Occasional Specimens Research Articles

Moonshine-Related Arsenic Poisoning

Twelve sequential cases of arsenic poisoning were reviewed for possible sources of ingestion. Contaminated illicit whiskey (moonshine) appeared to be the source in approximately 50% of the patients. An analysis of.confiscated moonshine revealed that occasional specimens contained high levels of arsenic as a contaminant. Although arsenic poisoning occurs relatively infrequently, contaminated moonshine may be an important cause of the poisoning in some areas of the country.

Melanocyte system of the endolymphatic duct and sac.

One hundred fourteen human temporal bones from 64 individuals were studied for the presence of melanized melanocytes about the endolymphatic duct and sac. Specimens were from Caucasians (104), Orientals (6) and Negroes (4). Of the specimens from people above nine years of age 79% demonstrated melanized melanocytes about the endolymphatic duct and sac, as well as occasionally about blood vessels in the adjacent bone. These represented 74% of the Caucasian and 75% of the Negro and Oriental individuals. Pigment granules were noted in occasional epithelial lining cells and in macrophage-type cells within the lumen. Heavily melanized melanocytes were noted in five of six specimens of Ménière's disease (all from Caucasian individuals), five of five specimens with previous labyrinthitis (two of which were from a Negro woman), and in occasional specimens from patients with presbycusis, metastatic carcinoma (three of the four adult Oriental patients), chronic otitis media, otosclerosis and lymphoma, as well as in several apparently normal specimens. No clear cut correlation of degree of melanization with specific disease processes can be discerned.

The Neotropical Genus Hoffmannina: Four New Species and Other Records from Mexico, Panama and Venezuela (Acarina: Trombiculidae)

Hoffmannina Brennan and Jones 1959 is redescribed. New species are H. dianneae off Rhipidomys macconnelli, Venezuela; H. haramotoi, holotype off Liomys sp., Mexico; H. libita, holotype off Reithrodontomys sumichrasti, Panama; H. mahuensis, holotype off Cryptotis thomasi, Venezuela. A key to the seven included species is given. The Neotropical genus Hoffmannina Brennan and Jones 1959 was established for Novotrombicula suriana Hoffmann 1954. A second species, H. handleyi Brennan and Jones 1961, was added, to be followed by H. reedi Brennan 1972. Four more species are now described and illustrated below. Hoffmannina dianneae, libita, and mahuensis spp. n. were collected under the direction of Dr. Charles 0. Handley, Smithsonian Institution, Dr. Vernon J. Tipton, Brigham Young University, and/or Dr. Conrad E. Yunker, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, supported by a U.S. Army contract (DA-49-193-MD-2788) with the Smithsonian Institution; H. haramotoi was collected under the direction of Dr. Fritz S. Lukoschus, Katholieke Universiteit, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Hoffmannina Brennan and Jones Hoffmannina Brennan and Jones, 1959, Ann Entomol Soc Am 52: 8. Type species: Novotrombicula suriana Hoffmann, 1954, An Esc Nac Cien Biol Mexico City 8: 23. Neotropical trombiculine larvae parasitic on marsupials, insectivores, and rodents. Leg segmentation 7-7-7; 2 or 3 genualae I, genuala II and III, tibiala III, suband parasubterminala, microtarsala I distad of tarsala I, microtarsala II proximad of tarsala II, mastitarsala III; nonspecialized setae moderately to heavily branched. Scutum wider than long, with broad convex posterior margin, densely punctate, with 7 setae and long, flagelliform, caducous sensilla. Eyes 2/2 in a plate. Cheliceral blade with small tricuspid cap. Received for publication 22 February 1977. * Published with the approval of the Director of the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series 2103. t Also University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822. Galeal seta nude. Palpotibial claw trifurcate; palpal tarsus with 7 branched setae, a subterminala, and a tarsala. Representatives of the genus fairly large and moderately to densely hirsute (26 to about 100 dorsal setae, and more than 1 pair of humerals). Occasional specimens with 8 or 9 scutal setae. Hoffmannina reedi atypical: eyes intrascutal and dorsal setae with long, semierect branches. H. mahuensis only member of genus with multisetose coxae II and III. Holotypes in the National Museum of Natural History and paratypes there, the Bishop Museum, British Museum (Natural History), and Field Museum of Natural History. Hoffmannina handleyi Brennan and Jones Hoffmannina handleyi Brennan and Jones, 1961, p. 111. H. handleyi, Brennan and Yunker, 1966, p. 237. This species, off various rodents and a marsupial, known only from the highlands of Chiriqui, Panama, where it was taken in small numbers from January to May. Hoffmannina reedi Brennan Hoffmannina reedi Brennan, 1972, p. 16. Recorded only from the type series of 17 specimens off Thomasomys laniger and Marmosa fuscata, Trujillo, Venezuela. Hoffmannina reedi, while having some of the basic characteristics of the genus (7 scutal setae, palpal tarsus 7B.S, setation of legs, etc.), not a typical representative by virtue of intrascutal eyes and considerably more and differently structured dorsal setae. Hoffmannina suriana (Hoffmann) Novotrombicula suriana Hoffmann, 1954, p. 23. Hoffmannina suriana Brennan and Jones, 1959, p. 8. H. suriana, Hoffmann, 1963, p. 108. H. suriana, Loomis, 1969, p. 10. H. suriana, Brennan, 1972, p. 16. Described from 3 larvae off Peromyscus mexicanus saxatilis, near Tuxtla, Chiapas, and later re-

Melanism in Adalia bipunctata L. (Col., Coccinellidae) and its Relationship to Atmospheric Pollution

The use of lichens as biological indicators of air pollution is well established (Hawksworth & Rose 1970; Gilbert 1970, 1974). In the British Isles the melanic form of the peppered moth (Biston betularia L.) also seems to be a good indicator of air pollution and the same may be true of a number of other species of Lepidoptera (Kettlewell 1973). The relationship between melanism in B. betularia and air pollution does not appear to be a simple one as this melanism is related to the amount of lichen cover on tree trunks. Thus the proportion of the melanic form of this moth in the population cannot be used as an independent measure of air pollution. The discovery of other organisms that are influenced by air pollution but not by the condition of tree trunks would be invaluable. The two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata L.) in common with many other Coccinellids (Hodek 1973) is a highly polymorphic species. The various morphs are under the control of a number of alleles at a single locus, with the black morphs being dominant to the red morphs (Lus 1928). In Britain these morphs can be conveniently classified into two groups, the typicals with red elytra and two black spots and the melanics with either four (quadrimaculata) or six (sexpustulata) red spots on black elytra. Intermediate forms, which are usually heterozygous, also occur, but are uncommon. Frazer & Rothschild (1960) have shown that A. bipunctata is distasteful, has a distinctive scent and is avoided by vertebrate predators. Both shiny black and red appear to be warning colours (Kettlewell 1973), so there can be little doubt that all the morphs are warningly coloured. Birds such as rooks and tits take occasional specimens of ladybirds, but the redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus L.) appears to be the only bird which has been recorded as regularly eating them (Buxton 1950). In Great Britain the Redstart is a summer visitor and it is doubtful whether it is abundant enough to be an important predator. Thus it would appear that selective predation of the morphs that blend less well with their surroundings, as has been shown for Biston betularia, would not operate on Adalia bipunctata and an alternative explanation for the existence of this polymorphism must be sought. Creed (1966, 1971a) postulated that melanism in A. bipunctata is directly related to air pollution and has produced evidence to link melanic frequency with smoke levels. He suggested that some unidentified component of the polluted atmosphere was less toxic to the melanic morphs than to the typicals (Creed 1971 a) and has proposed that the species may be used as an indicator of atmospheric smoke levels (Creed 1971b, 1974). We have challenged this view (Benham, Lonsdale & Muggleton 1974) and have produced evidence

Taxonomy and Life History of the Moose Fly, Haematobosca alcis1 and Its Association with the Moose, Alces alces shirasi in Yellowstone National Park2

The moose fly, Haematobosca alcis (Snow) is abundant in Yellowstone National Park wherever its host, Shiras' Moose, occurs. Descriptions of the 2nd and 3rd instars, the puparium, and both sexes are given. H. alcis is similar morphologically to its European congener, H. stimulans , but can be distinguished particularly by size, biology and host preference. Except for the difference in host specificity, the biology of H. alcis is similar to that of Haematobia irritans . The females oviposit in fresh moose droppings, depositing about 10 eggs each 0.5-3 min after a moose defecates. Development from egg to adult requires about 16 days at 21°C in the laboratory. Flies emerge from overwintered pupae in late spring (usually early June) and adults are active until late September. The haematophagous adults are host specific for moose and remain with the host animal, except when females are ovipositing. Occasional specimens were attracted to horses when near moose habitat and one male attempted to pierce the skin of man. Moose did not appear particularly annoyed by H. alcis , even when 500 or more flies were present/animal.

Rapid Serological Methods for the Demonstration of Entamoeba -Histolytica Activity

Two rapid tests for anti-Entamoeba histolytica antibody, cellulose acetate diffusion, and latex agglutination have been contrasted with the more commonly employed agar gel diffusion and indirect hemagglutination tests. The indirect hemagglutination test remains the most sensitive indicator of the presence of antibody; however, it is poorly adapted to testing occasional single serum specimens. The three remaining tests are easily applicable to single serum testing. Latex agglutination is the most sensitive, but in its current form it is the least competitive in regards to cost and shelf life of reagents when applied to occasional single serum specimens. Agar gel diffusion is simple and inexpensive but requires 48 to 72 hr to complete. Cellulose acetate diffusion at this time best combines the features of adequate sensitivity, speed of performance, applicability to single serum specimens, and unit cost, and is the recommended test for routine testing of single serum specimens.

Electron microscope study of a case of Australia antigen-positive chronic hepatitis.

The laboratory findings in a case of Australia antigen (Au-Ag) positive chronic hepatitis in a 4-year-old boy are given. Studies by the electron microscope technique of thin sectioning revealed the presence of 200A particles in the nuclei of hepatocytes. These particles are identical to those described previously in occasional specimens of Au-Ag-positive liver tissue. However, the pattern found here differs from previous descriptions inasmuch as no heavily infected nuclei could be found but almost all nuclei could be shown to contain extremely small numbers of these particles. The significance of this finding is discussed and the danger that it would be easy to obtain false negatives in similar tissue pointed out.

The Vascular Flora of Limestone Hills, Northern Extension of the Ogilvie Mountains, Yukon Territory

Owing to its relative inaccessibility the flora of unglaciated central and northern Yukon, from 65°N to the Arctic Coast, and between the 136°W and 141°W, has until recently remained totally unexplored. The Dempster Highway, still under construction, will provide an easy access to what until now was the largest botanically unknown part of Canada. ... From 3 to 12 July 1970, my brother ... and I made a hurried trip along the southern part of the Dempster Highway to visit places between the North Klondike Pass and Mile 89 where he had made large collections of vascular plants ... during the summers of 1966 and 1968. ... Beyond Mile 89 a few days were spent examining the flora of light-gray limestone hills that form a northward extension of the Ogilvie Mountains, at approximately 65°20'N, 138°30'W, south of Mile 100 to 110 on the Dempster Highway and thus beyond the point accessible by road to R. T. Porsild, in 1968. In strong contrast to the more fertile and better vegetated southern Ogilvie Mountains between the North Klondike Pass and Mile 89, the much lower northward extension of the Ogilvie Mountains, at approximately 65°03'N presents a strange and weird landscape of dendritically eroded plateaus of a general elevation about 3,500 feet above sea-level .... screes and ridges [are] covered by a pale-grey mantle of huge, angular blocks of frost-shattered grey limestone, [and are] often totally or nearly devoid of vegetation .... Soil is either totally absent, or at best confined to small pockets that may harbour tufts of mosses among which may be seen individual plants such as Oxyria digyna, Saxifraga oppositifolia or Luzula confusa, that only there could have gained a precarious foothold. Growing from deep down amongst the rocks, we were surprised also to find occasional specimens of the otherwise exceedingly rare Smelowskia borealis, here mainly sterile and etiolated, because of the shady habitat. ... About 50 species of vascular plants, nearly all pronounced calciphiles, were noted on the lower third of a southwest-facing slope, most of them growing in the ravines. By far the most common were Kobresia myosuroides and Dryas sylvatica. ... Stony flood plain valley bottom is oriented southeast-northwest between low limestone hills [directly south of Mile 110 of the Dempster Highway]. Starting at the head of the valley, the following more or less distinct plant habitats were examined in some detail: 1) Well-drained gravelly or sandy stream banks, the down-stream parts subject to spring flooding; 2) Dry, stony ridges usually with some soil around or between the stones; 3) Moist flood-plain meadows; 4) Moist, peaty bogs well above present flooding; 5) Low willow thickets, mostly on boulder flats between former stream beds but no longer subject to flooding; the space between boulders now well filled by sediments topped by a humus layer; the older and mature willow thickets are now being invaded by white spruce .... [Plants found in each of the above 5 habitats are listed.]

Cellular surfaces of amphibian atrial muscle.

ABSTRACT The cells of the amphibian atrial myocardium contain many so-called micropinocytosis vesicles, irregularly distributed along the cell membrane. In freeze-etch replicas they appear as pits when the cell membrane is seen as from an external view point, or as irregular stumps, when viewed as from an internal or cytoplasmic aspect of the membrane. In occasional specimens in which the fracture has traversed a sagittal plane the vesicles exhibit the flaskshaped appearance noted in sectioned material. In sections from tissue fixed in aldehydes and post-fixed in an osmium-lanthanum solution, the vesicles contain lanthanum whether or not they appear to be attached to the surface membrane. Since this agent is an extracellular marker, administered after cell death, this observation is taken as an indication that all the vesicles communicate with the extracellular space, and that failure to visualize the connexion is merely a consequence of the plane of sectioning. Vesicles not connected to the membrane, and free of lanthanum could not be found, suggesting that if micropinocytosis does occur, abscission is an infrequent event, and/or the vesicles are very short-lived following separation from the membrane. The possibility that these organelles may act as an extension of the cell membrane and serve to enlarge its area has been suggested. This implies that calculations of cell membrane area based on the assumption of a smooth surface may be in error, though the magnitude of the error cannot be estimated from the present information.

On the Occurrence of Multiple Rows of ‘Teeth’ in the Shell of the Dog-WhelkNucella Lapillus

The common dog-whelk,Nucella(=Thais, =Purpura) lapillus(L.), is often selected for ecological, physiological and genetical study. In recent years most workers have based their investigations on the work of Moore (1936; 1938a, b) and most have used his observation that ‘at the onset of maturity, growth of the (shell) lip ceases and instead the region near the lip thickens, while the lip itself becomes rounded and a series of rounded “teeth” develop on its inner side which still further occlude the opening’. It has been assumed that all animals showing these features are adult, and have ceased growing, for Moore goes on to say ‘occasional specimens are taken in which the presence of a second set of teeth within the marginal ones indicates that the original stoppage of growth was followed by a second slight growing period, this in turn being replaced by a second period of thickening and growth stoppage, but such specimens are too rare to be a serious source of error.’ This assumption has been incorporated into most subsequent reviews of shore ecology.

Notes on the life‐history and ecology of Tachypodoiulus niger (Diplopoda, Iulidae) in Britain

In some iulids females can moult several times after first attaining maturity but males cannot. Males of Tachypodoiulus niger (Leach) are exceptional in that they can moult, but they lose their functional intromittent organs in the process, regaining them after a second moult. The process can be repeated, a series of functional males alternating with nonfunctional males. This extension of the life and the consequent increase in number of segments led Verhoeff (1928) to postulate that the ancestral millipede was short‐bodied and that many‐segmented forms were derived from it. We think that this extension of life is of ecological rather than phylogenetic significance–adapting the species to disperse widely to scattered habitats. In particular, the extension of life of males as well as of females may ensure a reasonable sex ratio in those areas where the species is least dense.In Britain, Tachypodoiulus niger lays eggs in spring which reach the fourth and fifth stadia by their first winter and the seventh, eighth and ninth stadia by their second winter. Maturity is usually attained by males in the eighth stadium but occasional specimens mature at stadium seven and others defer maturity until the ninth. Both sexes can proceed to the fourteenth stadium but adults in Britain usually belong to two generations of two and three years old, divided mainly between the eighth, ninth and tenth stadia. Details are given of a large collection made by the late Dr Scott of animals taking refuge in his house at Henley‐on‐Thames. Animals in Britain appear to have a similar life history to those in Germany as described by Verhoeff, but effective comparison has depended on correcting and re‐interpreting some of Verhoeff's data.

Variation and Evolution of Gulf Coast Populations of Beach Mice, Peromyscus polionotus

Inadequate taxonomic research has resulted in misinterpretation of the course of evolution in these beach mice. Five new subspecies are here described. Pelage patterns are described and in the case of the three primary hair-tip rump patterns, preliminary results of laboratory breeding experiments are given, along with a model based on four postulated genes. Basal-hair melanin patterns appear to be under separate control from the hair-tip xanthophyll pigment patterns. Disharmonious interactions between two presumed phylogenetic lines with different hair-base patterns are described and discussed. Zonal variance in width of dorsal body pigment in certain specimens is attributed to epigenetic interaction during molt and an approximate molt sequence is given. Variations in color, relative paleness, and body dimensions are also discussed. Polymorphism occurs in some subspecies. Several of the pelage pattern traits that characterize different beach mouse populations have been discovered also in occasional specimens of P. maniculatus, and it is believed that many, if not all of the genes responsible for pigment reduction in intensity and extensity in the beach mice, were already present before the species came in contact with the beach dune habitat. Evolutionary sequences are discussed and certain partial reproductive barriers are noted. The species appears to be in process of splitting into two species along a line initiated by a topographical barrier during the Yarmouth interglacial stage of the Pleistocene. The two ends of a circular overlap appear to be sympatric, and a partial break in the middle of the chain of subspecies is also manifest.

Present Status of Known Populations of the Vendace, Coregonus vandesius Richardson, in Great Britain

AT least thirteen different populations of Coregonus have been recorded in Great Britain and Ireland; four of these were of the Vendace, Coregonus vandesius Richardson. The status of these four populations was discussed by Regan1, who divided them into two sub-species: the Lochmaben Vendace, C. vandesius vandesius, from two lochs near Lochmaben in Dumfriesshire; and the Cumberland Vendace, C. vandesius gracilior, from two lakes in Cumberland. The most recent revisions of the genus in Europe2–4 agree that C. vandesius in Great Britain is equivalent to C. albula (L.) in Europe, though little evidence is brought forward to prove this. Practically nothing original has been published on the species in Great Britain since 1908 (ref. 1), and, in fact, other than very occasional specimens found accidentally at the water's edge, the species has not been taken in any numbers since the beginning of the century. Because of this, and the fact that several unsuccessful attempts have been made in recent years to capture specimens, many workers have assumed that this fish is extinct in Great Britain, or almost so. Thus it was stated in 1958 of the Loch-maben vendace, “Cette forme doit etre consideree comme eteinte”4.

Fern Records for Echols County and the State of Georgia

Continuing our climb to high cliffs at an elevation of about 4700 feet, we found occasional specimens of the attractive little Green Spleenwort (Asplenium viride). Nearby the Alpine Maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum) and the Long Beech Fern (Phegopteris polypodioides) were conspicuous. All during the ascent we saw beautiful wild flowers of all colors in great profusion, varying in species according to the elevation and location. Colorful members of the Heath family were particularly in evidence. In one locality Mr. English pointed out the Alaskan Buttercup (Ranunculus cooleyae), an extreme rarity in this latitude.

Pupal Escape Mechanism of Certain Saturniid Moths

While photographing the life cycle of the luna moth Actias luna, I observed that the cocoon was being ripped or cut open from withln by a pair of sharp instruments working in opposition to one another. Owing to the thin paperlike construction of the luna cocoon, the escape mechanism was easily observed but not very easily photographed. I observed two black spurs, located approximately 3/8 inch apart, digging into the threads of the cocoon from the inside. They worked in opposition to one another, thus tearing portions of the cocoon threads. Periods of extreme activity were followed by a rest period. At the end of a rest period, the pupa rotated within the cocoon bringing the barbs to bear on a slightly different area at the head end of the cocoon. Eventually a circular opening was torn through the end of the cocoon and the adult emerged. Close inspection of several adults revealed a single spur at the base of each fore wing. These spurs are pointed outward away from each other, toward the apical area of each wing. They are not normally visible on the adult unless the hair-like covering is completely removed. It seems strange that the powerful manipulation of these spurs does not completely wear away the hair-like covering of the upper thorax and basal area of the wing. However, such is the case only on those occasional specimens which have an extremely difficult time freeing themselves. Efforts to find written reference to this device were nearly fruitless. In the words of Dr. Frederick H. Rindge, American Museum of Natural History (personal communication), "The pupal escape mechanism in the Saturniidae has been known for so long that the original references to it are long buried". A. B. Klots (195-) makes brief reference to such devices (e.g., Cossidae, Gracillariidae), and specifically mentions the polyphemus moth and its pair of sharp cutters located at the base of each wing. F. C. Kafatos and C. M. Williams (1964) describe enzymatic fluids secreted by moths to soften the anterior end of the cocoon. The polyphemus moth is among those discussed. Although observations were initiated on Actias luna, later observations were made on Telea polyphemus owing to the lack of mature pupae of the luna moth. Nevertheless, the best observations can be made on Actias luna due to the paperlike construction of the cocoon and lack of thread softening fluid such as is used to assist Telea polyphemus. Inspection of the polyphemus moth revealed the presence of the same spurs on the wings as in Actias luna; in fact, they were considerably larger and more prominent. Several observations were made with Telea polyphemus, to further study the action of the barbs and the associated escape procedure.

Studies of Populations of Adult and Immature Culicoides sanguisuga (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)1

The method used in making landing-rate counts of Culicoides sanguisuga (Coquillett), an abundant pest of man in the Adirondacks, is described. Landing rates were low initially at a given site, and increased to a peak 10 to 12 minutes later. Counts were highest about an hour after sunrise and at sunset. In open meadows the counts generally declined to zero during the day between the morning and evening peaks. In moist, shaded sites, protected from the wind, landing rates diminished but punkies continued to be annoying during the middle of the clay. It is suggested that the rate of moisture loss is an important factor influencing the activity of the punkie, and a close relationship between the evaporation rate and landing rate is demonstrated. Seasonal changes in populations of C. sanguisuga , as indicated by landingrate counts and light-trap collections, were comparable. The first females appeared in late May. Populations then increased rapidly and reached peak numbers in late June and early July. The numbers diminished slowly thereafter and punkies were found only in small numbers after mid-August, although occasional specimens were present into October. C. sanguisuga overwinters in the larval stage. In 1961, larval populations were high in early May, then declined during the period of pupation from late May into early June. Numbers increased thereafter owing to the appearance of recently hatched small larvae. Prepupation population levels were reached by late July.

Trichorhina donaldsoni, New Species, A Terrestrial Isopod Crustacean from Florida

Trichorhina donaldsoni, new species, was collected in two localities in south Florida. The species, a small (about 3.0 mm long), pigmentless isopod, is described. Individuals were cultured and the spe- cies was found to reproduce parthenogenetically. The average number of young per brood in broods of 44 females which were raised was 5.9 per female. Females laying two broods molted twice between each brood. A second generation of young were raised and they produced young. No males were ever found. Trichorhina donaldsoni, n. sp., has been found in two locations in south Florida: West Hollywood and Frostproof. All of the specimens so far collected are females and the species apparently reproduces parthenogenetically as do some other members of the genus (Legrand, 1953). The animals were found in leaf litter under trees and shrubs and were not abundant. Trichorhina donaldsoni, new species Small, unpigmented, flat, ovoid and covered with small spatulate, pointed and paddle-shaped setae. From 2.5 to 3.0 mm long, with occasional specimens to 3.5 mm; about half as wide as long. First antennae triarticulate and prominent even though the animal itself is small. Second antennae about one-third length of body and cov- ered with pointed setae. First peduncular segment very short; second much larger, third and fourth each about as large as the second. Fifth peduncular segment longest, about half again as long as fourth. Fla- gellum shorter than last peduncular segment, composed of two articles. (From anterior view flagellum appears to have three articles, but it has only two.) Distal article of flagellum with stout, short, apical, sensory setae. Head (dorsal view) large, rectangular, and not well set into first thoracic segment. Well-developed lateral lobes not abruptly separated from head, but rather extensions of head. Spatulate and paddle- shaped setae thick and mask any abrupt break between lateral lobes and head. Head covered with scale-like spatulate setae generally bent posteriorly, especially distinct on the posterior border of head and thoracic tergites. Prominent eyes (one ocellus each) present and very distinctly pigmented brownish or yellowish. Prominent group of setae on clypeus. Thoracic tergite I large, with no posterior curves on lateral borders. Tergites II to IV with posteriolateral borders slightly curved back- ward. Tergites V to VII with acutely curved posterior borders, each

Fine structure of the spermatozoon of Hydroides hexagonus (Annelida), with special reference to the acrosomal region.

This paper describes in some detail the structure of the acrosomal region of the spermatozoon of Hydroides as a basis for subsequent papers which will deal with the structural changes which this region undergoes during fertilization. The material was osmium-fixed and mild centrifugation was used to aggregate the spermatozoa from collection to final embedding. The studies concern also the acrosomal regions of frozen-thawed sperm prepared by a method which previously had yielded extracts with egg membrane lytic activity. The plasma membrane closely envelops four readily recognizable regions of the spermatozoon: acrosomal, nuclear, mitochondrial, and flagellar. The acrosome consists of an acrosomal vesicle which is bounded by a single continuous membrane, and its periphery is distinguishable into inner, intermediate, and outer zones. The inner and intermediate zones form a pocket into which the narrowed apex of the nucleus intrudes. Granular material adjoins the inner surface of the acrosomal membrane, and this material is characteristically different for each zone. Centrally, the acrosomal vesicle is spanned by an acrosomal granule: its base is at the inner zone and its apex at the outer zone. The apex of the acrosomal granule flares out and touches the acrosomal membrane over a limited area. In this limited area the adjoining granular material of the outer zone is lacking. The acrosomal membrane of the inner zone is invaginated into about fifteen short tubules. The acrosomal membrane of the outer zone is closely surrounded by the plasma membrane. At the apex of the acrosomal region a small apical vesicle is sandwiched between the plasma membrane and the acrosomal membrane. Numerous frozen-thawed specimens and occasional specimens not so treated show acrosomal regions at the apex of which there is a well defined opening or orifice. Around the rim or lip of this orifice plasma and acrosomal membranes may even be fused into a continuum. The evidence indicates that the apical vesicle and the parts of the plasma and acrosomal membranes which surround it constitute a lid, and the rim of this lid constitutes a natural "fracture line" or rim of dehiscence. Should fracture occur, the lid would be removed and the acrosomal vesicle would be open to the exterior.

Fungi of New Mexico

Practically nothing is known regarding the mycological flora of New Mexico with the possible exception of certain groups of Gasteromycetes. Therefore, it seems worthwhile to summarize the work of previous investigators and offer some additional contributions. The earliest published report concerned with New Mexican fungi was made by Cockerell (1904) in which he listed 46 species, including 31 species of Uredinales, 7 species of other Basidiomycetes, 5 species of Ascomycetes, 2 species of Moniliales and one myxomycete. This initial report of fungi from the state was followed by a list of 25 species of Myxomycetes which Macbride (1905) collected in one season. Wooton and Standley collected occasional fungal specimens during their field studies of higher plants of the state (1915), with the result that Standley (1916) was able to make a contribution to the mycological knowledge of New Mexico. Standley stated that his collections were especially concerned with parasitic fungi, alld furthermore, these collections were limited to 4 or 5 northern counties. Since Standley admittedly was not a mycologist his specimens were determined by specialists in the various groups. Of the 211 species reported by Standley all were parasites with the exception of 14 Agaricales and 8 Lycoperdales. The following list shows the distribution by orders of Standley's collections: Chytridiales 1 species, Peronosporales 9, Sphaeriales 21, Pezizales 2, Uredinales 113, Ustilaginales 21, Agaricales 14, Lycoperdales 8, Sphaeropsidales 12, Moniliales 10. After studying some of Standley's collections from New Mexico, Fairman (1918) described many ascomycetes and deuteromycetes found on parts of higher plants.

ANTHRACONAIA PULCHELLA SP. NOV. AND A STUDY OF PALAEOECOLOGY IN THE COAL MEASURES OF THE OLDHAM AREA OF LANCASHIRE

A new species of non-marine lamellibranch, Anthraconaia pulchella, is proposed in place of A. pulchra (Wright non Hind) from the Lower similis-pulchra Zone of the Coal Measures. A detailed study is made of the relationship between the shells of A. pulchella sp. nov. and the enclosing sediments at Oak Victoria Colliery, Oldham. Shell size is shown to be directly related to the organic carbon and detrital quartz contents of the sediment and inversely related to the macroscopic pyrite content. The conditions under which the sediments were laid down are deduced, partly from study of the sediments themselves and partly from study of the disarticulation/ articulation ratios of the shells and the orientation of the shells relative to the sediments. It is concluded that A. pulchella sp. nov. thrived under conditions of relatively turbulent water but was dwarfed under conditions of relatively stagnant water. The cause of dwarfing is ascribed either to failure in food supply (possibly allochthonous organic debris in the main), or to the establishment of foul bottom conditions, or to a combination of both factors. In addition to Anthraconaia, the pulchella-bearing bed also carries occasional specimens of Anthracosia, which become more common towards the base, although they never dominate the faunal assemblage. Immediately beneath this bed, however, there is a band (10 inches thick) in which Anthracosia becomes dominant. Possible causes of the change from an Anthracosia-rich to an Anthraconaia-rich fauna are considered.