32. Ctenochiton elæocarpi, Maskell.
N.Z. Trans., Vol. XVII., 1884, p. 26.
([Plate VII.], Fig. 3.)
Test of adult female oval, nearly circular, black in colour, divided into hexagonal and pentagonal segments which are not conspicuous, and of which the median series forms a very slightly elevated ridge somewhat lighter in colour. The test is only slightly convex. The fringe is very long and conspicuous, the segments tooth-like. Diameter of test, exclusive of the fringe, reaches 1/6in.
Test of male unknown.
Test of second stage of female white, waxy, not homogeneous, but built up of a number of loosely-aggregated tubuliform plates, somewhat resembling those of the genus Orthezia, Bosc. The fringe of this test is longer than in that of the adult, the teeth curling in different ways. Length of test and fringe, sometimes 1/8in.
The adult female fills the test, shrivelling at gestation. Colour black. Antennæ somewhat long, of seven joints; a few hairs on the last joint. Foot normal; upper digitules strong and thick, lower pair very broad. On the skin are a number of large oval spots which appear to be the orifices of spinneret tubes.
Female of the second stage wanting the usual wavy edge of the genus. Round the edge of the body is a row of sharp conical spines set closely together. Antennæ of six somewhat confused joints. Feet normal.
Adult male unknown.
Habitat—On Elæocarpus dentatus (hinau), Wellington.