PINNOTHERES. 55 



symmetrical markings. The female is generally somewhat 

 transparent, brown above, with a yellow spot over the front 

 and an irregular one on each branchial region ; the abdo- 

 men, yellow, with a large central triangular brown spot. 



Pinnotheres veterum, Bosc. Pinna Pea Crab. — The 

 lower margin of right hand in the female furnished with a 

 small spine. Abdomen of female generally oval ; in the male 

 the carapace has the front slightly notched. 



Devonshire and Ireland, in the Pinna ingens and in Mo- 

 dioli, and also the common Oyster. 



Both male and female are brown. This is the species 

 found in the Mediterranean, and whose history, mingled with 

 much fable, is recorded by some of the ancient authors. 



In the poet Oppian* the story of the Pinnotheres is 



recorded according to the ancient belief of its life and 



manners. We quote the translation of this story given by 



Pennant. 



" la clouded deeps below the Finna hides, 

 And through the silent paths obscurely glides ; 

 A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care, 

 He forms no bait, nor lays the tempting snare; 

 But the dull sluggard boasts a Crab his friend, 

 Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend : 



Halieut., lib. ii., quoted by Pennant, Brit. Zool. iv. p. 2. 



