Title: The Spatangid Echinoids of New Zealand

Author: H. Barraclough Fell

Publication details: Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington

Part of: Zoology Publications from Victoria University of Wellington

Conditions of use

Share:

Type species: Spatangus purpureus O.F.M.

Key to the New Zealand Species

1 (2)	Numerous tubercles on all interambs of the upper surface. Periproct placed on the truncated posterior end of the test, not overhung by an anal rostrum, not visible from above or below. Subanal fasciole ovoid, with no posterior re-entrant angle. Violet-coloured forms of medium size (less than 100mm long)	multispinus
2 (1)	No tubercles on the anterolateral interambs of the upper surface. Periproct overhung by an anal rostrum, placed below the ambitus, obliquely ventrad, fully visible from below. Subanal fasciole heart-shaped, with a posterior re-entrant angle or re-entrant curve. Very large forms (usually exceeding 120mm in length), deep reddish-purple, thickly covered by short delicate spinules, resembling a dense coat of hair.
3 (4)	About 15–17 enlarged whitish tubercles in each of the posterolateral interambs, arranged in a short zig-zag series; also a vertical series of tubercles along the dorsal midline of the unpaired posterior interamb, and on either side of the frontal groove	thor n. sp.
4 (3)	No enlarged tubercles in any of the lateral interambs, or at the most, only 1 or 2 tubercles. Tubercles occur in a vertical seres on the dorsal midline of the posterior unpaired interamb, and also on either side of the frontal groove	beryl n. sp.