S23

Notes on the Genus Actinomma

The taxonomy proposed by Bjorklund (1977) is followed herein, i.e.:

Family Actinommidae (note that Bjorklund incorrectly uses the name Astrosphaeridae)

Genus Actinomma Haeckel 1860 emend. Bjorklund 1977

Actinomma Haeckel 1860a, p. 815 (note erroneous date in Bjorklund,1977).

Cromyomma Haeckel 1362, p. 446

Echinomma Haeckel 1881, p. 452

Cromyechinus Haeckel 1881, p. 453

Diagnosis: Actinommid "possessing three or four lattice spheres and 10-20 unbranched spines of either uniform or irregular length." (from Bjorklund, 1977)

In addition, the outer medullary shell is irregular in shape, i.e., not a perfect sphere (Bjorklund, personal communication).

Species included: Actinomma antarcticum (Haeckel)

Actinomma medianum Nigrini

Actinomma arcadophorum Haeckel

(Note: It is the opinion of Bjorklund (personal communication) and Nigrini that the above species, described by Nigrini (1967), can remain in the genus Actinomma. Petrushevskaya (1975) equates Actinomma sensu. Nigrini, 1967, with Actinometta Haeckel, 1887.).

Actinomma haysi Bjorklund

Actinomma leptodermum (Jorgensen)

see also ? Prunopyle antarctica Dreyer