This species was first observed by Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, oh the north coast of
Ireland, and afterwards dredged in considerable abundance by Dr. Drummond at Bangor,
county Down. Mr. Thompson published it originally in the fifth volume of th e ‘Annals of
Natural History,’ under the name of Dolidia nifibranchialis, to which species most of the
.Eolides with red branchiae were at that time referred; but, on a subsequent examination of the
specimens in spirits, together with the accurate description of Dr. Drummond, kindly forwarded
to us by Mr. Thompson, we were convinced that it was a distinct species, and the latter
gentleman consequently gave it the name of Drummondi, in his Report of the Fauna of Ireland
furnishedHo the British Association. We. have since met with it plentifully on the west coast
of Scotland, where it appears to be the most common species, spawning freely in the months
of May and June at and below half-tide level. The spawn is attached to the under side of
stones, and consists of three or four volutions, beautifully disposed in angular waved lines,
assuming the appearance of a regular Greek pattern. The ova lie six or eight abreast.
Dolis Drummondi is one of the largest British species of the section to which -it belongs,
and is much broader in proportion to its length thaii most of its allies. It is very active, and
particularly light and buoyant, detaching itself from its hold on the slightest disturbance, and
erecting its papillae in a very graceful manner; these it has the power of extending to a
great length when annoyed.
Like the rest of its tribe, Dolts Drummondi is extremely voracious, devouring the smaller
species that come in its way without mercy, nor sparing even its own weaker brethren. Having
put three individuals of this species into a glass of sea-water together one evening, the next'
morning we found the two stronger ones finishing a repast upon their unfortunate companion,
the head and jaws of which only remained to tell the tale.
An Dolls we found in Torbay, and described in the ‘Annals of Natural History’ under
the name of D. tenuibranchialis, we are now inclined to think may have been a variety of
D. Drummondi in a sickly state. Our Dolis curta also, founded upon a single specimen from
Cullercoats, and which we have since met with sparingly at Scarborough, may also possibly
turn out to be an immature variety of this species.
Figs. 1, 2, 3. Eolis Drummondi, different views.
4. Two of the branchiae more highly magnified.
. 5. A tentacle, also very highly magnified.
6. The spawn.
7. A portion of the same more highly magnified.