Maldanidæ
Found on holdfasts.
_Clymenella rubrocincta_ Johnson.
Fairly common.
Chlorhæmidæ
I have a half dozen of these from holdfasts.
Sabellidæ
Small sabellids are common in holdfasts and seaweed masses.
Serpulidæ
The calcareous tubes of these animals are seen everywhere below half
tide, on rocks, in holdfasts and on kelp (spirobis). I have six
different serpulids.
Hermellidæ
There are probably two species of this family common at Laguna.
_Sabellaria californica_ Fewkes.
This form was found in large colonies in the protected crevasses of
cliffs west of the laboratory. The colonies are some twenty feet
long, two feet wide and ten inches thick. The tubes are of loosely
agglutinated sand and are crowded very closely together with their
mouths evenly disposed over the surface of the colony.
Another species lives singly in very hard, thick sand tubes. Some
specimens have algæ growing on their opercula.
Turbellaria
I have three kinds of these "flat worms" in my collection. They are
found under partly submerged stones.
Nemertinea
There are seven different nemertines in the collection. They are
recorded from holdfasts, seaweed tangles and from among vermetus tubes.
Nematoda
There are two or three different marine nematodes in the collection.
They are most common in the finer moss.
Sipunculoidea
There are two kinds of sipunculids, which seem quite distinct. Taken
from eel-grass roots, from under rocks and mussels.
The specimens were identified from the following papers:
_Fewkes, J. W._ 1899
New Invertebrata from the Coast of California. Bull. Essex inst. xxi,
99-146, pls. 1-7 (2) figs. in text.
_Johnson, H. P._ 1897
A Preliminary Account of the Marine Annelids of the Pacific Coast,
with Descriptions of New Species. Proc. Cal. ac. sc. (3), i, 153-198,
pls. 5-10.
-------- 1901
The Polychætæ of the Puget Sound Region. Proc. Bost. soc. nat. hist.,
xxix, 381-437, pls. 1-19.
_Moore, J. P._ 1904
New Polychætæ from California. Proc. acad. nat. sci., Philadelphia,
56-484-503, pls. 37-38.
(_Contribution from the Zoological Laboratory of Pomona College._)
Studies in the Comparative Size of the Red Blood Corpuscles of Birds
CHI TSAU WANG
The blood corpuscles of a large number of vertebrates were studied at
Laguna Beach during the past summer. Some of the sizes of cell and
nucleus are given below. The blood was obtained as fresh as possible;
in no case was the blood obtained longer than twenty-four hours after
death. The corpuscles were measured by the ocular micrometer and
checked by the aid of a camera lucida.
Average Size of Average Size of
Corpuscle Microns Nucleus Microns
Common Name
Scientific Name Length Breadth Length Breadth
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Gull
Larus occidentalis 14.70 8.82 6.53 3.27
Heermann Gull
Larus heermanni 14.05 7.84 6.21 2.77
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias 13.72 8.82 6.53 3.27
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator 13.07 7.51 6.86 2.77
Arkansas Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis 12.77 9.47 5.55 3.10
California Road Runner
Geococcyx californianus 12.09 9.15 5.27 3.27
Long-billed Dowitcher
Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus 12.41 8.49 5.24 2.46
Least Tern
Sterna antillarum 11.76 8.46 6.21 2.94
Semipalmated Plover
Ægialitis semipalmata 11.43 6.21 5.24 2.77
Arizona Hooded Oriole
Icterus cucullatus nelsoni 11.27 8.49 4.41 2.94
San Diego Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia cooperi 10.94 8.33 5.27 2.53
Least Vireo
Vireo pusillus pusillus 10.45 9.47 5.55 2.77
California Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi 10.45 6.53 5.24 2.77
Belding Marsh Sparrow
Passerculus beldingi 10.08 6.86 4.90 2.77
Willow Gold Finch
Astragalinus tristis salicamans 9.80 6.79 6.04 2.94
California Horned Lark
Otocoris alpestris actia 9.47 6.21 4.25 2.12
Western Lark Sparrow
Chondestes grammacus strigatus 8.49 5.55 5.24 3.10
_(Contribution from the Zoological Laboratory of Pomona College)_
Caprellidæ from Laguna Beach
R. LA FOLLETTE
This paper is a preliminary article on the Caprellidæ of Laguna Beach,
and deals with species that have so far been identified. Because
of great variation, due to age, it is very difficult to place the
different forms.
_Caprella geometrica_ Say
Mayer places _C. geometrica_ as one of eighteen or twenty varieties
of the species _acutifrons_, but I have thought it best to follow
some of the other writers and use _geometrica_ as the species name,
as my specimen closely resembles the species which seems to be _C.
geometrica_ in several accounts.
The specimen here described is an adult male. The peræon (Plate I, Fig.
1) is robust and covered with many blunt tubercles. In this respect it
varies from the specimens described by others who say the peræon is
smooth. The young are comparatively smooth and develop tubercles on
the caudal segments first. Cephalon furnished with a sharp anteriorly
directed dorsal tooth. First segment shorter than the second, which is
triangular in shape; third and fourth broad and a little shorter than
the second; fifth, sixth and seventh each growing smaller respectively
and truncate at the tip. Antennæ, stout; superior pair not half as long
as the body, first joint short and twice as thick as the second but
only half as long, third joint shorter than first; flagellum as long as
the peduncle and composed of 15 or 16 joints, inferior pair extending
to about the middle of the flagellum of the superior, joints long and
narrow.
First gnathopod (Fig. 2), attached far forward, convex in shape and
tapering slightly toward the finger, which was long as the palm and
narrow; palm armed with tooth-like spine at the base and many hairs.
Second gnathopod (Fig. 3), attached just posterior to the middle of
the second pereiod, basal joint short and thick, not half as long as
the palm; inner margin of the hand concave, armed with a tooth on the
dorsal lobe and a broad, truncate tooth near the base of the finger, as
well as numerous hairs; finger sharply concave on the inner margin for
about half its length. Branchia nearly round. Third, fourth and fifth
peræopods (Fig. 4) similar in structure, short, stout, and armed with
stiff hairs; hand nearly as long as rest of the extremity; palm broad
and armed with numerous hairs, inner margin slightly concave, with two
serrate teeth at the base.
Length of specimen, 13 mm.
Color varying from a bright red to white.
Several specimens taken at Laguna Beach the latter part of July, from
the Rhodophyceæ on the rocks.
The young of this species were very abundant at Laguna Beach, and I
will give a short description of one because of the great variation
from the adult. Plate II shows a young male with the antennæ inverted
showing the setæ on the ventral side. The first five segments are of
nearly equal length; peræon smooth; superior antennæ nearly half as
long as the body, with inferior nearly as long as superior; flagellum
with six to nine joints. Maxillipeds (Plate III, Fig. 5) with inner
plate reaching apex of first joint of palp, armed with two teeth and
spines; outer plate reaching apex of second joint of palp and armed
with three small teeth. Upper lip (Fig. 6) bilobed, finely ciliated.
First maxillæ (Fig. 7) two-jointed, palp and second joint armed with
spines. Second maxillæ (Fig. 8) armed with a few hairs on the tip.
Mandible (Fig. 9) has cutting plate made of five strong, unequal teeth;
teeth of secondary plate nearly equal. First gnathopod attached far
forward, triangular in shape and fringed with hairs. Second gnathopod
(Fig. 11) attached the same as in adult, palm convex on inner margin,
instead of concave as in adult, and armed with two small teeth near
inner margin at the base; finger is concave and uniform in outline.
_Caprella septentrionalis_ Kroyer
The specimen here described differs slightly from those described by
Mayer, Holmes, Sars and others, yet I do not think the differences
great enough to demand the naming of a new species.
The peræon (Plate IV, Fig. 12) is comparatively smooth, first two
segments long, as long as the rest of the body; cephalon angularly
produced in front into a very short, blunt spine. Figure 13 shows a
specimen with a body somewhat broader. The superior antennæ are about
half as long as the body, first joint broader than second, but shorter;
second joint longest of all; third longer than first, and narrower
than second; flagellum shorter than the peduncle and made up of about
twelve joints. Inferior antennæ slightly shorter than the peduncle of
the superior. Mandible (Fig. 14) cutting edge denticulate, with five
irregular teeth, spine row having three large, feathery spines; molar
tubercle strong and prominent. First gnathopod attached far forward,
against the maxillipeds; hand triangular, fringed with hairs on the
inner margin and one spine tooth near the base. Second gnathopod (Figs.
15, 16) attached near the posterior extremity of the second pereiod,
basal joint nearly as long as the hand, inner margin of hand lying in
a straight line and armed with two teeth near the base of the palm,
one on the lobe and the other to one side. Another long tooth is near
the base of the finger and is separated from a large, broad tooth by a
deep suture; inner margin of the finger irregular. Third, fourth and
fifth peræopods are similar in structure and not as stout as those of
_C. geometrica_; hands powerful and armed with three clumps of spines
on small prominences; differing in this respect from those described by
Mayer, Sars and others in that they lack the pair of serrated spines at
the base of the palm. Finger stout and half as long as the palm.
Length of specimen, 12 mm.
Color white or flesh color.
The specimens were collected during the latter part of July at Laguna
Beach, from the seaweed in the inner tide pools.
_Caprella æquilibra_ Say
The peræon (Plate IV, Fig. 12) is comparatively smooth, with the
cephalon devoid of a horizontal spine; the first three segments are
long and narrow, of nearly equal length, the fourth a little longer
than the third, the fifth twice as long as the sixth and seventh
combined. The branchia are ovate in shape and moderate in size. Between
the bases of the second gnathopods is a sharp projection (Fig. 13), and
on each side another spiniform process pointing anteriorly. Superior
antennæ slightly over half as long as the body, first joint about half
as long as the second, but broader; second twice as long as the first,
and third a little longer than the first, but narrower; flagellum
with sixteen or seventeen joints and about as long as the peduncle.
Inferior antennæ reaching just beyond the peduncle of the superior.
First gnathopod small, attached far forward, palm triangular in shape,
tapering toward the finger, which reaches back entirely over the inner
margin of the palm, armed with two sharp spine-like teeth at the base
of the palm, and scattered hairs. Second gnathopod (Fig. 14), attached
at the posterior end of the segment, basal joint quite short; other
joints have their lobes ending in spine-like processes; palm slightly
convex on the inner margin, with a spined lobe about a third of the way
along, and a blunt tooth two-thirds of the way along separated from a
broad tooth by a deep sinus; claw regularly concave; whole gnathopod
with but few hairs. Third, fourth and fifth peræopods (Fig. 15) similar
in size and structure; palm thick, with two serrate teeth a third of
the distance from the base.
Length of specimen, 12 mm.
Color a dark brown to flesh color.
Two specimens taken on a holdfast that was thrown up on the beach at
Laguna Beach during July, 1914.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
_Bate, C. S._ 1862
Catalogue of Amphipodous Crustacea, pp. 357, 362.
_Holmes, S. J._ 1903
Synopses of North American Invertebrates, xviii, The
Amphipoda. The American Naturalist, vol xxxvii,
No. 436, p. 291.
Bulletin of Bureau of Fisheries, vol. xxiv, Amphipoda of
Southern New England, p. 526.
_Mayer, P._ 1882
Fauna und Flora des Golfes von Neaples, vi, Monographie,
pp. 45-50.
_Mayer, P._ 1890
Fauna und Flora des Golfes von Neaples, xvii, Monographie,
pp. 48-57.
_Mayer, P._ 1903
Siboga-Expeditie, xxxiv, Monographie, pp. 79-92.
_Sars, G. O._ 1895
An account of the Crustacea of Norway, vol. i, Amphipoda,
p. 663.
_Say_ 1817
Journal of the Academy of Natural Science, Philadelphia,
pp. 390-391.
(_Contribution from the Zoological Laboratory of Pomona College_)
EXPLANATION OF PLATES
Plate I
_C. geometrica_ (adult). ×25
Figure 1. Body showing length of segments
Figure 2. First gnathopod.
Figure 3. Second gnathopod.
Figure 4. Fifth peræopod.
Plate II
_C. geometrica_ (young male). ×40
Plate III
_C. geometrica_ (young male)
Figure 5. Maxillipeds. ×300.
Figure 6. Lip. ×300.
Figure 7. First maxillæ. ×300.
Figure 8. Second maxillæ. ×300.
Figure 9. Mandible. ×300.
Figure 10. First gnathopod. ×175.
Figure 11. Second gnathopod. ×175.
Plate IV
_C. septentrionalis_
Figures 12, 13. Bodies, showing length of segments. ×25.
Figure 14. Mandible. ×110.
Figures 15, 16. Second gnathopods. ×25.
Plate V
_C. æquilibra_ Say
Figure 12. Body showing length of segments. ×50.
Figure 13. Projection at base of second gnathopod. ×150.
Figure 14. Second gnathopod. ×150.
Figure 15. Fifth peræopod. ×150.
[Illustration: Plate I]
[Illustration: Plate II]
[Illustration: Plate III]
[Illustration: Plate IV]
[Illustration: Plate V]
Record of Two Fish, Not Before Mentioned, from Laguna
During the summer of 1914 no special effort was made to collect fish,
but the two following species were taken:
_Porichthys notatus_ Girard
A specimen of this interesting but rather common Californian fish was
taken in a tide pool and kept for some time alive in the aquarium. This
is sometimes called "Midshipman," because of the bright metallic spots
over the head and body, like the buttons on a midshipman's uniform of
years ago. These spots are provided with a lens, connective tissue
capsule and a reflector, and are supposed to be luminous.
_Mola mola_ Linnæus
A small specimen of this head-fish, or sunfish, was brought to us by
the fisherman.
W. A. H.
Note on the Sea Urchins of Laguna Beach
Due to the kindness of Dr. H. L. Clark of Harvard, we are able now to
have some clearer idea about the number of species of sea urchins found
at Laguna.
_Strongylocentrotus purpuratus_ Stimp
This is our most common species. It occurs by the hundreds in some of
the larger tide pools, such as those near Seal Rocks. Judging from the
specimens sent to Dr. Clark, the rather common greenish form, which
we supposed to be distinct at first, is simply a younger form of the
same species. This greenish form is more often found nearer shore under
stones, where quite small individuals are abundant.
[Illustration:
Figure 1. _Strongylocentrotus purpuratus_ Stimp. Photo by Miss Clency.
Figure 2. _Strongylocentrotus franciscanus_ A. Agassiz. Photo
by Hamilton.
]
_S. franciscanus_ A. Agassiz
These larger urchins are not so common as they may have been. Larger
specimens may be obtained under rock ledges in deep water. Smaller
forms of the same species, which seem to have long reddish spines, may
be found in the tide pools, but are not common.
W. A. H.
Additional Notes on the Birds of Laguna Beach
LEON L. GARDNER
In accordance with the general plan of the Laguna Marine Laboratory, a
part of the work was with the birds of the locality.
As mentioned in the First Annual Report of the Laboratory, Laguna
Lakes, about four miles up Laguna Canyon; Balboa, eight miles up the
coast, and the surrounding rocky wild hills of Laguna, afford rich and
varied collecting. Perhaps the richest area of bird life lies between
Laguna and Balboa, in the Irvine Ranch. This is a large tract of land
comprising many thousands of acres, extending about seven miles up the
coast from Laguna and eleven miles inland. The canyons here are steep
and, in some localities, very wooded in contrast to the more open
canyons farther down the coast. For years this land has been given
over to cattle grazing, and the Irvine company, in order to safeguard
the stock, have allowed no one, except their own range riders, to
enter the property. In the years 1911 and 1912 this was a state game
preserve, and there is considerable rumor among local residents that it
was stocked with some kind of pheasants. However, I have neither seen
nor heard of a specimen taken. In all events, the protection afforded
the birds has been taken advantage of, and quail, road-runners, many
species of hawks and all of the smaller birds thrive in abundance and
safety.
The fifteen days of collecting were spent largely in covering as large
an area as possible, to obtain the widest range of representative
species, with field notes, etc., to be placed in the Laboratory
building, as a nucleus for greater collections and for the benefit of
the local residents or summer visitors who are interested in the work
of the College.
The additions to the first list, published in the First Annual Report,
as mentioned before, are as follows:
_Gavia immer_ (Brünnich) Common Loon
A specimen taken in Balboa Bay, July 6, 1914. This is rather an unusual
record, as the Loon is only a winter visitant; however, some are known
to remain throughout the summer. Mr. Swarth tells me that this specimen
had lost the power of flight during its molt. He thinks this seems to
indicate that Loons lose the ability to fly during molting, as do the
Anseres.
_Gavia pacifica_ (Lawrence.) Pacific Loon
June 27, I found a dead Pacific Loon cast up on the beach. The specimen
was in very worn and oddly colored plumage. On examination Mr. Swarth
said it was a partial albino and had skipped a regular molt.
_Larus heermanni_ Cassin. Heermann Gull
Abundant about the Bay at Balboa.
_Mergus serrator_ Linn. Red-breasted Merganser
A female taken July 6, 1914. This is a very late record for this bird,
since it leaves mostly in April. It was found resting on a sand spit in
Balboa Bay.
_Oidemia perspicillata_ (Linn.) Surf Scoter
Common along the coast from Laguna to Balboa.
_Oidemia deglandi_ Bonaparte. White-winged Scoter
Occurring with the preceding species.
_Erismatura jamaicensis_ (Gmelin). Ruddy Duck
Occurring at the tule lake in Laguna Canyon.
_Himantopus mexicanus_ (Müller). Black-necked Stilt
One taken at Laguna Lakes, now mounted and in possession of J. N. Isch,
Laguna Beach.
_Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus_ (Say)
Long-billed Dowitcher
A specimen taken on the sand spits in Balboa Bay, July 6, 1914. This
appears to be an early fall migration record.
_Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus_ (Brewster)
Western Willet.
Abundant in August, less common in July. Often in company with
Hudsonian curlews (_Numenius hudsonicus_) along the coast. One taken as
early as July 6.
_Heteractitis incanus_ (Gmelin). Wandering Tattler
Found in August along the rocky coast by Arch Beach (down the coast
from Laguna).
_Actitis macularius_ (Linn). Spotted Sandpiper
Common along the beach in August.
_Ægialitis semipalmata_ (Bonaparte). Semipalmated Plover
A small flock found at Balboa July 13.
_Ægialitis novisa_ Cassin. Snowy Plover
One taken between Laguna and Balboa.
_Buteo borealis calurus_ Cassin. Western Red-tail
Fairly common in the hills. There seemed to be several different
species of hawks at Laguna, but as they were very shy and most of them
took refuge in the forbidden territory of the Irvine Ranch, none of the
larger ones were obtained.
_Haliætus leucocephalus leucocephalus_ (Linn.) Bald Eagle.
There are five Bald Eagles that are commonly seen along the beach near
Laguna. When followed, they are always found to come to rest on the
high, rocky west slope of Aliso Canyon (down the coast from Laguna).
The owner of the canyon, Mr. Joe Thurston, tells me that for years a
pair has bred there, and these other three are young that did not leave
the vicinity. He is very jealous of their safety, and it is to be hoped
they may always be kept there as a natural attraction. This is one of
the few breeding points along the coast from which the Bald Eagle has
not been driven. In March, 1895, Mr. E. Davis took two fresh eggs of
the Bald Eagle near Laguna Beach. It would be very interesting to know
whether or not he obtained them from the same canyon; if so, this must
be a very old breeding place.
_Pandion haliætus carolinensis_ (Gmelin). Osprey
One shot from a flagstaff in the center of town. The date is uncertain,
but appears to be about 1905. The specimen is now mounted and in the
possession of Mr. J. N. Isch of Laguna.
_Otus asio bendirei_ (Brewster). California Screech Owl
Fairly common in the timbered canyons.
_Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea_ (Bonaparte). Burrowing Owl
Common in upper Aliso Canyon, which is more open and very hot and arid.
_Ceryle alcyon_ (Linn.) Belted Kingfisher
I noted two birds which were undoubtedly of this species along a rocky
stretch of the coast, but was unable to collect one.
_Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi_ Ridgway. California Woodpecker
I obtained two specimens of this species from a flock in Nigger Canyon.
This seems to be a very low altitude at which to find these birds.
_Myiochanes richardsoni richardsoni_ (Swainson).
Western Wood Pewee
I collected two of this species in the willow bottoms July 25, 1912,
which seems to be an indication that they are summer residents.
_Corvus corax sinuatus_ Wagler. Raven
Irregular along the coast. One collected July 19.
_Astraglinus tristis salicamans_ (Grinnell). Willow Goldfinch
Common in the willow bottoms.
_Ammodramus savannarum bimaculatus_ Swainson
Western Grasshopper Sparrow
Very common in one particular grassy glade at the top of the ridge
around Laguna, also at the tule lakes. I took a young bird June 27,
which seems to indicate the birds were breeding there. This is one of
the few breeding records for Southern California.
_Hirundo erythrogastra_ Boddaert. Barn Swallow
Common along the rocky cliffs; some breeding in July.
This concludes the additional list. There is one other breeding record
worthy of note. In Nigger Canyon (Irvine Ranch) there is a Great Blue
Heron nesting colony. Although such colonies were at one time common
along the coast, they are now becoming rare. The colony is situated
in a large clump of sycamore trees, in the bottom of the canyon, some
half mile or more inland. There are about thirty nests, quite white
with bird lime; the trees and ground also are well covered, showing
the permanency of the site. On June 26, 1914, I visited the colony
and found very young birds, but no eggs. The whole place was filled
with a peculiar stench, while the croakings of the old birds, coupled
with the frightened squawks of the young, and the invisible, choking
powder down, made the place quite undesirable. The old birds were very
bold, but not pugnacious, and while the examination of the nests went
on retired to nearby trees to watch the proceedings, while the young
crowded out to the uttermost branches, keeping up a continual racket.
Owing to the protection afforded by the Irvine ranch, the colony has
thrived and probably will for an indefinite period.
(_Contribution from the Zoological Laboratory of Pomona College._)
A New Dipterous Gall on Stanleya
T. D. A. COCKERELL
[Illustration: Figure 1. A, Apical part of wing. B, Male genitalia. C,
Segment of male antenna.]
[Illustration: Figure 2. A, Breastbone of larva. B, Spines at caudal
end of larva. C, Skin of larva. D, Gall.]