GENERAL CHARACTERS OF MYRIAPODA. 211 



the similarity in the character, of the segments. The Myriapoda 

 cannot be said to undergo any proper metamorphosis, like that 

 of Insects and some Crustacea ; since the young one, at its ex- 

 clusion from the egg, possesses the form and most of the general 

 characters of the parent; but there is a gradual increase, during 

 the period of growth, not merely in the size of the body, but in 

 the number of segments and legs ; and in one division of the 



class (the lulidae), the 

 young, when it first issues 

 from the egg, is altogether 

 unprovided with legs, but 

 h ,. forms a white mass, which 



FIG. ^^TRANSFORMATIONS OF IULTO ; has been called b ^ 



a, b, c, successive stages. J 



Fabre the pupoid body. 



Within this the young lulus is formed ; and when it casts off this 

 covering, it possesses only three pairs of legs, the number of these 

 organs increasing with each change of skin. A considerable 

 number of inoultings takes place before the animal acquires its 

 adult characters ; and this does not happen, in some species, until 

 after the lapse of two years. 



806. This Class is divided into two Orders, which differ con- 

 siderably from each other in form and development. 



I. CHILOPODA, consisting of the Centipedes and their allies ; 

 in which the body is flattened, and the legs well developed, 

 constituting the principal instruments of locomotion. They run 

 with facility ; and are carnivorous in their habits. 



II. CHILOGNATHA, consisting of the lulus or Millepede, and its 

 allies ; in which the body is cylindrical, and the legs less developed. 

 They move slowly ; and feed upon decomposing organic matter. 



ORDER L CHILOPODA. 



807. This Order is the one, in which the greatest resemblance 

 to Insects may be traced. It consists of the Centipede and other 

 carnivorous Myriapods, possessing strong and active limbs, 

 usually varying in number from fifteen to twenty-one pairs, 

 although some species possess a much greater number ; by the 

 aid of these they can run with considerable rapidity, and they are 



