The New British Myzostoma

Abstract

SINCE recording the discovery of an encysting Myzostoma on the Comatulæ of Milford Haven (NATURE, August 27, p. 391) have examined a large number of other examples of Antedon rosacea from different British localities; and I have found Myzostoma-cysts or other modifications of the pinnule-joints on individuals from Torquay, Cumbræ, Arran, and Oban, while in one or two cases the arm-joints are also affected. Prof. A. C. Haddon has kindly sent me some Comatulæ which he dredged last summer in Berehaven, County Cork, and in Dalkey Sound, County Dublin, and I have found slightly malformed pinnules in one individual from each locality, though there are no traces of definite cysts. It is clear, however, from what has been said above, that this encysting Myzostoma has a tolerably wide distribution in the British area; and I shall be very glad to hear of its discovery on Comatulæ from other localities than those which I have mentioned.