Report on the Radiolaria Collected by H.M.S. Challenger During the Years 1873-1876, First Part: Porulosa (Spumellaria and Acantharia) / Report on the Scientific Results of the Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger During the Years 1873-76, Vol. XVIII

by Ernst Haeckel

Genus 336. Lonchostaurus,[^[376]] Haeckel, 1862, Monogr. d. Radiol., p. 397 (sensu emendato).

Definition.—Quadrilonchida with four equatorial spines of unequal size and form; the principal spines (in the longitudinal axis) larger than the lateral spines (in the transverse axis); both opposite spines of each pair equal. Sixteen other spines much smaller (often the eight tropical larger than the eight rudimentary polar spines). No apophyses.

The genus Lonchostaurus differs from the two preceding genera in the unequal size and shape of both equatorial pairs of spines, whilst the two opposite spines of each pair are equal. Therefore the equatorial plane is here a rhombus, not a square, as in the preceding genera. We encounter here for the first time the differentiation of the two equatorial axes, the longitudinal (or hydrotomical) and the transverse (or geotomical) axis. The sixteen other spines are constantly smaller (often also the eight polar more or less rudimentary).

1. Lonchostaurus rhomboides, n. sp. (Pl. [131], fig. 6).

Four equatorial spines cylindrical, twice to three times as broad as the sixteen smaller spines, conical at the distal apex; the two opposite spines of the longitudinal axis twice as long as those of the transverse axis. Sixteen smaller spines conical at the base, with simple bristle-shaped apex. The surface of the rhombical calymma, including the spines, was covered in the figured specimen with small plates like those of Sphærocapsa.

Dimensions.—Length of the cross (longitudinal axis) 0.24, breadth (transverse axis) 0.12.

Habitat.—South Pacific, Station 302, depth 1450 fathoms.

2. Lonchostaurus lanceolatus, n. sp.

Four equatorial spines compressed, lanceolate, tapering equally from the middle towards the two ends; the two opposite spines of the longitudinal axis one and a half times as long as those of the transverse axis. Sixteen smaller spines compressed, linear, two-edged, half as long and only one-fourth as broad as the two longitudinal spines.

Dimensions.—Length of the equatorial cross 0.3, breadth 0.2.