GEOPHILA. 103 



In their distribution over the surface of the globe, t hey 

 are found to be of larger size, and more numerous indi- 

 vidually in the warm and humid regions of the tropics than 

 in temperate climates, and seem especially to affect large 

 wooded islands where the vegetation is varied, rapid in 

 growth, and abundant. During the dry season they acti- 

 vate and conceal themselves from view ; but after rain and 

 in the dews of evening, they are especially active and 

 voracious. 



Sub-order GEOPHILA. 



Eyes at the tips of elongated cylindrical peduncles ; ten- 

 tacles cylindrical, shorter than, and placed under, the eye- 

 peduncles ; sometimes wanting. Operculum none. 



Animal terrestrial. 



Fam. OLEACLNID^. 



Lingual teeth numerous, in more or less curved, transverse 

 rows, the central teeth inconspicuous, the marginal aculeate, 

 or with a single, long, recurved apex. Plead short, with a 

 retractile, often produced, buccal sac ; eyes at the tips of 

 elongated, cylindrical, retractile peduncles, distinct from the 

 tentacles ; tentacles moderate, situated below the eye-pe- 

 duncles. Body spiral, well developed, and protected by a 

 shell ; respiratory orifice on the right side beneath the margin 

 of the shell. Foot elongate, narrow, simple posteriorly. 



Shell spiral, usually thin and horn- coloured, or without 

 markings, often polished; outer lip simple, acute. 



Live in humid situations ; often carnivorous. 



Sub-fam. OLEACININiE. 



Mantle-margin included. 



Shell fusiform, more or less horny and transparent; 



