156 HISTORY OF BRITISH CRUSTACEA. 



in 1856, told me of two living specimens which had been 

 taken at Herm and Jethou. On the Trench coast it does 

 not appear that this is a very rare species. 



Dr. Lukis* has published the following observations on 

 the habits of a specimen which he kept alive in a basin 

 of sea- water for two days. " It sported about, and, after 

 a first approach, exhibited a boldness rather unexpected. 

 When first alarmed, it sprang backwards with great velo- 

 city; after which it placed itself in a menacing attitude 

 which would rather have excited the fear of exposing the 

 hand to it. The prominent appearance of the eyes, their 

 brilliancy and attentive watching, the feeling power of the 

 long antennse, evinced quick apprehension and instinct. I 

 brought a silver teaspoon near them, which was struck out 

 of my hand with a suddenness and force comparable to an 

 electric shock : this blow was effected by the large arms, 

 which were closed, and projected in an instant with the 

 quickness of lightning. An apparent anxiety to keep the 

 head and claws in front, made me suspect that the animal 

 lodges its hinder part in holes or recesses, from which it 

 can strike at its prey or other passing objects." 



Squilla Mantis, "Rondelet, sp. — Fang of first pair of 



* Mag. of Nat. Hist. viii. p. 464. 



