298 



ZOOLOGY. 



[Pakt ir. 



slender legs, of gradually increasing length from front to 

 rear, the hind ones in some species being amazingly 

 prolonged, and all handsomely marked with brown 

 annuU in concentric arches. These myriapods are 



CEEMATIA. 



harmless, excepting to woodhce, spiders, and young 

 cockroaches, which form their ordinary prey. They 

 are rarely to be seen ; but occasionally at daybreak, 

 after a more than usually abundant repast, they may 

 be observed motionless, and resting with their regularly 

 extended Hmbs nearly flat against the walls. On being 

 disturbed they dart away with a surprising velocity, 

 to conceal themselves in chinks until the return of 



night. 



But the species to be really dreaded are the true 

 Scolopemiire, which are active and carnivorous, hving 

 in holes in old walls and other gloomy dens. One 

 species ^ attains to nearly the length of a foot, with cor- 

 responding breadth ; it is of a dark purple colour, ap- 

 proaching black, with yellowish legs and antennae, and 

 its whole aspect repulsive and frightful. It is strong 

 and active, and evinces an eager disposition to fight 

 when molested. The Scolopendroe are gifted by nature 

 with a rigid coriaceous armour, which does not yield 

 to common pressure, or even to a moderate blow ; so 

 that they often escape the most well-deserved and well- 

 directed attempts to destroy them, seeking refuge in 

 retreats which effectually conceal them from sight. 



There is a smaller one ^, which frequents dwelling- 



Scolopmdra crassa, Temp. 



Scolojyemlra pidlipes. 



