GEOMALACUS MAGULOSUS. A 
shaped markings, as in Avion, but these become indistinct as growth 
proceeds ; they probably pass the winter in the immature stage, and. still 
show at that period the lateral banding much more conspicuously than 
at maturity, a state which they attain during the early summer months. 
Food and Habits.——The immature animals are much less sluggish 
and shy than the adults, and crawl actively about, the movements of the 
locomotory muscles being distinctly apparent in the somewhat transparent 
mid-area of the sole, and showing about fifteen muscular waves at one 
time. ‘I'he animal, even when fully grown, can elongate and flatten its 
body to such a degree that it is able to insinuate itself and pass through 
a hole only two mill. in diameter, but when handled or inritated it has 
a curious habit of coilmg-up into a perfect sphere, exactly in the same way 
as certain species of woodlice. 
The habitats of Geomalacus i Ireland are by preference near the sea- 
coast, on the bare mountain slopes of the Old Red Sandstone formation, 
which are partially covered with a peaty soil overspread by heather, ete., and 
on which the exposed, deeply-rifted rock surfaces are chequered by lichens, 
Fic. 272.— Rifted Old Red Sandstone rocks, in Cloonee Glen, near Kenmare, showing the char- 
acter of the ground on which Geomalacus maculosus abounds (photo. by Mr. R. Welch). 
liverworts, and mosses, whose luxuriant growth is favoured by the moist, 
warm vapours brought in by the south-west winds from the Gulf-Stream, 
and which also form the driving mists and clouds which are so character- 
istic a feature of the Cronmliee us area, as all the loftier hills are almost 
constantly mist-drenched when rain is not actually falling. 
It is a truly geophilous species, and very seldom ascends trees, though 
oceasionally found thereon, but like other slugs, especially when young, 1s 
capable of spinning mucus-threads, and in captivity has been observed by 
Mr. H. W. Kew to quickly produce one a foot in length. At ordinary 
times, not only on dull, cloudy, damp days, but also oceasionally during 
sunny weather, Geomalacus lives and rests quite openly and conspic uously 
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