ORDER STOMAPODA — SQUILLA. 33 



five long sharp spines along its anterior edge, and ending in an acute spine ; this is received into 

 a corresponding cavity in the edge of the hand, which is pectinated, and has three movable 

 inflected spines near its base. Abdomen with six series of elevated lines arranged in pairs 

 longitudinally ; one pair medial, and the two others lateral ; all becoming more elevated, and 

 ending in small points on each segment as they approach the tail. Last abdominal segment, 

 or tail, longer than broad, with a stout bony medial ridge terminating, before reaching the 

 posterior margin, in a spine ; sides with eight prostrate robust spines directed backwards ; 

 the space on the margin between the third and fourth spines on each side, with six or seven 

 denticulations ; the posterior pair of spines serrated on their edges. 



Color, brownish horn ; abdominal segments irregularly blotched with dusky ; caudal la- 

 mellae yellow bordered with blackish ; eyes green. 



Length, 4*0 -6'0. 



This species is frequently taken in our waters, but is not common enough to have received 

 a popular name. It occurs along the whole southern coast to East Florida, and is but rarely 

 found beyond the shores of this State. It was observed by Lesueur on the coast of Rhode- 

 Island, but has not, as far as I know, been observed farther north. M. Milne-Edwards, who 

 does not appear to have had an opportunity of examining our species, thinks that it approaches 

 the S. raphidea by the lateral angle of the shield, but resembles in other respects the S. 

 mantis. "With that humble deference to foreign authority which characterizes so many of 

 our naturalists,, we shall of course not be surprised to find this very distinct species treated 

 as identical with that of Europe. In those countries where species of the Squill abound, 

 they are highly esteemed as food. 



Fauna — Part 6*. 



