256 ORDER STOMAPODA. SQUILL A MANTIS. 



serving also as one of the chief articles, on which the "Whalebone 

 Whale is supported. 



791. The Squilla, which is sometimes termed " Sea Mantis," 

 from the resemblance of its powerful claws to those of that 

 Insect ( 664), may be regarded as the type of the Order. Its 

 carapace is small, and only covers the anterior half of the thorax ; 

 the posterior being formed of rings like those of the abdomen. 



FIG. 480. SQUILLA MANTIS. 



The members which, in their position, correspond with the 

 external feet-jaws of Decapods (Fig. 480, a), are here developed 

 into enormous claws, terminating in a sharp hook ; in the 

 typical species, Squilla mantis, the last joint or finger is furnished 

 with six sharp projecting spines ; and the preceding joint, or 

 hand, is furnished with three sharp spines, and is hollowed at 

 its edge into a groove, into which the finger shuts, in such a 

 manner as to render this claw a most efficient instrument of 

 prehension. The other foot-jaws, and the three first pairs of 

 thoracic members (>), share in this conformation ; being fur- 

 nished with a sharp moveable finger, and a hand armed with 

 spines, against which the finger closes ; and these are directed 

 towards the mouth, in such a manner as to hold the prey against 

 it, in the most efficient manner. The three posterior pairs of 

 legs, which are attached to the annulated (or ringed) portion of 

 the thorax (c), are furnished with a brush instead of a hook at 

 their extremities, and more resemble the abdominal swimming 

 legs. The tail is expanded into a broad fin. Thus we see that 

 the locomotive apparatus of this animal is partly adapted for 

 prehension, and partly for natation (or swimming), and not at 



