138 GENUS MILAX. 
Subamalia of Pollonera and the Malinastrum of Bourguignat, are confined 
to the mountains and are probably the more ancient forms. ‘The strongly 
carinate species found in the Crimea, Greece, Transylvania, Austria, 
Germany, and Italy, which have been classified under Tundonia and 
Pirainea of Lessona & Pollonera, are mostly of a reddish or brownish tint, 
but more westwardly the reddish ground gradually disappears, the animals 
becoming ochreous or black. 
The species of Milaz are slow and sluggish in movement, possess a 
thick skin, and secrete a tough and viscid mucus. According to Simroth, 
they are essentially carnivorous and predaceous, though occasionally 
devouring vegetable food. The duration of life in the J/cdaces is uncertain, 
but Simroth thinks it extends over several years. 
Conjugation in Mélax is not restricted to any particular season, but in 
mild weather may take place at any period of the year, the act itself being 
very prolonged ; Mr. Kew has observed it on one occasion to continue for 
a space of seventeen hours, this lengthy ceremony being probably necessi- 
tated by the time requisite for the formation and transference of the 
elaborate spermatophore. 
Fossil.—A Milax (M. gracilior Sandberger) is recorded from the 
Upper Miocene beds at Biberach, Wurtemburg, by Sandberger, but in 
this country it has not been reported from any deposits lower than the 
Pleistocene. 
Geographical Distribution.—This genus, according to Simroth, has 
not naturally a wide distribution, as, excepting its occurrence in the extreme 
points of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California, and several 
oceanic islands, in all of which it may have been artificially introduced, its 
range is, as far as at present known, confined chiefly to the Mediterranean 
and European region, 
Fic. 155.—Obverse and reverse of medal struck in 1863 in honour of Dr. and Mrs. Gray. 
