212 ^Journal of Comparative Neurologv and Psychology. 



the tube, but as soon as this is accomplished the insect immediately 

 ceases to free itself by swimming and follows up an entirely dif- 

 ferent series of instinctive acts. The behavior of the decapitated 

 insect in this situation certainly affords an excellent simulation, 

 not only of purposive action, but also of considerable ingenuity 

 in carrying it out. 



In one case a decapitated insect was kept in water for six days 

 after being kept in the air a day to enable its wound to heal. Dur- 

 ing all this time its reactions were essentially the same as they 

 were soon after the operation, except that the insect became 

 gradually weaker and less active. After the fifth day it would 

 remain quiet in the water, but when disturbed would execute the 

 regular swimming movements and would walk in the usual man- 

 ner when placed on the table, although it would right itself only 

 with extreme difficulty. All of its responses were weak, and it 

 soon gave signs of exhaustion. 



REACTIONS OF RANATRAS WITH THE BODY CUT IN TWO ACROSS 



THE PROTHORAX. 



A specimen feigning death was cut in two across the middle 

 of the prothorax. It did not make the least movement when the 

 cut was made. Both parts were placed on the table where they 

 lay perfectly quiet. In nine minutes the forelegs on the anterior 

 piece began to move, and in fifteen minutes when light was passed 

 over the head their movements increased greatly in vigor and the 

 head showed the usual lateral and vertical reflexes. Then the 

 anterior piece v^^as picked up and stroked; the legs became rigid. 

 When the piece was laid down on the table again it gave no signs 

 of movement and when the light was moved about near it the usual 

 head reflexes failed to appear. On continuing the movements 

 of the light for two minutes the head movements began to occur 

 and soon became more decided. Shortly afterward the legs 

 began to move about vigorously, swinging and clutching in all 

 directions. Soon the anterior part of the body showed all the 

 excitement that is manifested by a normal individual when fully 

 aroused to activity. On picking up the anterior part of the body a 

 second time and stroking it, it again became rigid and irresponsive 

 to light. After moving the light around it for about a minute, the 



