The annular constrictions of the cortical shell which produce the dome-shaped protuberances are different in number in the three known genera—two, three, or four. To each constriction often (but not always) corresponds an internal latticed septum, which connects the cortical with the medullary shell. The number of the cupolas is always double the number of the annular constrictions by which they are separated, therefore four, six, or eight.
In all known Zonarida the sagittal septum is quite constant, but derived from the original axial rod, which lies in the principal axis. By ramification of this axial beam and reticular connection with the sagittal girdle arises the sagittal septum, which we found first in Octopyle, halving the four gates of Tetrapyle. Whilst this sagittal septum (between right and left halves of the body) is common to all three known genera of this family, the number and shape of the other annular constrictions are different. In Zonarium (Pl. [50], fig. 9) we find only one transverse constriction (in the equatorial plane), in Zoniscus (figs. 10, 11) two parallel transverse constrictions (parallel to the equatorial plane, on both sides of it). Zonidium (fig. 12) is a combination of both foregoing genera; it has three parallel transverse constrictions (one in the equatorial plane, and one on each side of it).
The Latticed Domes (cupolas or chambers) of the cortical shell exhibit correspondingly a different number and disposition in the three known genera. In Zonarium are found only four crossed chambers, separated by the sagittal and transverse septa; the axes of the four crossed domes are diagonal axes, whilst in the similar Staurotholus they are dimensive axes (principal and transverse axes). In Zonidium we find eight domes, each cupola of Zonarium being halved by a diagonal septum. Zoniscus is intermediate between the two foregoing genera, and has six cupolas, three on each side of the sagittal septum.
The inner communication of the cupolas or chambers is more or less free, the lattice-work of the separating septa between them commonly remaining more or less imperfect, or represented only by some isolated beams or meshes. The outer network of the cupolas is commonly irregular (as in the majority of Larcoidea), but sometimes distinguished by a small number of regularly disposed larger apertures (similar to the "gates" of the Pylonida). From the surface radial spines often arise in characteristic number and symmetrical disposition, commonly as prolongations of the septal axes or of the constricted edges.
The Medullary Shell in all Zonarida is a true trizonal or Larnacilla-shaped lattice-shell (compare above, p. [600]); its perimeter (or the first lateral girdle) is sometimes more elliptical, at other times more hexagonal; the hexagon is amphithect; both its lateral sides are often concave and commonly longer than the four other sides.
The Central Capsule in all Zonarida is in a strict geometrical sense a true lentellipsis (compare above, p. [599]); its principal axis is commonly one and a third to one and a half times as great as the transverse axis, and twice to three times as great as the sagittal axis. The lentelliptical central capsule encloses the trizonal medullary shell, whilst it is externally enveloped by the chambered cortical shell.
Synopsis of the Genera of Zonarida.
| Two annular constrictions and four cupolas, | 301. Zonarium. |
| Three annular constrictions and six cupolas, | 302. Zoniscus. |
| Four annular constrictions and eight cupolas, | 303. Zonidium. |
Genus 301. Zonarium,[[341]] n. gen.
Definition.—Zonarida with four dome-shaped chambers of the cortical shell, separated by two annular constrictions (one sagittal and one transverse).