GENUS HIPPOTHOA LAMOUROUX [POLYZOA (BRYOZOA) CHEILOSTOMATA]

The paper is introductory to several papers on various aspects of the genus Hippothoa, in preparation by Ryland, Gordon and Hastings. The name Hippothoais provisionally used throughout as including Celleporellaand Reptolatereschara.Some features that must be considered in discussing the validity of these genera are indicated: Colonial form, interzooidal communication, polymorphism, early as-togeny. The presence of zooeciules in most of the uniserial species is demonstrated, and a single instance of avicularia is described. Notes are given on some type and other specimens in the British Museum, and several lectotypes chosen. The problem of the identity of II. distansMacG. is resolved, with reference to its lectotype, and the species redescribed. Notes are given on various unidentified uniserial specimens from Australia. Finally, the need for more work on the Polyzoa growing on seaweeds, particularly on Australian coasts, is noted. © 1979 Taylor and Francis Ltd.