4.08 Dr. Kidd on the Anatomy 



lo whom I am indebted tor the pruicipal drawing which ac- 

 companies this paper,) as a protection for the vertical transpa- 

 rent portion. 



The thorax^'. — The form of this part is that of an irregular 

 cyUnder, passing into a cone towards the anterior part : the 

 upper portion and the sides, which are covered with a re- 

 raarkablj' smooth down resembUng the finest velvet, form a 

 horny case of considerable thickness and strength ; which con- 

 tains, or, more properly speaking, is almost entirely occupied 

 by the very large and powerful muscles which move the fore 

 legs. It is divided longitudinally into two equal parts, by an 

 almost bony septum of a complicated form : this septum upon 

 the whole bears an obvious resemblance, but in an inverted 

 position, to the deep sternum, together with the furcular cla- 

 vicle of birds ; and is destined indeed to a similar use, — to give 

 attachment to the powerful muscles which are to move the 

 anterior extremities. It differs however from the correspond- 

 ing part in birds in two considerable points. It differs, first, 

 in consisting of two laminae instead of one : these laminae are 

 parallel to, but distinctly separated from each other, so as to 

 give passage to the oesophagus, and room for the attachment 

 of muscles which assist in moving the adjacent parts. It dif- 

 fers again from the sternum of birds by having a very hard 

 spine, which resembles a common thorn, attached to the in- 

 ferior and posterior edge of the furcular bone, and passing 

 rather obliquely downwards and backwards. This process 

 serves for the attachment of numerous muscles which adhere 

 very firmly to it, and are inserted on either side of the com- 

 mencement of the abdomen; enabling the animal to bend its 

 thorax to an angle with the abdomen, a posture which has al- 

 ready been described as very characteristic of this insect. 



From the under part of the thorax and near its posterior 

 extremity arise the two fore legs, those singular instruments 

 which so peculiarly characterize the mole-cricket. Compared 

 indeed with the other legs, and with the general size of the 

 animal, they are as if the brawny hand and arm of a robust 

 dwarf were set on the body of a delicate infant; and the in- 

 dications of strength which their structure manifests, fully an- 

 swer to their extraordinary size : — but I shall describe them 

 more particularly hereafter, and proceed now to the descrip- 

 tion of the abdomen. 



The abdo)nenf. — In its general form and structure this part 

 resembles the corresponding part of the hornet ; but it con- 

 sists of more segments, and is much less bright in colour. 



* Vide Plate II. figs. 3 and 4. f Ibid. fig. 2. 



There 



