.
Color in alcohol. — Cream underlaid with light pink on the branchial and
cardiac regions. Tomentum earthy brown.
Measurements. — Male, holotype: length of carapace 5.8 mm., width 8.6
mm., of posterior margin 6.8 mm., of front 2 mm., length of major hand 4.8
mm., width 2.5 mm., length of 2nd ambulatory leg 10.8 mm., of 6th abdominal
segment 2 mm., width of base 1.7 mm., width distally 1 mm., height of 7th
segment 1 mm.
Range. — Known only from the type-locality (see type) .
Material examined. — Only the holotype (see type) .
Habitat. — Taken on a fine black sand and mud bottom in from 10 to 13
fathoms, the sand mixed with clinkers and volcanic rock.
Remarks. — This proposed species is closely allied to H. sexpes (Fabricius) ,
1798, but differs from that species: (1) by the regions of the carapace being
outlined by shallow sulci, instead of being usually not perceptible, (2) by the
front being partly deflexed, the lateral lobes advanced further outward and
downward than the median, the width about 1/4 the width of the carapace,
instead of being vertically deflexed, truncate, and about 1/5 or 1/6 the width
of the carapace, (3) by the dactyl of the major hand being armed with 3 large
teeth, instead of with 2 truncate teeth near the base of the inner margin, (4)
by the merus of the 3rd (last) leg being 3 times as long as broad, instead of
twice as long as broad, (5) by the propodus of the 3rd leg being about 11/2
times as long as broad, instead of semi-circular, (6) by the dactyli being as long
as the propodi, sharp-pointed, fluted, straight, tapered, instead of short and
thick.
This species is named for Mr. Woodbridge Williams, student, of Pomona
College, Claremont, California, who made a splendid collection of Crustacea
along the coasts of South and Central America, while on Captain Fred E. Lewis'
yacht "Stranger," during the Spring of 1937. I am indebted to him for bringing
to my attention this and many other obscure forms, which link the eastern
Pacific fauna with those of the western Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
PINNOTHERIDAE
Subfamily Pinnotherlinae
Alarconia, gen. nov.
Carapace much wider than long; integument firm, regions strongly marked;
front narrow, nearly transverse, with a median groove. Orbit broadly ovate or
triangular, with a wide inner hiatus, which is partly occupied by the basal
antennal joint. Antennules transversely or obliquely plicated in wide fossettes
which communicate with each other beneath the front. Eye-stalks very short.
Epistome linear-transverse. Ischium of maxillipeds shorter or but slightly less
in length than merus; merus with distal margin slightly concave; palp jointed to
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 35
Fig. 1. Hexapus williamsi Glassell, sp. nov. Outer maxilliped.
Fig. 2. Hexapus williamsi Glassell, sp. nov. Buccal area.
Fig. 3. Hexapus williamsi Glassell, sp. nov. Dorsal view.
Fig. 4. Hexapus williamsi Glassell, sp. nov. Ventral view.
448 San Diego Society of Natural History
summit of merus; third joint articulated on inner side of the preceding one
near base.
Chelipeds of moderate size; merus trigonous; hand large, compressed. Sec-
ond ambulatory leg larger than the first; third largest of all; fourth the smallest;
propodus of first leg subcircular, compressed. Abdomen in both sexes usually
7-jointed and narrower at base than width of last sternal segment. In the male,
the abdominal appendages protrude from the sternal trench opposite the lateral
margins of the ultimate segment, bending upward and forward in a semicircle
toward the buccal opening.
This proposed genus is allied to the genus Pinnixa White, 1846, by the
general shape of the carapace and the relative sizes and shapes of the ambulatory
legs, but differs from that genus in that the ischium and merus of the outer
maxillipeds are not fused or coalesced, but articulated, and by the ischium being
much longer in proportion. This proposed genus is also allied to the genera
Tritodynamia Ortman, 1894, and Asthenognatbus Stimpson, 1858, of the sub-
family Asthenognathinae. It resembles the former in that the outer maxillipeds
are somewhat similar, but it differs in that the eyes are not large, the carapace
not smooth, and the 2nd ambulatory leg is not the largest. It resembles the latter
in that the ambulatory legs, as shown by Stimpson's figure, are quite similar, but
it differs in the disposition of the segments of the palp. In addition to the
above, there is also a relationship to the genus Lambdophallus Alcock, 1900,
of the subfamily Hexapodinae, as in both genera the abdominal appendages of
the male are not distally confined under the abdomen.
Genotype. — Alarconia seaholmi, new species, taken at Acapulco, State of
Guerrero, Mexico, 6 to 10 fathoms; April 6, 1937; collected by W. J. Seaholm.
Remarks. — This proposed genus is named for Hernando de Alarcon, navi-
gator, who, under the direction of the viceroy of New Spain, was sent to support
by sea the expedition of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, to the Seven Cities of
Cibola. During this adventure he discovered and explored the mouth of the
Colorado River, in the year 1540.
Alarconia seaholmi, sp. nov.
Plate 36, figures 1-5
Type. — Male, holotype, Cat. No. 1159, San Diego Society of Natural
History; from Acapulco, State of Guerrero, Mexico, 6-10 fathoms; April 6,
1937; collected by Captain W. J. Seaholm, on Captain Fred E. Lewis' yacht
"Stranger."
Diagnosis. — Carapace broadly ovate, regions well marked, branchial
regions tuberculate and granulose, a transverse cardiac ridge, opposite the ends
of which, on the branchial region, is a large tubercle. The 4th ambulatory leg
extends past the merus of the 3rd by the length of the dactyl. The ischium and
merus of the outer maxillipeds are long and narrow, the merus the longest.
Description. — Carapace nearly 2/3 as long as wide, convex, broadly ovate;
regions well defined with sulci; branchials granulated and tuberculated, tubercles
more prominent opposite the cardiac region; cardiac region with a transverse,
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea
Plate 36
■*vZ*£0x&
Fig.
1
Hg.
2
Kg.
3
Fig.
4
Fig.
5
Alar coma seaholmi Glassell, sp. nov. Right chela.
Alar coma seaholmi Glassell, sp. nov. Ventral surface.
Alarcoma seaholmi Glassell, sp. nov. Outer maxilliped.
Alarcoma seaholmi Glassell, sp. nov. Male abdominal appendage.
Alarcoma seaholmi Glassell, sp. nov. Dorsal view.
450 San Diego Society of Natural History
granulated ridge, posterior to the ridge the surface falls sharply to the posterior
margin; on the branchial regions at each end of this ridge is a large tubercle.
The anterolateral margin is spinulose toward the lateral angle, granular anterior-
ly; the postero-lateral margin is sinuous, nearly 1/4 the width of the carapace;
at the proximal end is an upright tubercle, the last of 3 tubercles which deco-
rate the distal ends of the convex posterior margin. Front truncate, entire, slightly
produced, with the outer angles rounded, and with a median groove on the
upper surface; in width it is 1/7 the width of the carapace. The eye-stalks are
stout at their bases, tapering sharply to the minute cornea, and with a submedian
constriction; the width of the base is slightly less than the length. The length of
the antennae is nearly twice the width of the front. Buccal cavity with parallel
sides. Maxillipeds standing wide apart, the merus and ischium longer than broad,
the merus longer than the ischium.
Chelipeds similar, equal, lightly margined with fine setae; merus trigonate,
the outer lower margin armed with small tubercles; carpus subrhomboidal
viewed from above, the distal, triangular end covering the upper articulation of
the hand; the lower articulation of the hand is considerably posterior to that of
the upper, and on the inner side of the palm; the manus from the lower proximal
end to the tip of the pollex is more than twice as long as wide; the upper crested
margin of the palm is a little more than half as long as the thin, granulated
lower margin. The hand is compressed; pollex horizontal, thin, with a bifid tip,
armed on the inner margin with 3 well-spaced teeth, the median bifid, the fingers
gape from base to apices; the dactyl is armed with a large, median, subtriangular
tooth.
Of the ambulatory legs the 3rd pair is the largest and longest, followed
by the 2nd, 1st and 4th, all are lightly margined with setae. The 1st and 2nd
pair have their carpal joints crested, more prominently on the 1st pair; the propo-
dus of the 1st leg is compressed, subcircular, with a double, flattened, upper
crest; the dactyl is horizontally compressed, lanceolate, twisted and bent upward,
about as long as the propodus; the dactyl of the 2nd leg is compressed, straight,
and longer than the upper margin of the propodus; the merus of the 3rd leg
is 1/2 as wide as long, with a granulated upper margin and a granulated and
spinous lower margin; the ischium has a strong median spine on its posterior
margin; carpus nearly 1/3 longer than the propodus; dactyl is slightly shorter
than the propodus, tapered, straight; of the 4th leg, whose upturned dactyl
reaches past the distal end of the merus of the 3rd leg, the lower margin of the
ischium is granulated, with a single subdistal tubercle; merus 3 times as long as
wide, margins parallel, the lower granulated; the propodus is as wide as the
merus and subequal in length to the dactyl.
The abdomen of the male is widest at the junction of the 2nd and 3rd
segments, the 4th and 5th segments are coalesced, the margins of the 5th and 6th
segments are parallel, there is a line of light tomentum at the articulation which
extends across the sternum at this point, the base of the 7th segment is less in
width than that of the truncate distal end of the 6th, its height is 1/2 its base
and is semiovate. The abdominal appendages of the male protrude from a sub-
circular groove opposite the lateral margins of the terminal abdominal segment,
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 451
and curve upward and forward toward the buccal area. At their apices they in-
cline toward each other.
Color in alcohol. — Light cream. Setae and tomentum red-brown.
Measurements. — Male holotype: length of carapace 5.8 mm., width 9 mm.,
of posterior margin 6.5 mm., width of outer orbital margins 3 mm., of front
1.3 mm., length of 1st leg 7.7 mm., of 2nd leg 9.4 mm., of 3rd leg 11.7 mm.,
of 4th leg 6.8 mm., of hand 4.5 mm.
Range. — Known only from type-locality (see type) .
Material examined. — A single male specimen lacking the ambulatory legs
on the left side.
Habitat. — Dredged on a sand and shell bottom in 6-10 fathoms. Commen-
sal host, if any, unknown.
Remarks. — The references in the generic description to the female abdomen
do not refer to this proposed species, but to a different species found on this
coast, which will be described at a later date.
This proposed species is named for Captain W. J. Seaholm, who collected
this and many other specimens while dredging for shells, for his sustained in-
terest in the fields of natural science.
Pinnotheres orcutti Rathbun
Pinnotheres orcutti Rathbun, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., no. 97, 1918, p. 98, pi. 22,
figs. 5-6, text fig. 50 (type-locality, Manzanillo, Mexico) .
During the year 1936, Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt, of the U. S. National
Museum, sent me for identification, among other material, a small series of
Pinnotheres from the Tres Marias Islands, Mexico, collected by H. N. Lowe
in March, 1930. These specimens I recognize as being Pinnotheres orcutti
Rathbun, heretofore known only from the type specimen, a male. The following
is a description of the female:
Diagnosis. — Carapace calcareous, suboctagonal, high, antero-lateral mar-
gins ridged. Front in dorsal view horizontal, bilobed, projecting. Dactyli of 4th
pair of legs nearly 1/3 longer than the others, and longer than their propodi.
Description. — Carapace calcareous, high, convex, suboctagonal, slightly
longer than broad, broadest in posterior half, uneven, branchial regions with
irregular lobes; dorsal surface pubescent and bordered by a raised rim; cardiac
region surrounded by a furrow except anteriorly, no median tubercle near its
posterior end, as in a smaller male. Front with two advanced, blunt-pointed
lobes, separated by a wide U-shaped notch, behind which runs a broad median
furrow. Lateral margin long, angled, convex; postero-lateral margin short,
splayed out over propodite of 3rd leg; posterior margin convex. Basal segment
of antennae elongate and obliquely placed.
Merus of outer maxilliped wide and angled; the propodus differs from that
of the male by being obtuse at its apex, instead of subtriangular, and by having
the dactyl extending nearly to the extremity of the propodus, instead of only
part way, as in the male.
Chelipeds similar, stout, manus short, increasing greatly in width toward
distal end, where it is slightly less in height than superior length; lower margin
452 San Diego Society of Natural History
concave under gape; pollex sharply turned up at apex, armed with a blunt proxi-
mal lobe and a row of small teeth, the distal the larger, while the median tooth
is the largest; dactylus wide at base, strongly arched and armed with a wide,
angular tooth in front of a deep proximal notch for the reception of the proxi-
mal lobe of the pollex; the tips of the fingers are sharp-pointed and cross each
other.
The ambulatory legs are narrow; the 2nd leg the longest; the dactyli of the
first three pairs are subequal in length, slightly pubescent and with spine-like
tips; the dactyli of the 4th pair are nearly 1/3 longer than the others, nearly
straight, longer than their propodi, and with a fringe of pubescence on their
lower margins.
The abdomen is circular; its terminal segment within the perimeter, its
posterior margins oblique, its tip with a slight median emargination.
Color in alcohol. — Buff. Pubescence earthy brown.
Measurements. — Length of carapace: 8.5 mm., width 8.1 mm. Length of
dactyli of ambulatory legs: 1st 1.6 mm., 2nd 1.7 mm., 3rd 1.4 mm., 4th 2.4 mm.
Range. — West coast of Mexico.
Material examined. — Two females, ovigerous, and one male; from Maria
Madre Island, Tres Marias Islands, Mexico; March 1930; collected by H. N.
Lowe. Collection of the U. S. National Museum.
One female, ovigerous, from Tenacatita Bay, Mexico; April 11, 1937; 5
fathoms; collected by Woodbridge Williams, on Captain Fred E. Lewis' yacht
"Stranger."
Habitat. — Unknown. The Tenacatita Bay specimen had a calcareous worm
tube attached to the carapace.
Remarks. — The use of the outer maxilliped as an infallible method of
determination would have been rather difficult in the Tenacatita Bay specimen,
had that one been the only specimen examined, for its outer maxillipeds were
different from each other, in that the dactyli of the right and left sides were
of different lengths, that of the right extending considerably past its propodus,
while that of the left was short of its propodal apex. In addition, there is a
marked variation in the shape of the propodus of the outer maxillipeds in the
sexes, that of the males being subtriangular, with its dactyl short, while in
the female the propodus is obtuse, the dactyl reaching to a point near its tip.
The shape of the merus in the maxillipeds of both sexes is identical.
The only difference between the Maria Madre Island male and Rathbun's
smaller type specimen is that the specimen I examined did not have the shallow
right-angled indentations on either side of the 6th abdominal segment.
The eggs are abundant, globular, and slightly less than 1/3 mm. in
diameter.
Fabia granti Glassell
Plate 33, figure 2
Fabia granti Glassell, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 7, no. 28, 1933,
p. 342, pi. 26 (type-locality, Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico).
While collecting at San Felipe, a small fishing village near the head of the
Gulf of California, in Baja California, Mexico, I took a large series of this
Glassell — West American Decapod Crustacea 453
species which were found in a tide pool, commensal with Crucibulum spinosum
(Sowerby) . A series of more than 75 females and 15 males was collected at this
locality on May 9, 1937. A description of the heretofore unknown male follows:
Description. — Carapace calcareous oviform or urnal, surface flat, depressed,
with widely separated short hairs; anterior margins raised with pubescence;
regions not defined; antero-lateral margins strongly converging posteriorly;
posterior margin straight, deflexed, entire, as wide as the outer ocular width.
Front broadly arched, entire, with upper median surface depressed and pubescent.
The cervical groove is shallow, leading back from the upper margins of orbits.
Eyes small, pigmented. Antennae minute, though long and slender.
Chelipeds similar, stout, short; merus crested with short pubescence; carpus
depressed on upper surface, lightly pubescent on margins; hands short and wide,
proximally inflated on inner side of palm; palm as wide as long, with an upper,
broadly arched, pubescent carina; lower margin horizontal, an indistinct or
obsolete, longitudinal, median ridge on outer surface. Pollex short, horizontal,
except for sharply upturned, spine-like tip, armed on inner edge with an oblique,
granulose cutting edge. Dactyl strongly curved at tip, and armed on the inner
edge with a single submedian tooth. The fingers are close fitting, their tips
crossing.
Ambulatory legs compressed, with spatulate propodi; the dactyli com-
pressed, slightly curved, with needle-like, corneous tips. The 2nd and 3rd legs
with plumose natatory hairs on the carpus and propodus. The meri are mar-
gined with a close pile of pubescence.
The sides of the abdomen converge from the 1st and 2nd to the 7th seg-
ment, the latter being semioval; the 1st and 2nd segments are nearly as wide as
the sternum at this point.
Color in alcohol. — Buff. Pubescence dirty yellow.
Measurements. — Of largest male: length of carapace 3.7 mm., width 3.5
mm., width of posterior margin 1.6 mm., of front between the inner ocular
margins 1.2 mm., length of hand 1.8 mm., height of palm 1.3 mm. Of smallest
breeding specimen: length of carapace 2.3 mm., width 2.1 mm.
Range. — Throughout the Gulf of California, Mexico.
Habitat. — Found commensal in Crucibulum, Acmaea and Crepidula. The
type specimen having been taken in a worm tube does not truly indicate its host,
but rather that the holotype was disturbed in the dredge material.
Remarks. — This miniature male is undoubtedly a free swimmer, as the
natatory hairs on the ambulatory legs would indicate. That it spends its time,
other than in the breeding season, in a free state may be questioned, as a num-
ber of the males taken in this series were alone with their host. They may be
nocturnal.
The genus Fabia, which is apparently restricted to American waters, has
six recognized species at the present time, and of these species little is known
of the males, a circumstance due to their size. Wells, 1928, described the male
of Fabia subquadrata Dana, 1851, which, to judge from the text and figures,
remarkably resembles Pinnotheres concharum (Rathbun), 1893, a species that
I have frequently found in Vol sella capax (Conrad) , along with the female of
Fabia lowei Rathbun.
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY
Volume VIII, No. 34, pp. 455-462, plate 37
**«?
%
A STUDY OF THE SKULL
OF THE PLEISTOCENE STORK,
CICONIA MALTHA, MILLER
BY
Loye Miller
University of California at Los Angeles
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Printed for the Society
May 31, 1938
COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
U. S. Grant, IV, Chairman
L. M. Klauber Clinton G. Abbott, Editor
A STUDY OF THE SKULL
OF THE PLEISTOCENE STORK,
CICONIA MALTHA, MILLER
iff
BY
%$*7 Loye Miller
University of California at Los Angeles
Dr. Chester Stock of California Institute of Technology has been
good enough to place in my hands, for study, a fairly complete skull of
the Asphalt Stork (Ciconia maltha) from the McKittrick Pleistocene
asphalt. The rostral portion of the specimen has suffered several frac-
tures which render the profile of the beak uncertain, but the cranial
portion warrants discussion.
Previous knowledge of the species was summed up in a special
paper by the present writer in 1932 (Condor, vol. 34, Sept., 1932, pp.
212-216). At that time the skull was known only from a very unimpor-
tant fragment of the upper mandible and from a fairly well preserved
lower mandible.
Study of these and the more abundant trunk and limb remains led
to the following statement : "This material differs from all living Ameri-
can storks and is included in the species Ciconia maltha originally de-
scribed from Rancho La Brea. . . . Generic distinction between Euxen-
ura and Ciconia is based largely on external features and even these fea-
tures are considered by some students to exhibit insufficient differences
to warrant recognition of the separate genus Euxenura.
"Conceding that the differences between existing forms are of gene-
ric value, the form under discussion would not agree with either genus
and a new genus would be necessary. While there is little question that,
were the asphalt stork restored to us in its entirety, it would likely exhibit
characters sufficient for its generic distinction, yet for the sake of sim-
plicity it is referred, in the absence of those superficial characters, to the
genus Ciconia."
The last sentence of this quotation indicates a degree of conserva-
tiveness to which I freely confess and which has been adhered to fairly
consistently for the several years during which the fossil birds have been
a major interest. Ciconia is the typical genus of Ciconiformes and since
the skeletal parts heretofore examined differed from Ciconia in no radical
458 San Diego Society of Natural History
fashion, the fossil bird was assigned to that genus.
Examination of the cranial parts of the stork skulls available brings
to light a number of differences which can be applied in the study of
fossil birds, i. e. characters not lost with the entombment of the specimen.
Whether or not these osteologic characters are more significant than
those of the exo-skeleton is not pertinent— the fact remains that they
are more available to the paleontologist.
Six rather widely separated genera of storks were examined in this
study, Xenorhynchus from Africa, Leptoptilns from India, Ciconia from
Europe, Euxenura from South America, and Ajaia and Mycteria from
Central America being available. The cranial differences appear mainly
in the occipital and basisphenoidal regions, although the general propor-
tions of the actual brain capsule appear to be significant. Xenorhynchus,
Leptoptilus, and Ajaia are so far divergent from the fossil form that
they may be set aside in the present study. The closest affinities appear
to lie with Mycteria, Ciconia, and Euxenura.
Mycteria has a broad, flat skull when viewed in either profile. With
the sphenoidal rostrum horizontal, the interorbital region is nearly the
highest point of the profile. The naso-frontal area is almost as high as
that of the cerebrum. There is no appreciable lift of the skull over the
cerebral hemispheres. Quite in contrast are the other two genera. The
highest point in the profile is posterior to the orbits where the skull rises
in two swellings to accommodate the hemispheres, with a distinct sagittal
depression between. The naso-frontal area is very low. In all these re-
spects, the fossil cranium agrees with Ciconia and Euxenura.
When viewed from the rear with the sphenoidal rostrum horizontal,
there appear three major differences: (l) the ratio of transverse to ver-
tical axis; (2) the size of the occipital area of muscle attachment in rela-
tion to cranium; and (3) the pattern that the intermuscular lines trace
upon the occipital plane.
The following table of cranial diameters illustrates point number
one with a fair degree of satisfaction.
Table of Measurements of the Brain Case
Maximum Depth Maximum Width Ratio
Ciconia maltha 397 mm. 55.5 mm. 72%
Ciconia alba 34.1mm. 47.2 mm. 72%
Euxenura maguari 34.5 mm. 51.3 mm. 65%
Mycteria americana 39.4 mm. 50.3 mm. 78%
of Occiput
of Cranium
41.8 mm.
55.5 mm.
75.3%
35.5 mm.
47. mm.
75.5%
40. 1 mm.
51.3 mm.
77.1%
42. mm.
50. mm.
82 %
Miller — Pleistocene Stork 459
It is quite impossible to get the exact area of the irregular occipital
surface of muscle attachment. A single measurement, the maximum
transverse diameter, is therefore taken as a rough index. This quantity
is obtained by measuring the extreme distance between the right and left
extremities of the occipital area as delineated by the lambdoidal crest.
The following table again shows the fossil stork to be closely allied
to the typical species of Ciconia.
Table of Measurements, Comparing the Occipital Area with the
Cranial Width
Maximum Width Maximum Width Ratio
Ciconia maltha
Ciconia alba
Euxenura maguari
Mycteria americana
Table of Measurements, Comparing the Occipital Width with the
Occipital Height
Maximum Width Maximum Height Ratio
Ciconia maltha 41.8 mm. 23.7 mm. 59 %
Ciconia alba 35.5 mm. 20.3 mm. 57.4%
Euxenura maguari 40.1mm. 25.4 mm. 49 %
Mycteria americana 42. mm. 24.7 mm. 59 %
With regard to point number three, the pattern traced by the inter-
muscular lines upon the occipital area is not one that can be expressed in
numerical terms, but the general form of the area in the Asphalt Stork is
more closely like that in the typical Ciconia than it is like that of the
South American Euxenura.
The rostral fragment that accompanies the cranium shows very lit-
tle except that the beak was straight, without either the upturn of Jabiru
or the ibis-like hook of Mycteria. The bony nares are long and poorly
defined slits, in contrast to the more rounded and well defined nares of
Mycteria. Both Euxenura and Ciconia have the slit-like type seen in the
fossil beak.
The storks are very poorly represented in the collections from
Rancho La Brea, but they occupy a prominent place in more limited
collections from McKittrick, owing apparently to a difference in the local
terrain. The matrix also at McKittrick seems to have been less perfecdy
preservative, and specimens crumbled more easily in the differential move-
460 San Diego Society of Natural History
ment of the matrix. We have therefore a great paucity of the more fragile
bird skulls.
This specimen is the only one that I have been able to examine
that can be assigned to the true storks. The result of this and other
studies that I have made is to confirm the original assignment to the
genus Ciconia.
Miller — Pleistocene Stork
Plate 37
Occipital aspect of cranium, (x l/l approx.)
A. Ciconia alba.
B. Ciconia maltha.
C. Euxenura maguari.
Drawings by Gerhard Bakker.
A*.*?*
INDEX
Transactions of the San Diego Society of Natural History, Volume VIII.
Titles of papers and new systematic names are in heavy-faced type.
A Further Report on Birds from So-
nora, Mexico, with Descriptions of
Two New Races, 321-3 36
A Key to the Rattlesnakes with Sum-
mary of Characteristics, 185-276
A New Genus and Species of Pigmy
Goose from the McKittrick Pleisto-
cene, 107-114
A New Hummingbird of the Genus
Saucerottia from Sonora, Mexico,
407-408
A New Muskrat from Utah, 409-410
A New Pelecypod Genus of the Family
Cardiidae, 119-120
A New Puff-bird from El Salvador,
3-4
A New Race of Brown Towhee from
the Inyo Region of California,
69-72
A New Sea-Urchin from the "Oligo-
cene" of Oregon, 367-374
A New Silky Pocket Mouse from So-
nora, Mexico, 73-74
A New Snake of the Genus Sonora
from Mexico, 363-366
A New Subspecies of Crotalus con-
fluentus, the Prairie Rattlesnake,
75-90
A New Subspecies of Pocket Gopher
from Sonora, Mexico, 1-2
A Northwestern Race of the Mexican
Black Hawk, 361-362
A Study of the Skull of the Pleisto-
cene Stork, Ciconia maltha, Miller,
455-462
Abbott, Clinton G., 17, 39, 375
Acanthina angelica, 31
lugubris, 344
muricata, 3 1
spirata, 344, 397
Acanthochites diegensis, 32
Accipitcr, 127
atricapillus striatulus, 126, 127
cooperii mexicanus, 127
Acila shumardi, 368
Acmaea, 344, 45 3
cassis, 400
cassis nacelloides, 3 84, 400
digitalis tcxtilis, 344
insessa, 344, 400
instabilis, 344
limatula, 344
mesoleuca, 3 2, 105
mitella, 32
mitra, 344
paleacea, 344
scabra, 3 44
Acrididae, 130
Acteocina culcitella, 3 92
infrequens, 29
pedroensis, 3 92
Acteon (Rictaxis) punctocaelatus, 392
(Acteon) traski, 392
Actitis macularia, 3 30
Adams, A., 308
C. B., 308, 312
Aechmophorus occidentalis, 324
Agaronia testacea, 3 0
Agassiz, A., 3 69
Agclaius phocniceus fortis, 143
phoeniceus nevadensis, 12 5, 143
phoeniccus sonoriensis, 142, 143
Agkistrodon, 188
bilineatus, 190
mokascn laticinctus, 189
mokasen mokasen, 189
piscivorus, 189, 197
Aimophila, 144
ruficeps scottii, 144
Ajaia, 45 8
ajaja, 327
Alaba oldroydi, 3 99
Alabina diomedeac, 31
tcnuisculpta diegensis, 384, 398
Alarcon, Hernando de, 448
Alarconia, 412, 446
seaholmi, 412, 448, 449
464
San Diego Society of Natural History
Alcid, Recent, 376
Alcidae, 376
Alder, 138
Alectrion californiana, 396
cerritensis, 396
cooperi, 3 96
fossata, 3 96
insculptus, 396
perpinguis, 3 96
tegula, 396
Alectrionidae, 308
Aletes squamigerus, 344, 3 99
squamigerus pennatus, 3 99
Aligena cerritensis, 385, 388
Allen, J. A., 329
Amaral, A. do, 152
Amiantis callosa, 3 90
Ammospermophilus harrisii, 3 5 2, 353
harrisii harrisii, 352, 353
harrisii kinoensis, 3 5 2, 35 3
harrisii saxicola, 3 5 2, 353
Amphipod, 298
Amphispiza bilineata, 144
Amphissa, 344
reticulata, 3 97
undata, 397
versicolor, 344, 397
An Annotated List of Shells Collected
at Punta Peiiasco, Sonora, Mexico,
in February, 1934, 27-34
An Extinct Puffin from the Pliocene of
San Diego, California, 375-378
An Upper Pleistocene Fauna from the
Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles County,
California, 379-406
Anabernicula, 1 1 1
gracilenta, 107, 109, 110, 111,
112, 113
Anachis coronata, 30
fulva, 21
hilli, 30
sanfelipensis, 20
varia, 30
vexillum, 21,30
Anatinae, 108, 109, 1 10
Anderson, F. M., 3 1 6
Angel, F., 15 5, 178
Anhinga, 376
Anomia, 3 87
lampe, 3 87
peruviana, 27, 3 87
Anomuran, 279, 431
Anserinae, 107, 108, 109
Anthony, A. W., 323, 334
Antillophos, 308
Antiplanes perversa, 393
Aphelocoma sordida arizonae, 140
Aplysia, 32
californicus, 32
Apolymetis biangulata, 390
Area alternata, 27
aviculoides, 1 6
delgada, 16
gordita, 1 6
gradata, 27
illota, 27
multicostata, 16, 17
pacifica, 27
reeveana, 27
reinharti, 16, 27
(Anadara) reinharti, 16
solida, 27
Arcidae, 17
Ardea herodias treganzai, 325, 326
Arenaria interpres morinella, 331
melanocephala, 331
Arenicola, 103
Argobuccinum oregonensis, 3 98
Armstrong, F. B., 1 1
Arnold, Ralph, 62, 386, 388, 391, 392,
397, 399, 400
Arrington, O. N., 178
Arrowweed, 1 3 5
Artran, A. P., 178
Asio otus wilsonianus, 134
Aspen, Quaking, 141
Astarte branneri, 387
Asthenognathinae, 448
Asthenognathus, 448
Astraea (Pomaulax) undosa, 400
Astrea inaequalis, 342
(Pachypoma) inaequalis, 344
(Pomaulax) undosa, 344
Astrodapsis, 61
antiselli, 61, 62, 63, 64
arnoldi, 63
arnoldi arnoldi, 63
arnoldi crassus, 63
arnoldi depressus, 63
arnoldi fresnoensis, 63
arnoldi peltoides, 63
arnoldi spatiosus, 63
crassus, 63
depressus, 63
Index to Volume VIII
465
fresnoensis, 63
jacalitosensis, 63
peltoides, 63
salinasensis, 61, 62, 63, 64
spatiosus, 63
tumidus, 63
whitneyi, 63
Astur, 127
Atys, 3 84
casta, 3 84, 3 92
Audubon, J. J., 3 52
Auk, Great, 376
Lucas, 376
Auriparus flaviceps acaciarum, 140
flaviceps ornatus, 13 9, 140
Avocet, 3 32
B
Bachman, J., 3 52
Bailey, Bernard, 349, 352, 356
Florence M., 129, 134
Baker, Fred, 2 5, 3 5-46
Bakker, Gerhard, 461
Balanus concavus, 63
tintinnabulum californicus, 383
Baldpate, 328
Bancroft, Griffing, 323
Bangs, Outram, 324, 327
Barbatia (Acar) pernoides, 345
Barbour, T., 178
Barnacle, 345, 382, 383
Pink, 383
Whale, 383
Barnard, K. H., 413
Bartsch, Paul, 307, 386, 398, 402, 404
Bartschella, 402
Bassariscus, 3 5 8, 35 9
astutus, 3 57
astutus arizonensis, 357, 358, 359
astutus insulicola, 3 59
astutus octavus, 357, 358, 359
astutus palmarius, 357, 359
astutus raptor, 3 59
astutus saxicola, 35 9
astutus yumanensis, 3 57, 358, 359
Batchelder, Dean E., 168
Bela tidicula, 393
Benchley, Belle, 178
Benson, Seth, 3 5 1
E. E., 181
Bent, A. C., 327
Berkeley, Edith, 93
Berry, S. Stillman, 338
Betaeus, 412, 416
ensenadensis, 412, 416, 417, 418,
419
harfordi, 419
longidactylus, 418, 419
Biggs, T. C., 178
Bilderback, Norman, 178, 226
Bischoff, Ferdinand, 143
Bishop, L. B., 131, 132, 323
Bittern, Tiger, 327
Bittium, 344, 398
(Lirobittium) ornatissimum, 3 98
(Semibittium) rugatum, 3 98
Blackbird, Red-winged, 142, 143
Yellow-headed, 142
Blossom, P. M., 3 50
Bogert, Charles M., 178
Bonaparte, Charles L., 5
Bornia, 3 89
cooki, 384, 385, 389
retifera, 3 88, 3 89
Borsonella barbarensis, 3 93
dalli, 393
Botaurus lentiginosus, 327
Bothrops, 188, 189
atrox, 189
Brachiopod, 3 99
Brant, 110
Branta, 1 1 1
bernicla, 110, 111, 113
bernicla hrota, 112
canadensis minima, 110, 112, 113
minuscula, 111
Brisaster, 367, 368, 369, 370
fragilis, 369, 372
latifrons, 370, 372
maximus, 368, 369, 372
townsendi, 367, 368, 369, 370, 372
Brodkorb, Pierce, 3 26
Brown, W. W., Jr., 324, 325, 326, 328,
329, 330, 332, 333
Bruncr, Stephen G., 128, 136, 139, 143
Bryozoa, 38 3
Bryozoan, 382, 436
Buccinum crassum, 311
Bucco dysoni, 4
Bulla, 393
aspcrsa, 3 92
466
San Diego Society of Natural History
Bulla gouldiana, 29
punctulata, 385, 392
Bullus, 3 93
punctulatus, 392
Bulpitt, E. L., 178
Burch, John Q., 3 82
Tom, 382, 387, 398
Bursa californica, 398
Burt, C. E., 178
W. H., 123, 131
Bushmaster, 188, 190
Buteo albonotatus, 127
Buteogallus anthracinus anthracinus, 361,
362
anthracinus bangsi, 362
anthracinus micronyx, 361, 3 62
anthracinus subtilis, 362
Butorides virescens anthonyi, 326
virescens frazari, 326
virescens virescens, 326
Cabanis, Jean, 10
Cacomistle, Yuma, 3 57
Cactus, 124, 133, 144, 201, 106
Giant, 124, 132, 133, 136
Cadulus, 3 92
fusiformis, 391
nitentior, 3 91
panamensis, 29
Caecum crebricinctum, 399
firmatum, 32
liratocinctum, 32
magnum, 399
Calidris canutus rufus, 331
Callianassa, 41 8
longimana, 383
Callinectes bellicosus, 38 3
Calliostoma, 344
angelenum, 19
canaliculatum, 344, 401
gemmulatum, 19. 401
gemmuloides, 1 9
gloriosum, 3 84, 401
marshalli, 19, 3 2
palmeri, 32
splendcns, 401
supragranosum, 401
tricolor, 401
turbinum, 342, 344
Callipepla squamata pallida, 125, 127,
128, 146
Callista callosa, 3 90
newcombiana, 390
subdiaphana, 3 90
Callistochiton, 32
infortunatus, 32
Calyptraea conica, 32
contorta, 384, 399, 400
fastigiata, 400
mamillaris, 32
mammillaris, 399, 400
Campbell, Berry, 128, 133, 137, 326, 330
Campephilus leucopterylus, 1 1
leucorhamphus, 10
lineatus leucopterylus, 1 1
Camptostoma imberbe ridgwayi, 137, 139
Cancellaria bullata, 3 84, 3 8 5, 3 95
candei, 308
cassidiformis, 30
cooperi, 3 95
crawfordiana, 3 95
funiculata, 30
obesa, 30
Cancer antennarius, 383, 384
anthonyi, 383
branneri, 383
gracilis, 3 83
productus, 383
Cantharus fortis, 385, 3 96
Capella gallinago delicata, 331
Caprimulgus vociferus arizonae, 134
vociferus vociferus, 134, 135
Cardiid, 119
Cardiidae, 1 1 9
Cardinal, 143
Cardita arfinis californica, 28
subquadrata, 3 88
Cardium (Papyridea) aspersum, 28
(Fragum) biangulatum, 28, "89
corbis, 120
(Laevicardium) elatum, 28, 389
(Laevicardium) elenensis, 28
(Trigonicardia) graniferum, 28
nuttallii, 1 19, 120
procerum, 38 5
(Bingicardium) procerum, 28
(Laevicardium) procerum, 3 89
(Laevicardium) quadragenarium,
389
(Lasaea) rubrum, 388
(Laevicardium) substriatum, 389
Carmody, Eileen, 178
Carpenter, P. P., 17, 308, 388, 393
Casmerodius albus egretta, 326
Cassis abbreviatus, 32
Index to Volume VIII
467
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus,
331
Caudisona Mitchellii, 15 1, 154
pyrrha, 15 1, 157
Cavolina occidcntalis, 3 92
Celemus tricuspida, 3 92
trispinosa, 3 84, 3 92
Cemophora, 189
Ceophloeus crythrops, 1 1
lineatus, 11,12
lineatus lcucoptcrylus, 1 1
lineatus obsoletus, 12
lineatus petersi, 1 1
lineatus scapularis, 12
mesorhynchus, 9, 10
Cerastoderma, 119, 120
Cerithidea californica, 344, 398
mazatlanica, 3 1
Cerithiopsis, 3 1
antefilosa, 3 98
antemunda, 3 84, 3 98
cosmia, 384, 398
halia, 384, 398
oxys, 3 84, 3 98
Cerithium, 3 1
incisum, 3 1
maculosum, 31
stercus-muscarum, 3 1
Chace, Fenner A., Jr., 413, 416
Chama buddiana, 28
echinata, 28
pellucida, 388
Cliaradrius hiaticula semipalmatus, 3 30
wilsonia beldingi, 3 30
Charitonetta albeola, 329
Chemnitzia, 402
Chen hyperborea, 328
hyperboreus, 111
rossii, 110, 112, 113
Ghendytes lawi, 382
Chenonetta, 1 10
Chetopterus variopedatus, 95
Chilomeniscus, 189
Chione fluctifraga, 28
gnidia, 340
mariae, 28
purpurascens, 28
succincta, 28
undatella, 389
Chironia, 388
suborbicularis laperousii, 3 88
Chiton, 344
virgulatus, 32
Chloephaga, 1 10
Chlorostoma aureotinctum, 400
gallina, 400
viridulum ligulatum, 400
Chorus belcheri, 3 97
Chrysodomus rectirostris, 3 96
tabulatus, 396
Ciconia, 457, 458, 459, 460
alba, 458, 459, 461
maltha, 457, 458, 459, 461
Ciconiformes, 45 7
Circulus annulatus, 32
tricirinatus, 32
Claravis mondetoura inca, 6
mondetoura mondetoura, 5, 6
mondetoura ochoterena, 7
mondetoura pulchra, 6
mondetoura salvini, 6, 7
mondetoura umbrina, 6
Clark, Alex, 382
Mrs. E. M., 393, 395, 399,403
Hubert Lyman, 367-374
W. B., 61, 62, 63, 369
Clathrodrillia alcestis, 30
callianira, 30
halcyonis, 3 93
halis, 3 0
pilsbryi, 23, 3 0
rosea, 30
thestia, 30
Clavus empyrosia, 3 94
(Cymatosyrinx) empyrosia, 394
(Cymatosyrinx) halocydne, 3 94
(Cymatosyrinx) hemphilli, 394
(Crassispira) montereyensis, 394
pallidus, 3 94
pembertoni, 22,23
Clementia, 3 90
subdiaphana, 390
Clidiophora punctata, 3 87
Clinocardium, 119, 120
blandum, 120
bulowi, 120
californiense, 120
ciliatum, 120
comoxense, 120
coosense, 120
decoratum, 120
fucanum, 120
meckianum, 120
nuttallii, 120
yakatagense, 120
Clymenella, 102
Cnemidophorus tessellatus, 168
468
San Diego Society of Natural History
Cobra, 188
King, 205
Cochran, Doris M., 178
Codakia chiquita, 2 8
distinguenda, 28
mexicana, 2 8
Colinus virginianus ridgwayi, 125
Columbella californiana, 396
carinata, 3 96
carinata californiana, 3 96
carinata hindsi, 396
fuscata, 30
gausapata, 396
major, 30
(Aesopus) oldroydi, 395
tuberosa, 3 97
Colymbus dominicus bangsi, 323, 324
dominicus brachypterus, 323, 324
nigricollis californicus, 324
Compsomyax subdiaphana, 3 90
Conant, R., 178
Connelly, Philip M., 3 82, 3 94
Mrs. Philip M., 382, 394
Conrad, T. A., 61, 120, 3 90
Conus californicus, 344, 3 93
interruptus, 29, 30
puncticulatus, 29
regularis, 29
Cook, Edna T., 382, 386, 389, 390, 392,
393, 398, 399, 401, 404
L. H., 178
Cooke, Jeannette M., 3 5, 42
Cooperella subdiaphana, 3 90
Coot, 32 9
Cope, E. D., 83, 15 1, 152, 154, 174, 177
Copperhead, 189
Broad-banded, 189
Eastern, 189
Coral, 345
Gorgonian, 436
Yellow Gorgonian, 296, 298
Corbula, 29
bicarinata, 29
(Lentidium) luteola, 391
marmorata, 29
nasuta, 29
Cormorant, 376
Brandt, 325
Farallon, 325
Coronado, Francisco Vasquez de, 448
Coronula regina, 38 3
Corvus cryptoleucus, 125, 13 9, 146
Cosmioconcha palmeri, 31
Cottonwood, 132, 133, 136, 137, 138, 140
Coues, Elliott, 151, 157
Cowbird, Bronzed, 143
Nevada, 143
Cowles, R. B., 178
Crab, Hermit, 294, 420
Crangonidae, 412, 414
Crassatellites gibbosus, 28
Crassinella branneri, 385, 387
varians, 29, 385, 387
Crassispira arsinoe, 394
bottae, 29
nigerrima, 29
nymphia, 29
pluto, 29
Crenella divaricata, 27
Crepidula, 344, 45 3
aculeata, 344
adunca, 344
arenosa, 32
dorsata, 3 99
excavata, 3 99
lingulata, 344, 399
navicelloides, 3 99
nivea, 32, 105, 294, 399
nummaria, 344, 399
nummaria glottidiarum, 399
onyx, 32, 344, 399
Crocethia alba, 332
Crocker, Templeton, 307
Croneis, Carey, 5 5
Crotalidae, 187, 188, 207
Crotalinus viridis, 194
Crotalus, 168, 169, 188, 190, 195, 216,
220, 222, 223, 225, 226, 227, 230,
231, 235, 237, 238, 239, 240
adamanteus, 169, 176, 190, 195,
197, 200, 205, 243, 252, 259,
276
americana,. 195
atrox, 77, 157, 162, 166, 167, 169,
174, 176, 190, 194, 195
barbouri, 276
basiliscus, 190, 200, 247, 249, 25 1,
258, 276
boiquira, 195
cascavella, 195
catenatus, 195, 196, 276
catesbaei, 195
cerastes, 166, 168, 171, 175, 176,
177, 192, 201, 204, 210, 230,
231, 255, 267, 276
cerberus, 196
Index to Volume VIII
469
cinereous, 190, 194, 195, 197, 198,
200, 201, 205, 209, 210, 215,
227, 230, 235, 236, 238, 239,
248, 252, 260, 274, 275, 276
collilineatus, 196
collirhombeatus, 196
concolor, 196, 276
confluentus, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83,
152, 153, 168, 169, 171, 172,
173, 174, 176, 194, 196
confluentus abyssus, 76, 77, 83, 86,
87, 173
confluentus concolor, 77, 8 3,86
confluentus confluentus, 76, 77, 78,
79, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,
88, 191,
confluentus lutosus, 76, 77, 83, 86,
152, 171, 172, 173, 175, 176,
177
confluentus mitchellii, 152, 154,
158
confluentus nuntius, 76, 78, 81,
82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88
confluentus oreganus, 76, 77, 81,
84, 85, 86, 87, 152, 154, 167,
168, 170, 171, 173, 176, 177
confluentus pyrrhus, 157
confluentus stephensi, 152, 153,
163
consors, 196
cumanensis, 196
cyanurus, 195, 196
decolor, 196
dryinas, 196
durissus, 171, 194, 195, 196, 197,
204, 205, 210, 215, 222, 227,
232
durissus durissus, 190, 197, 200,
233, 251, 257, 276
durissus terrificus, 190, 194, 195,
196, 233, 250, 251, 257, 276
edwardsii, 194, 195, 196
elegans, 196
enyo, 165, 167, 171, 190, 244,
245, 251, 258, 276
exalbidus, 196
exsul, 167, 191, 239, 252, 276
fasciatus, 196
goldmani, 157, 196
gronovii, 196
hallowelli, 196
helleri, 196
horridus, 195, 196, 245, 246, 247
horridus atricaudatus, 192, 195,
196, 247, 253, 268, 276
horridus horridus, 192, 200, 246,
247, 253, 268, 276
immaculatus, 196
intcrmedius, 196
jimenezii, 1 96
kcllyi, 196
kirtlandi, 196
lecontei, 194, 196
lepidus, 168, 197, 204, 234
lepidus klauberi, 192, 2 34, 2 54,
269, 276
lepidus lepidus, 192, 2 34, 2 5 4, 269,
276
loetlingii, 196
lucascnsis, 167, 176, 191, 197, 240,
252, 261, 276
lucifer, 196
lugubris, 196
melanurus, 196
messasaugus, 196
mexicana, 196
minor, 196
mitcheli, 1 54
mitchelli, 15 4, 157
mitchellii, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155,
156, 157, 162, 163, 165, 166,
167, 168, 169, 171, 172, 173,
174, 176, 177, 179, 233
mitchellii mitchellii, 150, 152, 153,
154, 155, 164, 166, 167, 168,
169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174,
172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177,
178, 181, 183, 191, 196, 198,
210, 235, 236, 244, 254, 266,
276
mitchellii pyrrhus, 150, 151, 152,
153, 155, 157, 158, 163, 164,
166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171,
172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177,
178, 181, 183, 191, 196, 198,
210, 235, 236, 244, 254, 266,
276
mitchellii stephensi, 150, 15 3, 154,
162, 163, 166, 167, 168, 169,
170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175,
176, 177, 183, 191, 201, 236,
244, 254, 266, 276
Crotalus mitchellii, the Speckled Rat-
tlesnake, 149-184
mitchillii, 154
molossus, 165, 167, 169, 176, 196,
245, 248
molossus molossus, 190, 200, 249,
255, 259, 276
molossus nigrescens, 190, 249, 25 5,
276
multimaculata, 196
mutus, 196
omiltemanus, 196
oreganus mitchelli, 154
orientalis, 196
470
San Diego Society of Natural History
200,
197
196,
198:
238,
239,
166,
167,
198,
200:
251,
262,
230, 255.
171,
192,
173,
210.
Crotalus ornatus, 196
pallidus, 196
palmeri, 197
piscivorus, 197
polystictus, 192, 196,
231, 232, 254, 276
pulverulentus, 83, 174,
pulvis, 197
pyrrhus, 157
rhombifer, 197
ruber, 167, 168, 191,
201, 208, 210, 216,
252, 261, 276
salvini, 197
scutulatus, 79, 157, 162.
171, 191, 196, 197,
201, 236, 237, 248,
276
simus, 197
sonoraensis, 197
stejnegeri, 192, 205, 226,
276
strepitans, 197
terrificus, 169
tesselatus, 197
tigris, 78, 152, 153, 162.
174, 175, 176, 177,
246, 254, 267, 276
tigris mitchellii, 154, 15
tigris tigris, 163
tortugensis, 190, 2 3 8,
276
triseriatus, 174, 196, 197
233, 235, 247
triseriatus pricei, 192,
270, 276
triseriatus triseriatus,
201, 247, 248, 255,
unicolor, 190, 197, 232,
276
viridis, 194, 195, 196,
222, 232, 240
viridis abyssus, 191, 199,
263, 276
viridis cerberus, 243
viridis concolor, 191,
242, 253, 264, 276
viridis lutosus, 191, 199,
253, 264, 276
viridis nuntius, 191, 199
263, 276
viridis oreganus, 191,
199, 201, 210, 241,
253, 265, 274, 276
viridis viridis 191, 199, 205, 209,
241, 242, 253, 262, 275, 276
252,
260,
, 201,
204,
248,
255,
192,
200,
, 270,
276
, 245,
250,
197,
198,
, 242,
253.
196,
199,
, 242,
243,
, 242,
253,
196,
197,
242,
243,
willardi, 192, 205, 231, 255, 271.
276
Crucibulum, 45 3
spinosum, 32, 105, 399, 453
Cryptoconus carpenterianus, 3 93
stearnsianus, 393
tremperianus, 3 93
tryonianus, 393
Cryptomya californica, 391
Cucumber, Sea, 103, 344
Cumingia lamellosa, 345
Curlew, Long-billed, 3 30
Cuspidaria didyma, 28
dulcis, 28
Cyathodonta dubiosa, 387
pedroana, 3 87
Cyclinella singleyi, 28
Cycloxanthops novemdentatus, 38 3
Cygninae, 109, 110
Cygnus columbianus, 110
Cylichna alba, 392
attonso, 3 92
diegensis, 392
propinqua, 3 92
Cymatium adairensis, 31
Cymatosyrinx aeolia, 3 94
hemphilli, 394
Cypraea annettae, 3 1
sowerbyi, 3 1
spadicea, 3 98
Cypraeolina pyriformis, 3 95
Cyrtonyx montezumae mearnsi, 128
Cytharella phaethusa, 30
D
Dafila acuta tzitzihoa, 328
Dall, W. H., 24, 26, 308, 310, 311, 313,
314, 315, 386, 389, 394, 402, 404
Dardanus arnoldi, 383
Davis, C. L., 178
Deer, 206
Delphinoidea coronadoensis, 3 8 5, 401
Dendraster, 3 83
Dendrochiton, 32
thamnophora, 32
Dendrocygna bicolor helva, 328
Dendrocygninae, 108, 109, 110
Dendroica erithachorides castaneiceps, 67,
68
erithachorides rhizaphorae, 67, 68
erithachorides xanthotera, 67, 68
Index to Volume VIII
471
Dentalium fisheri, 29
inversum, 29
neohexagonum, 391
numerosum, 29, 384, 385, 391
pseudohexagonum, 391
semipolitum, 391
splendidum, 29
Deppe, Ferdinand, 10, 361
Derby, Lord, 4
Description of a Race of Myiarchus
cinerascens from El Salvador, 115-
118
Descriptions of New Mammals from
Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, 349-
360
Deshayes, G. P., 36
Diadora aha, 3 2
aspera, 342, 344
inaequalis, 32
Dichromanassa rufescens dickeyi, 326
Dickey, Donald, 123, 328
Florence V. V., 67, 323, 349
Diplodonta orbella, 388
subquadrata, 28
Diplotaxis, 130, 131
Dipodomys, 168
Dissodactylus lockingtoni, 100, 101
nitidus, 101, 301
xantusi, 299, 303
Divaricella eburnea, 28
Dolphin, 382
Donax calif ornicus, 3 90
gouldii, 3 90
gracilis, 29
laevigata, 3 90
navicula, 29
stultorum, 390
Dosinia dunkeri, 28
ponderosa, 28, 31, 340
Dove, 5
Drillia hemphilli, 3 94
inermis, 3 93
inermis penicillata, 3 93
Dromidia larraburei, 383, 384
Dryobates arizonae arizonae, 136
villosus icastus, 1 3 6
Dryocopus scapularis, 10
Duck, 108, 109, 329, 382
Muscovy, 109
Ruddy, 329
Duncan, P. M., 369
Dunkeria, 402
Echinoderm, 381, 382, 383
Echinoid, 101, 301, 345
Egret, American, 326
Snowy, 326
Elaeocyma, 30
acapulcana, 2 3
aeolia, 30
aerope, 2 3
ianthe, 30
palmeri, 30
unimaculata, 30
Ellis, Arthur L., 338, 339, 340
Empidonax difficilis difficilis, 137
Encope, 101, 301
californica, 101
grandis, 101
micropora, 101
Endopachychilus, 316
Engina, 3 84
carbonaria, 396
strongi, 384, 396
Ensis, 3 84
californicus, 3 84, 3 91
Epitonium, 31, 344
(Nitidiscala) acrostephanum, 401
(Asperiscala) bellastriatum, 401
bialatum, 3 1
( Asperoscala) canna, 31
catalinensis, 401
clarki, 385
(Asperiscala) clarki, 401
(Nitidiscala) cooperi, 401
crenatoides, 3 1
crenimarginata, 3 1
fallaciosum, 401
hindsii, 401
(Nitidiscala) indianorum, 401
(Opalia) retiporosum, 401
sawinae, 3 84
(Nitidiscala) sawinae, 401
(Nitidiscala) tinctum, 344, 401
wroblcwski, 385
(Opalia) wroblewskyi, 401
Erato columbella, 398
vitellina, 384, 398
Freunetes mauri, 332
Frismatura jamaicensis rubida, 3 29
Erolia alpina sakhalina, 3 32
minutilla, 332
Erycina, 389
Etherington, T. J., 316
Ethusa scxdentata, 436
472
San Diego Society of Natural History
Euceramus, 412, 423
panatelus, 412, 423, 425, 426, 430
praelongus, 424, 426, 430
transversilineatus, 412, 426, 427
Fulima micans, 401
Eumeces skiltonianus, 168
Eupleura muriciformis, 31
triquetra, 3 1
Euxenura, 457, 458, 459
maguari, 458, 459, 461
Evans, C. L., 178
Exilia rectirostris, 396
Exilioidea rectirostris, 385, 396
Fabia, 412, 453
granti, 105 294, 299, 412, 435,
452
lowei, 45 3
subquadrata, 453
unguifalcula, 298, 303
Fairbanks, H. W., 49, 3 39
Falco anthracinus, 361
Fartulum occidentale, 3 84, 3 99
orcutti, 384, 399
Faustino, L. A., 316
Felaniella serricata, 28
Fer-de-lance, 189
Ficus decussatus, 32
Fisher, A. K., 70
Fissurella volcano, 344,401
volcano crucifera, 401
Fitzmorris, Thomas, 178
Flicker, 130
Flycatcher, 115, 138
Arizona Crested, 136, 137
Ash-throated, 137
Beardless, 137, 138
Olivaceous, 137
Western, 137
Formicidae, 1 30
Fossarus fenestrata, 399
Fowler, H. W., 178
Frazar, M. A., 12, 323
Fregata magnificens, 325
magnificens rothschildi, 32 5
Florida caerulea caerulescens, 326
Forreria belcheri, 397
Fulica americana americana, 329
Fuller, Bertha M., 382, 387
Fusinus, 26, 315, 344
ambustus, 25,26
arnoldi, 395
barbarensis, 3 95
cinereus, 26
cinereus coronadoensis, 26
cinereus sonoraensis, 26
dupetithouarsi, 30
felipensis, 2 5, 30
fredbakeri, 24
hertleini, 2 5
hertleini albescens, 2 5
hertleini bruneocincta, 2 5
kobelti, 395
kobelti monksae, 344
luteopictus, 25, 396
monksae, 395
porticus, 314, 315
taylorianus, 26
traski, 395
Fusus, 26
barbarensis, 395
cinereus, 26
robustus, 3 95
rugosus, 3 95
Gabb, W. M., 388
Gadinia, 344
reticulata, 344
Gaige, Mrs. H. T., 178
Galatheidae, 296, 298
Gale, Hoyt Rodney, 388, 340, 341, 377,
386, 387, 388, 393, 394, 395
Galeodes patula, 3 0
Galerus mammillaris, 399
Gander, Frank, 375
Gannet, 382, 383
Gari edentula, 391
Gastropod, 338, 342, 344, 345, 384
Gavia arctica pacifica, 323
Gelochelidon nilotica vanrossemi, 33 3
Geophloeus Iineatus, 1 1
Geothlypis trichas chryseola, 125, 142
trichas scirpicola, 142
Gibbula, 24
americana, 24
Gidley, J. W., Ill
Gigantella, 5 1
Githens, Thomas, 169, 176
Glans carpenteri, 345, 387
minuscula, 388
Glassell, Steve A., 13-14, 91-106, 277-304,
372, 382, 383, 411-454
Index to Volume VIII
473
Glaucidium brasilianum ridgwayi, 132
minutissimum, 132
minutissimum californicum, 131,
132
minutissimum cobanense, 132
minutissimum gnoma, 131, 132
minutissimum grinnelli, 131, 132
minutissimum griseiceps, 132
minutissimum minutissimum, 132
minutissimum pinicola, 131, 132
minutissimum swarthi, 132
Glottidia, 3 99
Gloyd, H. K., 178, 195
Glycimeris gigantea, 27
maculata, 27, 29, 3 2
multicostata, 27
Glycymeris barbarensis, 386
corteziana, 3 86
septentrionalis, 386
subobsoleta, 3 86
Glyphostoma adria, 30
Glyptoxanthus meandricus, 105
Goat, 206
Goby, Blind, 416
Godman, F. D., 6,115
Godwit, 330
Goldfinch, 168
Goldman, E. A., 2, 157, 3 54, 3 5 6, 409
Goneplacidae, 96, 412, 445
Goose, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111
Brea Pigmy, 1 1 1
Pigmy, 109, 110, 111
Gopher, 202, 204
Comobabi Pocket, 3 54
Gila Bend Pocket, 3 54
Growler Valley Pocket, 35 3
Punta Penascosa Pocket, 1
Gordon, Isabella, 279
Gorsuch, David, 12 3, 136
Goshawk, 126
American, 126
Grant, Chapman, 178
U. S., 15, 20, 40, 63, 307, 338,
340, 341, 342, 375, 377, 382,
383, 386, 387, 388, 390, 393,
394, 395
Grass, Eel, 95, 344
Gray, John E., 369
Greasewood, 124
Grebe, Least, 324
Western, 324
Gregariella denticulata, 27
Grimthides, 5 1, 5 3, 5 5
acanthiceps, 52
conwayensis, 5 3, 54, 5 5, 5 6
Griffithides conwayensis, a New Name
for a Trilobite Species from the
Atoka Formation of Arkansas, 5 3-
58
Iongiceps, 5 1,53
nosoniensis, 5 1, 5 2, 5 6
olsoni, 54
ornata, 5 3,55
ornatus, 54
parvulus, 5 5
scitula, 54, 5 5
Grinnell, Joseph, 70, 126, 129, 163, 178,
356
Griscom, Ludlow, 5, 6, 115, 116, 13 2,
334, 407
Gryllus assimilis, 130, 131
Guara alba, 327
Gull, 376
California, 333
Herring, 376
Laughing, 3 33
Ring-billed, 332
Gyraulus, 382
vermicularis, 404
H
Hachisuka, The Marquess, 321-336, 361-
362, 407-408
Haliotis, 37
corrugata, 344
cracherodii, 344, 401
rufescens, 344
Halistylus pupoideus, 400
subpupoideus, 400
Hall, E. Raymond, 349
Hallowell, E., 194
Halocyptena microsoma, 32?
Haminea virescens, 2 9
Haminoea vesicula, 3 93
virescens, 344
Hand, Frank, 126
Handley, A. N., 178
Hanetia pallida, 30
Hanna, G. Dallas, 307, 316
Marcus A., 3 39
Hannibal, H., 369
Hannum, Robert, 407, 408
Harris, Wray, 3 5, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41
Harter, Samuel George, 35 1
474
San Diego Society of Natural History
Hawk, 127, 206
Black, 362
Harris, 127
Mexican Black, 361
Western Cooper, 127
Zone-tailed, 127
Hedley, C, 3 9
Heermansonn, A. N., 388
Heine, F., 10
Heliacus radiatus, 32
Helisoma, 3 82
trivolvis, 404
Hellmayr, C, 115
Hemitonia hermosa, 24
Henne, Christopher, 69
Hepatus lineatus, 3 83
Heron, Black-crowned Night, 327
Great Blue, 32 5
Green, 326
Herre, A. W., 178
Hertlein, Leo G., 26, 307, 3 3S
Hesperiphona vespertina brooksi, 144
vespertina californica, 143, 144
vespertina montana, 143
Heterocnus cabanisi, 327
Heterocrypta occidentalis, 383
Heterodonax bimaculatus, 29
Heteroscelus incanus, 331
Hexapodinae, 448
Hexapus, 412
sexpes, 446
williamsi, 412, 445, 447
Hill, H. R., 178, 382, 383
Himantopus himantopus mexicanus, 3 32
Hinds, R. B., 308, 309, 311, 313, 315
Hinnites giganteus, 386
multirugosus, 345
Hipponix antiquatus cranioides, 399
tumens, 3 99
Hipponyx, 344
antiquatus, 344
barbatus, 32
serratus, 3 2
tumens, 344
Hoard, Robert, 178, 3 63
Hoffmann, Ralph, 9, 10
Holman, John T., 3 68
Homalopoma, 24
carpenteri, 34 5, 400
concepcionensis, 24
Homoriscus, 412, 414
macginitiei, 412, 414, 415
portoricensis, 416
Howard, Hildegarde, 382, 383
Huey, Laurence M., 1-2, 73-74, 329, 349-
360, 409-410
Huffman, Earl C, 103
Hummingbird, 407, 408
Rivoli, 131
Rufous, 135
Humphrey, R. R., 178
LI) ;.lina (Hyalina) californica, 345
(Cystiscus) jewettii, 345
(Cypraeolina) pyriformis, 395
Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis, 327
Hydroprogne caspia imperator, 3 33
Hylocichla guttata polionota, 141, 142
I
Ibis, White, 327
Wood, 3 27
Irus lamellifcr, 345
Ischnochiton, 345
acrior, 32
clathratus, 32
(Stenoplax) limaciformis, 32
sanctaemonicae, 3 8 5, 404
Iselica fenestrata, 3 99
Isopod, 298
Ividella, 22
Jabiru, 45 9
Jackley, A. M., 20 5
Jackson, Dudley, 215
Jay, Arizona, 140
K
Keen, A. Myra, 119-120
Kelletia (Kelletia) kelletii, 396
Kellia, 3 88
suborbicularis laperousii, 345, 388
Kelp, 344, 400
Kennicott, R., 152
Kew, W. S. W., 61, 62, 63
Kimball, H. H., 126
Kirk, William A., 431
Klauber, Laurence M., 75-90, 149-184,
185-276, 363-366
P. M., 178
Kobler, L. C, 178, 226
Kuns, G. W., 178
Index to Volume VIII
475
Lachesis, 188
muta, 190
Lacuna, 345
unifasciata, 345, 399
Laevicardium, 120
Lamb, Chester, 178, 181, 323, 324, 325,
326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 332, 333
Lambdophallus, 448
Lambert, J., 370
Lamellaria diegensis, 32
Lampropeltis, 189
Lark, Horned, 139
Scorched Horned, 139
Larus atricilla, 333
californicus, 333
delawarensis, 3 32
Philadelphia, 333
Latirus lugubris, 30
Lazaria subquadrata, 3 87
LeConte, John L., 194
Leda impar, 27
leviradius, 27
(Adrana) penascoensis, 18, 27
taphria, 3 86
Lee, Charles H., 338, 339, 340
Lepidopa, 423
Lepidopleurus ambustus, 404
heathi, 404
nexus, 3 84, 404
Lepidoptera, 130
Leptodeira, 189
Leptopecten latiauratus, 345
Leptoptilus, 45 8
Leptothyra carpenteri, 400
concepcionensus, 3 2
Leslie, Elizabeth, 178
Lettuce, 344
Leucophoyx thula brewsteri, 326, 327
thula thula, 327
Leucosidae, 95
Lewis, Fred O., 178, 287, 288, 289, 413,
431, 445, 446, 448, 452
Lichenopora radiata, 3 83
Lichtenstein, H., 10, 361
Lima dehiscens, 387
orbignyi, 27
pacinca, 27
Limnodromus griseus scolopaceus, 3 3 1
Limosa fedoa, 3 30
Lindsay, George, 363
Linsdale, J., 178
Liotia, 24
carinata, 32
Lithophaga, 17
abbotti, 17
aristata, 17
attenuata, 17, 98
plumula, 387
Lithophagus aristata, 27
attenuata, 27
Littorina scutulata, 345, 399
Lizard, 168, 189, 204
Lloyd, \V., 126
Lobipes lobatus, 3 32
Lockington, W. N., 101, 104, 279, 426,
430, 438, 440
Loon, 375
Pacific, 323
Lophopanopcus bellus, 105
diegensis, 3 83
frontalis, 383
Lophortyx gambelii gambelii, 128
Lora, 395
fidicula, 385, 393
viridula, 393
Lovenia cardiformis, 3 83
Loveridge, A., 178
Lowe, Herbert N., 15-34, 305-320, 392,
451, 452
Loxorhynchus grandis, 383
Lucina californica, 345
(Myrtea) californica, 388
(Here) excavata, 388
(Myrtea) nuttallii, 388
tenuisculpta, 388
( Myrtea) tenuisculpta approxi-
mata, 388
Luidia Columbia, 431
Lunda, 376
cirrhata, 376
I.unz, G. Robert, Jr., 413, 42 6
Lyonsia, 28
inflata, 28
M
MacGinitic, George E., 41 3, 414, 416, 41 8,
419
Macoma indentata, 28, 390
indentata tenuirostris, 390
nasuta, 390
(Cymatoica) occidentalis, 28
476
San Diego Society of Natural History
Macoma panamcnsis, 28
secta, 3 90
(Cymatoica) undulata, 2 8
yoldiformis, 390
Macrocallista squalida, 2 8
Macron lividus, 345
Mactra californica, 29
(Mactra) californica, 391
(Spisula) catilliformis, 391
dolabriformis, 29
exoleta, 391
falcata, 391
(Spisula) hemphilli, 391
pallida, 385
(Mulinia) pallida modesta, 391
(Spisula) planulata, 391
Majidae, 105, 434
Mamba, 188
Mancalla californiensis, 375, 376
Mangelia angulata, 394
antipyrgus, 3 0
arteaga roperi, 30
(Bela) arteaga roperi, 395
barbarensis, 394
beta, 3 94
cetolaca, 385, 395
(Bela) cetolaca, 395
cymatias, 30
(Mitromorpha) filosa, 34 5
(Mitromorpha) gracilior, 345
hecetae, 394, 395
(Mangelia) hexagona, 394
(Mangelia) merita, 3 94
oenoa, 394
perattenuata, 395
pulchrior, 394
(Bela) variegata, 394, 395
Mangilia, 313
branneri, 394
dejanira, 312, 313
oldroydi, 395
sculpturata, 395
Mangrove, 68, 100
Manzanita, 1 3 5
Marcia subdiaphana, 3 90
Mareca americana, 328
Margarites (Lirularia) optabilis, 401
optabilis acuticostatus, 401
optabilis knechti, 401
optabilis nodosa, 401
Marginella californica, 30
Marl, 339, 346
Pleistocene, 346
Marsh, J. C, 382, 398, 399
Marshall, W. H., 19
William B., 63
Martin, Purple, 140
Martyn, Thomas, 120
Massasauga, 195
Eastern, 193, 273
Western, 193, 194, 195,273
Mawe, John, 3 90
Meadowlark, 142
Mearns, E. A., 123, 124, 125, 126, 352,
353
Meek, F. B., 54
Megasurcula carpenteriana, 393
remondii, 3 93
Meise, Wilhelm, 1 1
Melampus, 3 82
olivaceous, 3 93
Melanella, 402
mexicana, 3 1
micans, 401
oldroydi, 402
rutila, 31, 345, 402
Melanellid, 3 82
Melanitta perspicillata, 329
Melina (Pedalion) anomioides, 27
(Pedalion) chemnitziana, 27
(Pedalion) janus, 27
Meling, Ada, 178
Melipotis, 130
indomita, 1 30
Mellita, 301
longifissa, 101
Merganser, American, 129
Mergus merganser americanus, 329
serrator, 329
Merovia pyriformis, 395
Merriam, C. H., 352
Mesorhoea idae, 3 83
Mesquite, 124, 133, 134, 135, 137, 138,
143, 144
Metis alta, 3 90
excavata, 28
Micranellum crebricinctum, 399
pedroense, 399
Micropallas whitneyi whitneyi, 132
Micruroides euryxanthus, 189
Micrurus, 189
fulvius barbouri, 189
fulvius fulvius, 1 88
Index to Volume VIII
477
Miller, Loyc Holmes, 107, 111, 126, 128,
129, 134, 138, 142, 375-378, 382,
455-462
Milne Edwards, A., 104
Minyocerus, 296, 412, 430, 434
angustus, 43 1
kirki, 412, 429, 430, 431
Mistletoe, 133, 138
Mitchell, S. Weir, 1 5 1
Mithrax, 434
Mitra attenuata, 30
catalinac, 395
dolorosa, 30
fultoni, 38 5, 3 95
idae, 342, 345, 395
maura, 395
Mitrella carinata, 3 96, 3 97
carinata gausapata, 345, 396, 397
diminuta, 30
granti, 20
ocellata guttata, 30
tuberosa, 3 97
Moccasin, 188, 189, 190
Water, 189
Modiolus braziliensis, 27
capax, 27, 100. 387
flabellatus, 3 87
guyanensis, 27
modiolus, 387
Molothrus ater artemisiae, 143
Moniliopsis cancellata, 3 94
incisa, 393, 394
incisa fancherae, 393, 394
incisa ophioderma, 393, 394
rhines, 394
Monoceros engonatum, 3 97
Montacuta, 389
Moore, Robert T., 12, 123, 139, 144
Mopalia acuta, 404
Moriera, Carlos, 431
Moris, 3 82
reyana, 383
Mormula, 402, 404
Mortensen, T., 369
Mouse, 168, 202, 204
Kino Silky Pocket, 73
Pima Silky Pocket, 35 5
Porto Libertad Rock Pocket, 355
Muller, Fritz, 43 1
S. W., 49, 51, 52
Murex carpenteri, 397
elenensis, 3 1
festivus, 397
gemma, 3 97
leeanus, 3 97
petri, 3 97
plicatus, 3 1
santarosana, 3 97
senticosus, 307
squamulatus, 20
Muricopsis erynaceoidcs, 31
Muskrat, 409
Virgin Valley, 409
Mussel, 100
Mya suborbicularis, 3 88
MvctL-ria, 45 8, 45 9
americana, 327, 458, 459
Myiarclius cinerascens, 116
cinerascens cinerascens, 115, 116
cinerascens flavidior, 116, 117
crinitus, 1 1 6
inquietus, 115, 116
nuttingi, 115, 116
tuberculifer olivascens, 1 37
tyrannulus magistcr, 136
Mytilus adamsianus, 27, 384
(Mytilus) adamsianus, 387
(Mytilus) californianus, 345, 387
multiformis, 27
N
Nassa, 308
angulicostis, 3 0
californiana, 3 96
cerritensis, 3 96
chelialisensis, 3 1 6
fossata, 3 96
insculpta, 396
iodes, 30
leucops, 30
mendica cooperi, 3 96
pagoda, 30
pallida, 315
perpinguis, 396
tegula, 396
tiarula, 30
versicolor, 30
versicolor striatula, 30
Nassarius, 3 16
californianus, 396
(Schizopyga) californianus, 3 96
cerritensis, 38 5
(Schizopyga) cerritensis, 396
(Schizopyga) fossatus, 3 96
(Schizopyga) insculptus, 396
mendicus cooperi, 3 96
(Schizopyga) mendicus cooperi,
345, 396
perpinguis, 3 1 6
478
San Diego Society of Natural History
Nassarius (Schizopyga) perpinguis, 396
(Schizopyga) perpinguis, 396
(Zeuxis) tegula, 396
Natica marochiensis, 32
Natrix, 189
Nelson, E. W., 2, 131, 157
Neosimnia catalinensis, 398
Neotoma lepida, 349, 359, 350
lepida aureotunicata, 349, 3 50
lepida auripila, 349, 3 5 0, 351
lepida bensoni, 3 50
lepida devia, 3 51
lepida flava, 349, 3 5 0, 35 1
lepida harteri, 3 5 1, 3 52
Neptunea tabulata, 385
(Sulcosipho) tabulata, 396
Nerita bernhardi, 32
scabricosta, 3 2
Neritina picta, 32
Nettion crecca carolinense, 32 8
New and Obscure Decapod Crustacea
from the West American Coasts,
411-454
New Marine Mollusca from West
Mexico, Together with a List of
Shells Collected at Punta Pefiasco,
Sonora, Mexico, 15-34
New or Little Known Crabs from the
Pacific Coast of Northern Mexico,
91-106
New Porcellanids and Pinnotherids
from Tropical North American
Waters, 277-304
New Species of Mollusks of the Genus
Triphora, 3 5-46
New Trilobite Species from the An-
throcolithic of Northern Califor-
nia, 47-52
Niso excolpa, 3 1
Nobili, G.. 442
Noble, G. K., 178
Noctuidae, 130, 131
Nonion schencki, 63
Norrisia norrisi, 400
norrisii, 345
Notes on Birds in Relation to the
Faunal Areas of South-Central Ari-
zona, 121-148
Notes on Some Races of Ceophloeus
lineatus (Linnaeus), 9-12
Notes on the Races of Claravis mon-
detoura, 5 -8
Notharchus hyperrhynchus cryptoleucus,
3, 4
hyperrhynchus dysoni, 3, 4
Nucula declivis, 27
(Nucula) exigua, 386
suprastriata, 386
Nuculana taphria, 386
Numenius americanus americanus, 3 30
hudsonicus, 330
Nuttallina, 32
Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti, 3 27
Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli, 327
Nyroca aflinis, 329
americana, 328
o
Oak, 127, 129, 130, 131, 133, 134, 135,
136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 146,
167
Blue, 131
Live, 133
Oberholser, Harry C, 129
Oca, Rafael Montes de, 7
Oceanodroma melania melania, 325
Ochoterena, Isaac, 7
Ocinebra foveolata, 3 97
interfossa, 3 97
perita, 3 97
poulsoni, 3 97
Odostomia, 404
convexa, 3 1
donilla, 3 84
(Evalea) donilla, 404
effusa, 3 1
eugena, 3 84
(Chrysallida) eugena, 404
gabrielensis, 31
helena, 3 84
(Amaura) helena, 404
nemo, 3 84
(Evalea) nemo, 404
pedroana, 22
(Evalea) phanea, 404
telescopium, 3 1
Oldroyd, Ida S., 3 86
Tom, 342
Oliva angulata, 30
incrassata, 3 0
polpasta, 30
Olivella baetica, 395
biplicata, 345, 395
dama, 3 0
gracilis, 30
zonata, 30
Index to Volume VIII
479
Ondatra zibethica, 409
zibethica bernardi, 409, 410
zibethica goldmani, 409, 410
zibethica mergens, 409, 410
zibethica pallida, 409, 410
Opalia borealis, 401
Opisthopus transversus, 105
Orbigny, Alcide d', 3 69
Orthochela, 296
pumila, 296, 303
Osgood, W. H., 3 56
Ostrea amara, 100
chilensis, 27
cumingiana, 100
dalli, 27
lurida, 345, 386
palmula, 27, 386
serra, 27
titan corrugata, 63
Otocoris alpestris adusta, 125, 13 9, 146
alpestris leucansiptila, '39
Otus asio, 1 29
asio cardonensis, 129
asio cineraceus, 128, 121)
asio gilmani, 129
flammeolus, 130
trichopsis trichopsis, 129
Owl, 130, 133, 135, 206
Elf, 132, 133
Flammulated Screech, 150
Long-eared, 134
Mexican Screech, 133
Pigmy, 131, 132
Screech, 128, 129
Spotted, 13 3, 134
Spotted Screech, 129, 130, 133
Oyster, 100
Ozius agassizii, 104
tenuidactylos, 104
Pachycheles, 412, 413, 442, 444
biocellatus, 444
holosericus, 105, 444
marcortezensis, 290, 444
pubescens, 10 5, 291, 444
rudis, 444
rugimanus, 291
setimanus, 292, 444
sonorensis, 291, 444
tuberculipes, 437, 440
Pagurid, 293, 294
Paguridae, 412, 419, 422
Paguristes, 412
anahuacus, 412, 421
aztatlancnsis, 422
digueti, 420, 421
sanguinimanus, 412, 419, 421
spinipes, 422
Paleontology of the Pleistocene of
Point Loma, San Diego County,
California, 3 37-348
Pandora claviculata, 28
punctata, 387
Panope (Panope) generosa, 391
Panopea generosa, 391
Panoplax depressa, 97
mundata, 96
I'aphia grata, 28, 105
staminea, 3 89
tenerrima, 3 89
Parametaria dupontii, 3 0
Paraster, 369
gibberulus, 369
Pecten (Aequipecten) bellilamellatus, 345
cataractes, 3 87
circularis, 27
(Aequipecten) circularis, 345, 387
circularis aequisulcatus, 3 87
dentatus, 3 87
estrellanus, 63
excavatus, 3 87
giganteus, 386
hastatus, 387
heimi, 3 87
hericeus, 385
(Chlamys) hericeus, 3 97
(Aequipecten) latiauritus, 387
(Hinnites) multirugosus, 386
(Pecten) stearnsii diegensis, 387
vogdesi, 38 5
(Pecten) vogdesi, 387
Pectricola carditoides, 345
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 32 5
Pelecypod, 119, 345, 384
Pemberton, J. R., 1 5, 23, 103, 178
Periaster, 369
cubensis, 369
Periploma argentaria, 3 87
planiuscula, 387
Perkins, C. B., 178
C. M., 178
Perognathus bombycinus, 3 56
intermedius intermedius, 355
intermedius lithophilus, 355
intermedius phasma, 35 5
longimembris, 73, 74, 356
longimembris arizonensis, 3 56
480
San Diego Society of Natural History
Perognathus longimembris bangsi, 3 56
longimembris bombycinus, 73, 74,
355, 356
longimembris kinoensis, 73, 74,
356
longimembris pacificus, 73, 74
longimembris panamintinus, 356
longimembris pimensis, 3 5 5, 3 5 6,
3 57
Peters, J. L., 3, 9, 10, 11, 127,407
Peterson, Anker, 93, 279, 413
Petricola calif orniensis, 3 90
carditoides, 390
denticulata, 28, 390
robusta, 28
tellimyalis, 384, 390
Petrochirus californiensis, 293, 294
Petrolisthes, 285, 286, 293, 412, 413, 437,
442
armatus, 444
cinctipes, 443
crenulatus, 285, 286, 444
edwardsii, 443
eriomerus, 443
gracilis, 280, 285, 443
hirtipes, 284, 443
hirtispinosus, 282, 444
nigrunguiculatus, 282, 284, 443
polymitus, 443
quadratus, 289
rathbunae, 443
sanfelipensis, 281, 443
schmitti, 280, 444
sinuimanus, 438, 440
(Pisosoma) sinuimanus, 437
tiburonensis, 284, 28 5, 444
Phacoides approximatus, 388
californicus, 388
cancellaris, 28
(Cavilucina) lamprus, 28
leucocyma, 17
(Pleurolucina) leucocymoides, 17
mazatlanicus, 28
nuttallii, 388
nuttallii centrifugus, 28
richthofeni, 388
undatus, 17
Phaethon aethereus mesonauta, 32 5
Phalacrocorax auritus albociliatus, 32 5
penicillatus, 325
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii hueyi, 135
nuttallii nuttallii, 125, 135
Phalarope, Northern, 3 32
Phasianella compta, 400
pulloidea, 400
pembertoni, 102
pulloides, 400
substriata, 400
Philacte canagica, 110
Philbertia amyela, 395
phylira, 395
Phillipsia, 5 3, 5 5
ornata, 5 3,55
(Brachymetopus) ornata, 5 3
(Griffithides) ornata, 5 3, 5 5
(Griffithides) ornatus, 5 3
(Griffithides) scitula, 5 5
Pholadidea (Pholadidea) penita, 391
Pholas gabbi, 391
pilsbryi, 391
Phos, 307, 308, 312, 315, 316
alternatus, 314, 318
articulatus, 309, 311, 313, 318
beaui, 3 1 1
biplicatus, 314, 315
blakianus, 316
chelonia, 310, 318
cocosensis, 310, 311, 316, 318
crassus, 308, 311, 318
cumingii, 316
dumbleana, 316
f usoides, 3 1 1
gaudens, 312, 316, 318
martini, 3 16
mexicanus, 3 1, 3 12, 3 13, 3 16, 3 18
minusculus, 313, 318
notatus, 3 16
pallidus, 3 16
roseatus, 310
turritus, 309
varicosus, 310
veraguensis, 31, 308, 3 14, 315, 31!
Pliyllonotus bicolor, 31
nigritus, 3 1, 294
Picus scapularis, 11, 12
similis, 9, 10, 12
Pig, 206
Pilsbry, H. A., 24, 312, 391, 392, 393
Pilumnus limosus, 105
Pine, 13 0, 13 3, 136
Pinna maura, 27
rugosa, 27
Pinnixa, 13, 102, 448
abbotti, 1 3
barnharti, 103
felipensis, 14
floridana. 13, 102
f usca, 1 3
huffmani, 103
longipes, 13, 105
occidentalis, 105
Index to Volume VIII
481
plectrophoros, 102
retinens, 102
richardsoni, 301, 303
transversalis, 102, 105
valerii, 302
Pinnotheres, 412, 451
angelica, 99
angelicus, 99
clavapedatus, 97
concharum, 45 3
lithodomi, 98
orcutti, 412, 451
reticulatus, 105
Pinnotherid, 279, 294
Pinnotheridae, 13, 97, 105, 298, 412, 446
Pinnotherlinae, 446
Pintail, 328
Pipilo crissalis, 69, 70
crissalis senicula, 70
fuscus carolae, 69, 70, 71
fuscus crissalis, 70, 71
fuscus eremophilus, 70, 71
fuscus mesoleucus, 70, 125, 144
Pisania fortis, 3 96
Pisosoma curacaoensis, 28 8
erosa, 289
lewisi, 287, 288
sinuimanus, 287, 290
sniithi, 286
Pisonella, 412, 413, 436, 437
erosa, 412, 437, 442
sinuimanus, 412, 437, 439, 441
smithi, 412, 437, 442
tuberculipes, 412, 437, 439, 440
Pisosoma, 413, 437
erosa, 437, 442
pisum, 437
sinuimanus, 437, 438
smithi, 437, 442
Pitar concinna, 28
newcombiana, 28
newcombianus, 3 90
Pitaria newcombiana, 3 90
Pituophis, 199
Platydon cancellatus, 345
Plautus, 376
impennis, 376
Pleurotoma carpenteriana, 3 93
(Clathurella) dumblei, 316
echinata, 2 3
gibbosa, 23
perversa, 3 93
tryoniana, 393
unimaculata, 23
Pliolunda, 376, 377
diegense, 376, 377
Plover, Belding, 3 30
Black-bellied, 329
Pododesmus macroschisma, 345, 387
Polinices, 400
(Neverita) altus, 400
bifasciatus, 32
(Euspira) lewisii, 400
(Neverita) reclusianus, 400
recluzianus, 32
uber, 32
Polyonyx, 93, 442
nitidus, 95
quadriungulatus, 93
tuberculipes, 437, 440
Pomaulax undosus, 400
Pomel, M. A., 3 69
Poor-will, 130, 13 3, 135
Popenoe, W. P., 3 37, 3 3 8, 346
Porcellana, 412, 437
angusta, 296
cancrisocialis, 292
magdalenensis, 295, 412, 43 1, 433
paguriconviva, 293
sayana, 293, 294
serratifrons, 296
stellicola, 431
transversilineata, 426
Porcellanid, 279, 286, 294
Porcellanidae, 93, 105, 280, 412, 423
Porpoise, 3 82
Porter, George D., 3 5, 42
Portunidae, 105
Portunus xantusii, 3 83
(Portunus) xantusii, 105
Porzana Carolina, 329
Powys, L. W., 308, 315, 316
Prairie Dog, 204
Price, W. W., 3 24
Proetus, 49
bairdensis, 49, 5 0, 5 1, 5 6
cuvieri, 49
ellipticus, 49, 50
Progne subis hesperia, 140
Psammobia edentula, 391
Psammosolen guaymasensis, 18, 29
Pscphidia lordi ovalis, 345
P^ephis tantilla, 3 90
Pseudochama exogyra, 345
482
San Diego Society of Natural History
Pseudomelatoma penicillata semiinflata,
385
Pteria peruviana, 27
PufT-bird, Dyson's, 3
Puffin, 376, 377
Puffinus griseus, 324
Pugettia producta, 105, 3 83
richii, 383
Purpura carpenteri, 3 84
(Pteropurpura) carpenteri, 3 97
(Jaton) f estiva, 397
gemma, 384
(Jaton) gemma, 397
leeana, 3 85
(Centrifuga) leeana, 3 97
petri, 3 84
(Pteropurpura) petri, 3 97
santarosana, 3 84
(Jaton) santarosana, 397
saxicola, 3 97
Pyramidella bicolor, 31
(Triptychus) hermosa, 22
mazatlanica, 3 1
Pyramidellid, 3 82
Pyrgisculus, 402
Pyrgiscus, 402, 40 3
Pyrgolampros, 402
Pyromaia tuberculata, 383
Quail, 128
Gambel, 127
Mearns, 128
Scaled, 127, 128
Quayle, Ernest H., 16, 22, 95, 96
Querquedula cyanoptera, 328
R
Rabbit, 204
Racer, 206
Rafinesque, C. S., 194, 195
Randallia ornata, 383
Ranella californica, 398
oregonensis, 3 85
(Priene) oregonensis, 398
Rat, 168, 202, 204
Gila Bend Desert Wood, 35 1
Punta Penascosa Desert Wood, 349
Rathbun, Mary J., 93, 99, 279, 452
Rattlesnake, Arizona Prairie, 78, 191, 263
Arizona Spotted, 192, 270
Aruba Island, 190
Bleached, 154
Canebrake, 192, 268
Carolina Ground, 192, 271
Cedros Island Diamond, 191
Central American, 190, 2 57
Eastern Diamond, 190, 205, 259
Eastern Rock, 192, 269
Faded, 154
Grand Canyon, 191, 263
Granite, 162
Great Basin, 191, 264
Green Rock, 192, 269
Ground, 188
Horned, 192, 267
Long-tailed, 192
Lower California, 190, 25 8
Mexican Ground, 192
Mexican Lance-headed, 192
Mexican Spotted, 192, 270
Mexican West Coast, 190, 25 8
Midget Faded, 191, 264
Mohave, 191, 262
Northern Black-tailed, 190, 259
Pacific, 191, 265, 274
Panamint, 162, 183, 191, 266
Prairie, 77, 86, 191, 195, 262, 275
Red Diamond, 191, 261
Ridge-nosed, 192, 271
San Lucan Diamond, 191, 261
San Lucan Speckled, 154, 181, 191,
265
South American, 190, 250, 257
Southeastern Ground, 192, 272
Southern Black-tailed, 190
Southwestern Speckled, 15 7, 181,
183, 191, 266
Speckled, 154, 155
Tiger, 192, 267
Timber, 192, 195, 268
Tortuga Island Diamond, 190, 260
Western Diamond, 190, 194, 260,
274
Western Ground, 193, 272
White, 154, 162
Raven, 139, 206
White-necked, 139
Ray, 38 3
Recluz, M. C, 3 88
Recurvirostra americana, 3 32
Reeve, L. A., 26, 308, 315, 316
Reichenbach, H. G. L., 1 1
Reinhart, P. W., 17
Retusa, 3 92
carinata, 385
(Acteocina) carinata, 392
(Acteocina) culcitella, 345, 392
Index to Volume VIII
483
gonzagcnsis, 29
(Actcocina) inculta, 392
paziana, 29
Revision of Some California Species of
Astrodapsis, 5 9-66
Rhinochcilus, 189
Rich, W. H., 178
Richards, George L., Jr., 5 9-66
Richardson, Frank, 301, 302
W. B., 127
Richmondena cardinalis superba, 143
Ridgway, John L., 107
Robert, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 70, 115,
135, 355, 365
Rissoella, 3 84, 3 98
californica, 398
Rissoina barthelowi, 32
kelseyi, 399
mexicana, 32
pleistocena, 385, 3 99
Robin, 136, 141
Rochefortia aleutica, 3 88
pedroana, 3 88
reyana, 384, 385, 388
Rogers, Frank L., 372
Ross, Roland Case, 107-114
Rynchops nigra nigra, 3 34
nigra oblita, 3 34
Sr.huaro, 143
Salvadori, T., 5
Salvin, C, 6,115
Sanderling, 3 32
Sandpiper, Least, 3 32
Red -backed, 3 32
Solitary, 3 30
Spotted, 331
Western, 3 32
Sandstone, Santa Margarita, 63
Saucerottia, 407, 408
beryllina, 407
florenceae, 408
ocai, 407, 408
sumichrasti, 407, 408
viola, 407
Saxicava arctica, 345, 391
Saxidomus aratus, 390
nuttalli, 345, 390
Say, B., 26
Scala bellastriata, 401
indianorum, 401
tincta, 401
Scaphopod, 3 84
Scaup, Lesser, 329
Sceloporus, 199
Scharf, David, 3 37, 346
Schenck, Hubert G., 63, 367, 369
Schilder, F. A., 3 98
Schizaster, 369, 370
cubensis, 3 69
fragilis, 3 69
gibberulus, 369
pyrenaicus, 370
Schizothaerus nuttallii, 391
Schlanze, A. H., 178
Schmidt, K. P., 178
Schmitt, Waldo L., 93, 96, 279, 281. 413,
418, 426, 432
Sclater, P. L., 4
Scorpion, 1 3 0
Scoter, Surf, 329
Sea-fans, 296
Seaholm, W. J., 413, 448, 45 1
Seal, 382
Seaweed, 344
Seila, 3 9
assimillata, 31, 3 98
montereyensis, 3 98
Selasphorus rufus, 135
Semele, 29
decisa, 345, 390
flavescens, 29
guaymasensis, 29
pacifica, 29
pulchra, 390
rupicola, 345
Septifer bifurcatus, 345
Scrpulorbis squamigerus, 399
Shale, 63, 3 39
Cherokee, 54
Cretaceous, 3 39
Monterey, 63
Shark, 3 83
Sheephead, 383
Sheftler, W. J., 361
Shoveller, 32 8
Sidewinder, 192, 203, 204, 208, 231, 267
Siliqua lucida, 391
Simnia, 22, 384
aequalis, 22
484
San Diego Society of Natural History
Simnia catalinensis, 3 84
(Neosimnia) catalinensis, 398
loebbeckeana, 3 98
quaylei, 22
Sinum californicum, 400
debile, 400
scopulosum, 400
Siphonalia kellettii, 396
Siphonodentalium, 3 84
quadrifissatum, 3 84, 391
Sistrurus, 168, 188, 190, 195, 220, 221,
222, 226, 227, 256
catenatus, 196, 228
catenatus catenatus, 193, 227, 228,
229, 256, 273, 276
catenatus tergeminus, 193, 194,
195, 196, 228, 229, 256, 273,
276
miliarius, 208, 228
miliarius barbouri, 192, 229, 230,
256, 272, 276
miliarius miliarius, 192, 198, 208,
229, 256, 271, 276
miliarius streckeri, 193, 229, 256,
272, 276
ravus, 192, 227, 228, 256, 276
Sitta carolinensis nelsoni, 140
Skimmer, 3 34
Skunk, South American, 206
Slevin, J. R., 178
Smith, Mrs. H. H., 116
J. P., 49, 50, 53, 55
Sidney I., 98, 287
Snake, Bull, 202
Coral, 188, 189, 190
Garter, 201
Gopher, 202
King, 189, 202, 206
Rat, 202
Shovel-nosed Ground, 363
Sonoran Coral, 189
Sonoran Shovel-nosed Ground, 363
South Florida Coral, 189
Southeastern Coral, 188
Solecardia eburnea, 29
Solemya panamensis, 27
v.ilvulus, 27
Solen mexicanus, 1 8
pazensis, 17
rosaceus, 18, 29
sicarius, 18, 391
Sonora, 18 9, 3 63
occipitalis, 363, 364, 365
palarostris, 363, 364, 365
Sowerby, G. B., 315, 316
Sparrow, 144
Rufous-winged, 144
Spatangoid, 3 67
Spatula clypeata, 328
Speloephorus schmitti, 95
Sphenia fragilis, 29
Spicer, Pele, 41
V. D. P., 3 5-46
Spider, 130
Spiroglyphus lituellus, 399
Spirotropis ( Antiplanes) , 345
barbarensis, 385
(Borsonella) barbarensis, 393
catalinae, 3 93
perversa, 385
(Antiplanes) perversa, 393
rotula, 393
santarosana, 393
Spisula planulata, 391
Spivey, M. E., 178
Spizella, 144
carpalis carpalis, 12 5, 144
passerina, 144
Sponge, 43 6
Spoonbill, 3 27
Sportella, 389
Squatarola squatarola, 329
Squirrel, 201
Ground, 168, 202, 204
Sonora Antelope Ground, 3 52
Star-fish, 344, 431
Stearns, R. E. C, 23
Steganopus tricolor, 3 32
Stejneger, Leonhard, 15 1, 15 2, 154, 17S
Stephens, Frank, 43, 70, 338, 341, 342
Sterna albifrons browni, 3 34
albifrons mexicanus, 3 3 3, 3 34
forsteri, 3 33
Stilt, 3 32
Stimpson, W., 285, 426, 448
Stock, Chester, 107, 457
Stork, 458, 459
Asphalt, 457, 459
Stover, Allan J., 349
Strigatella idae, 395
Strioturbonilla, 402
Strix occidentalis lucida, 133
Strombiformis californica, 402
lapazana, 31
raymondi, 402
Index to Volume VIII
485
riversi, 402
townsendi, 3 1
Strombina, 3 16
angularis, 2 1
carmencita, 21
dorsata, 30
gibberula, 30
maculosa, 30
subangularis, 21
Strombus, 421
galeatus, 32
Strong, A. M., 305-320, 338, 382
Strongylocentrotus, 3 83
Sturnella magna hoopesi, 142
magna lilianae, 125, 142, 146
neglecta, 142
Sula, 376
Surculites carpenterianus, 393
remondii, 3 93
Swan, 110
Swarth, Harry, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127,
129, 134, 136, 143, 325
Sycamore, 127, 129, 131, 134, 136, 138
Syncera translucens, 398
Tagelus affinis, 29, 105
californianus, 391
subteres, 391
Taliepus nuttallii, 383, 384
Tamiosoma gregaria, 63
Tangavius aeneus milleri, 143
Tapes staminea, 389
tenerrima, 389
Taras orbellus, 3 88
Tattler, Wandering, 331
Taylor, E. H., 178
Walter P., 123, 128
Teal, Cinnamon, 328
Tegula (Chlorostoma) aureotincta, 345,
400
funebralis, 344
(Chlorostoma) funebralis, 345
(Chlorostoma) gallina, 400
(Chlorostoma) gallina multifilosa,
400
globulus, 32
(Chlorostoma) ligulata, 400
mariana, 32
montereyi, 341, 342, 345
pulligo, 384, 385
(Promartyn) pulligo, 345
(Promartynia) pulligo, 401
rugosa, 32
Tellidora burneti, 28
Tellina (Angulus) amianta, 28
bodegensis, 3 90
buttoni, 3 90
crystallina, 28
idae, 3 90
meropsis, 345
(Moerella) meropsis, 28
(Moerella) reclusa, 28
santarosae, 390
simulans, 28
Terebra, 29
bridgesi, 29
larvaeformis, 29
(Strioterebrum) pedroana, 3 93
pedroana philippiana, 393
simplex, 3 93
Tern, 3 34
Caspian, 333
Forster, 3 3 3
Gull-billed, 333
Least, 3 34
Royal, 3 34
Tetraclita squamosa, 345
squamosa rubescens, 383
Thais biserialis, 397, 3 84, 38 5
emarginata, 3 97
triserialis, 3 1
Thalasseus maximus maximus, 334
Thalotia caffea, 401
Thamnophis, 199
Thayer, John L., 327
The Mangrove Warbler of North-
western Mexico, 67-78
Thiery, P., 370
Thomomys, 1, 2
bottae, 1
bottae aridicola, 3 54, 35 5
bottae cervinus, 35 5
bottae comobabiensis, 354
bottae depauperatus, 353
bottae growlerensis, 3 5 3, 3 54
bottae modicus, 3 54
bottae phasma, 1, 2, 35 3
bottae pusillus, 3 54
bottae subsimilis, 3 54
bottae vanrossemi, 1, 2, 353, 354
harquahalae, 35 5
Thorp, E. M., 3 5
Thracia curta, 27
squamosa, 27
(Cyathodonta) undulata, 387
486
San Diego Society of Natural History
Thrasher, 140
Three New Species of Pinnixa from
the Gulf of California, 13-14
Thrush, Great Basin Hermit, 141
Hermit, 141
Thyone, 103
Tieje, A. J., 381, 3 82
Tivela crassatelloides, 390
delesserti, 2 8
(Pachydesma) stultorum, 390
Tomlin, J. R. LeB., 315
Tornatina cerealis, 3 92
culcitella, 392
Towhee, 69, 144
Brown, 69, 70
Canon, 144
Toxostoma curvirostre curvirostre, 125,
140, 141
curvirostre palmeri, 140, 141
Transenella tantilla, 3 90
Tree-duck, 108, 109, 110, 111
Fulvous, 328
Tresus nuttalli, 391
Tricolia pulloides, 400
substriata, 3 84, 40'J
Trifora pedroana, 3 98
Trilobite, 49, 5 4
Trimeresurus, 188
Trimorphodon, 189
Tringa flavipes, 3 30
melanoleuca, 3 30
solitaria cinnamomea, 3 30
Triphora, 3 5,41
abbotti, 36, 3 9, 44
callipyrga, 42
cookeana, 41, 44
crenulata, 40
granti, 36, 40, 44
harrisi, 37, 3 8, 44
incisa, 39
ofuensis, 3 8, 44
oweni, 43
pedroana, 398
peleae, 40, 44
stephensi, 42, 44
violacea, 36
Triptychus olssoni, 22
Tripylaster, 369
Tritaria, 3 08
Tritiaria ( Antillophos) dumblei, 316
Tritodynamia, 448
Triton, 308
fusoides, 3 1 1
Tritonalia, 63, 345
barbarensis, 3 97
beta, 3 97
carmen, 20
foveolata, 345, 3 97
interfossa, 342, 345, 397
poulsoni, 3 97
Tritonium oregonensis, 398
Trivia californica, 31, 3 98
californiana, 398
solandri, 31, 3 98
Trogon, 13 5, 136
elegans canescens, 135
1 rophon, 345
orpheus, 385
(Boreotrophon) orpheus, 3 97
Tropic-bird, Red-billed, 325
Truncatella californica, 345
stimpsoni, 345
Tryon, G. W., Jr., 35, 36, 37, 39, 30*
3 09, 310, 315, 316
Turbinella, 26
cinerea, 26
Turbo fluctuosus, 3 2
Turbonilla, 345, 402, 403
acra, 402
adusta, 3 84
(Pyrgiscus) adusta, 403
(Pyrgiscus) almejasensis, 404
almo, 3 84
(Pyrgiscus) almo, 403
ambusta, 404
antestriata, 3 84
(Pyrgiscus) antestriata, 403
(Bartschella) arata, 402
(Pyrgiscus) arata, 403
(Pyrgolampros) arnoldi, 403
(Turbonilla) asser, 402
azteca, 3 1
(Turbonilla) buttoni, 402
calvini, 3 1
canfieldi, 384
(Pyrgiscus) canfieldi, 404
(Mormula) castanea, 404
catalinensis, 404
cayucosensis, 402
centrota, 402
ceralva, 3 1
diegensis, 402
gilli, 402
(Pyrgolampros) halia, 403
(Pyrgiscus) histias, 404
(Turbonilla) hypolispa, 402
ista, 384
(Pyrgiscus) ista, 404
(Pyrgolampros) keepi, 403
Index to Volume VIII
487
(Bartschella) laminata, 402, 404
(Pyrgolampros) lowei, 403
macbridei, 3 1
(Pyrgiscus) macbridei, 404
mayana, 3 1
pazana, 3 1
(Pyrgolampros) pedroana, 403
penascoensis, 3 1
(Ptycheulimella) penascoensis, 21
(Mormula) pentalopha, 404
(Turbonilla) ralphi, 402
regina, 3 84
(Mormula) regina, 404
sanctorum, 31, 3 84, 385
(Pyrgiscus) sanctorum, 403
(Turbonilla) simpsoni, 403
(Turbonilla) stylina, 402
subangulata, 3 1
superba, 3 84, 38 J
(Pyrgiscus) superba, 403
torquata, 402
(Turbonilla) torquata, 402
(Mormula) tridentata, 404
vexativa, 3 84
(Pyrgiscus) vexativa, 403
weldi, 3 84
(Pyrgiscus) weldi, 402, 403
wickhami, 403
Turcica caffea, 401
Turdus migratorius propinquus, 141
Turkey, Ocellated, 4
Turnstone, 3 31
Black, 331
Turrid, 382
Turris olivacea, 29
tuberculifera, 29
Turritella, 420, 422
cooperi, 3 99
goniostoma, 2 9, 340
jewettii, 3 99
tigrina, 29
Twitchell, M. W., 61, 62, 63, 369
Typhlogobius californiensis, 416
U
Ulloa, Francisco de, 434
Ulloaia, 412, 434
perpusillia, 412, 434, 435
Upogebia, 418, 419
Uroptychus, 296
Urosalpinx, 26
Uta, 168, 199
stansburiana, 168
Van Denburgh, J., 15 1
van Rossem, A. J., 2, 3-4, 5-8, 9-12, 67-
68, 69-72, 115-118, 121-148, 321-
336, 349, 361-362, 407-408
Florence, 408
Venerupis (Protothaca) staminca, 345,
389
(Callithaca) tenerrima, 389
Venus (Chionc) fluctifraga, 3 89
(Antigona) fordii, 389
kellettii, 18, 19
mariae, 18, 19
neglecta, 3 89
simillima, 389
(Chione) succincta, 345, 389
Verdin, 137, 138, 139, 140
Vermetus pellucidus, 32
tripsycha, 32
Vermicularia eburnea, 399
Vigors, N. A., 12
Viper, 188
Asiatic Pit, 188
Neotropical Pit, 188
Pit, 187, 188, 189, 190, 207
Viperidae, 188
Vitrinella eshnauri, 401
stearnsi, 401
williamsoni, 401
Vogdes, A. W., 49, 50, 5 3, 54, 5 5
Volsella capax, 3 87, 45 3
flabellata, 3 87
modiolus, 3 87
Volvula cylindrica, 392
Volvulella californica, 29
cylindrica, 392
von Frantzius, A., 9, 10
Vorhies, C. T., 178, 183
W
Walker, F. E., 178, 183
Warbler, Mangrove, 67
Ward, Melbourne, 413
Waterbury, Alice, 3 82, 3 94
Webb, Robert W., 3 37-348
Wells, W. W., 45 3
West American Species of the Genus
Phos, 305-320
Wetmore, Alexander, 63, 111, 307
Wheeler, Harry E., 47-5 8
488
San Diego Society of Natural History
Whip-poor-will, 13 3, 134
Stephens, 134
White, H. C, 3 82
Homer L., 3 82
Whitley, H., 6
Wiley, Mrs. G. O., 178
Willet, Western, 331
Willett, George, 379-406
Williamia peltoides, 393
Williams, J. S., 54
Woodbridge, 413, 42 3, 424, 431,
445, 446, 452
Willow, 69, 138, 140
Winckworth, R., 120, 388
Woodpecker, Acorn, 133
Arizona, 131, 136
Hairy, 136
Pileated, 10
Woodring, W. P., 307, 387
Worm, Annelid, 95, 102, 3 92
Pollonoid, 294
Worthen, A. H., 54
Wright, A. H., 178
J. T., 323, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330,
331, 332
Xanthidae, 104, 105
Xantho tenuidactylos, 104
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, 142
Xantus, John, 15 1, 154, 301
Xenorhynchus, 45 8
Yellowthroat, 142
Golden, 142
Yoldia cooperi, 3 86
Zirphaea gabbi, 391
Zonitoides arboreus, 404
Date Due
^711963
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