COMMON SPINY LOBSTER. 215 



side, which forms a rudimeiitaiy thumb ; there are strong 

 spines on the outer margin of the other joints ; the remain- 

 ing pairs are strictly monoclactyle and without spines ; 

 the last joint furnished with tufts of hairs. The sternum 

 is covered with tubercles. The abdomen is nearly cy- 

 lindrical, the segments smooth, terminating at the sides 

 in a strong, flattened, triangular tooth : the first segment 

 is without the usual appendages or false feet ; those of the 

 second, third, fourth, and fifth are simple, oval, and some- 

 what fleshy in the male ; in the female they are double 

 and foliaceous ; those of the sixth joint form, as usual, 

 the lateral lamina? of the tail, which are partially covered 

 with short spines, and are crustaceous only at the outer 

 part of the base. The central lamina or terminal segment 

 of the abdomen is also membranaceous at the anterior 

 part, but the whole surface is covered with numerous 

 stronger spines. 



The length of the body, from the front of the carapace 

 to the end of the tail, is eighteen inches. 



The general colour is purplish brown, with irregular 

 dull white spots ; the legs reddish white, with reddish 

 brown irregular longitudinal bands. 



This fine species is an inhabitant of our western coasts, 

 where it occurs in great numbers, and from whence it 

 is brought in considerable quantities to the London 

 market. It is much esteemed as an article of food, al- 

 though certainly of inferior flavour to the lobster. It is 

 but sparingly found in the north, whether of England or 

 Ireland, but is equally common on the southern coasts of 

 both. It inhabits the borders of rocks, where it is often 

 taken in crab-pots. 



Its usual length is about a foot, but it sometimes 

 reaches eighteen inches. I have taken the foregoing 



