Genus Clathria Schmidt 1862

Clathria intermedia Kirk

H. B. Kirk Trans.N.Z.Inst., 43, 579, Fig. 5 (1911)

As only one specimen was found, the dried specimen which carries Kirk's identification is of course the holotype. As its macroscopic characters have not hitherto been illustrated, the specimen is shown in Fig. 2 of this paper. In addition, two merotype slides exist, one a spicule preparation, the other a section.

Cast up on Denham Bay beach, Sunday Island, coll. W. R. B. Oliver, July 27, 1908.

page 12

Postscript added in proof: Since the above catalogue was prepared, an interesting discovery has been made, which now provides the material of Lamontia zona on which Kirk based his description. I stated above that the principal syntype was apparently missing, and that should it ever be found it would carry the serial number 29. During a recent overhaul of old specimens in this department a jar of sponges was found bearing, in Kirk's handwriting, the label "29. Lamontia zona K. Wellington." The find is of double interest, for not only does it provide the material which must now become the lectotype, as well as a satisfactory locality, but also the conjunction of the predicted serial number with Kirk's own handwritten identification is welcome confirmation that his serial numbering system has been correctly interpreted.