Crustaceans 89 



giant, much dreaded by the pearl divers, 

 is regarded as a delicacy. It is common 

 at a depth of 600 feet or more, but at 

 certain seasons enters shallow creeks and 

 inlets when it is caught in traps. When 

 captured a dozen or more men unite in 

 pinioning the creature and lash it to a 

 bamboo frame like the spoke of a wheel. 

 A limb is tied to each spoke and the 

 crab is then sold " per joint." 



The crustaceans belonging to the 

 order Stomatopoda have long bodies and 

 scythe-like fore limbs which recall those 

 of that terrestrial insect hypoint, the 

 praying mantis. With these limbs they 

 catch fish, shrimps and other prey, and 

 can inflict painful wounds on the in- 

 cautious hand. The common European 

 species (Squilla mantis) drives long, tor- 

 tuous burrows in gravel or sand just 

 beyond the low-tide limit, and comes 

 forth to feed only at night. The mother 

 squilla lays several thousands of eggs, 



