Another difficulty with respect to the tentacles is the determination of
the number of them, owing to the fact that in addition to what may be
called well-defined tentacles a large number of smaller tactile projections
are found on the surface of the upper lip, as is seen in Fig. 115. In the
very young condition, 7 or 8 mm. in length, it is easier to make sure on
this point. At this stage they may be spoken of as arranged in two groups:
an anterior small group and a posterior larger group. The anterior group
consists of a pair of very small tentacles and a very small median
tentacle, all three situated quite dorsally in the front part of the upper
lip. The posterior group, which is separate from the anterior, consists of
five pairs of much larger tentacles, the most ventral pair in the mid-line
ventrally on the lower lip being fused together to form the large ventral
median tentacle or tongue already mentioned. This pair, according to
Shipley, is markedly larger than the others. There are, therefore, five
conspicuous tentacles on each side, and in front of them a smaller pair and
a small median dorsal one. In the very young condition the accessory
projections above-mentioned are not present, or at all events are not
conspicuous, and the tentacles are also markedly larger in comparison to
the size of the animal than in the older condition, where they have
distinctly dwindled.
This posterior group of five conspicuous tentacles is the one which I
suggest represents the four endognaths and one ectognath. What the
significance of the small anterior group is, I know not. It is possible
that the cheliceræ are represented here, for they are situated distinctly
anterior to the other group; I know, however, of no sign of a markedly
separate innervation to these most dorsal tentacles such as I should have
expected to find if they represented the cheliceræ.
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