INSECTA. 87 



The Locusta (palinurus quadricornis) are quite as large 

 as the above described ; the rarapace terminates in two 

 long spiny points ; the color is a greenish-brown ; tail 

 covered with yellow spots ; the feet marbled red and yel- 

 low. They are found principally in the Mediterranean, 

 where lobsters are scarce, but, like the latter, when taken 

 are observed to be without claws or nippers. 



The Diogenes or Hermit Crab (pagurus diogenes), 

 also denominated the Soldier Crab, has, on the first, 

 fourth, and fifth foot, a pair of nippers ; the abdomen is 

 very soft ; therefore, to defend itself and provide a 

 house, it seeks the shell of some neighboring mollusk, 

 and having devoured the owner, establishes itself in the 

 possession of the domicil. Sometimes, when valuable 

 shells have been laid out on the shore to bleach, these 

 pirates will crawl into them at night, and before the dep- 

 redation is discovered, go back with their booty into the 

 sea. Any attempt made to dislodge them meets with a 

 steady resistance ; they only retreat farther within, and 

 are so firm in retaining possession, that oftentimes they 

 will suffer themselves to be roasted within the shell, 

 rather than leave it. Many, however, are driven forth 

 by a live coal being placed on the carapace. The sol- 

 dier crab inhabits the waters of the Mediterranean, but 

 there is a larger race found in the East Indies which 

 resembles this in habits and form. 



The Shrimps (crangon vulgaris) are two inches in 

 length ; of a dull green color, and about as thick as a 

 little finger. They have simple feet, which terminate 

 with pincers ; the body is very soft, and the flesh regarded 

 as a dainty. They are found in great abundance mil- 

 lions it is said on the coasts of France, England, and 

 Germany, and are much sought after by the fishermen. 



