LEPISM&. 249 



lepisma, a scale. The creatures are known as 

 " The Bristle-tails proper " ; the genus belongs 

 to the order Thyasanura> which contains some 

 extremely minute but very curious insects. 



Sir John Lubbock's researches have thrown 

 much light upon the structure and habits of the 

 Lepismidce, and some of their near relations. I 

 cannot help transcribing his description of the 

 love-making of a couple of these atoms, known 

 as SmerintJius luteus. Sir John says : "It is 

 very amusing to see these little creatures co- 

 quetting together. The male, which is smaller 

 than the female, runs round her, and they butt 

 one another standing face to face, and moving 

 backwards and forwards like two playful lambs. 

 Then the female pretends to run away, and the 

 male runs after her with a queer appearance of 

 anger, gets in front and stands facing her again ; 

 then she turns coyly round, but he, quicker and 

 more active, scuttles round too, and seems to whip 

 her with his antennae. Then for a bit they stand 

 face to face, play with their antennae, and seem to 

 be all in all to one another." 



Sir John Lubbock considers the Lepisuice to be 



