568 



THE DOMED CRAB. 



developed into bold spikes. The claw legs are remarkably small in proportion, and the 

 claws themselves are even more feeble than might be inferred from the dimensions of the 

 entire limb. Several species of Micippa are known, all of which are obtained from one or 

 other of the Philippine Islands. 



On the left hand of the engraving are seen two crabs very dissimilar in external 

 appearance, and yet belonging to the same genus. The upper figure represents the 

 HERALDIC CRAB, so called because the shape of its carapace presents a fanciful resemblance 

 to the shield and mantle employed by heraldic painters in depicting coat armour. The 

 sides of the carapace are developed into four singular projections, flat, and looking very 

 much as if pinched out of the shell while its material was plastic. The snout is tolerably 

 long, and very sharply pointed, and the eyes only iust project from under the 

 protecting shell. 



The lower figure represents the LONG-SNOUTED CRAB, a creature in which the carapace, 

 instead of being wide, flattened, and formed with ring-like projections at the side, is drawn 

 out to a wonderful length, and possesses two angular projections towards the base. Both 

 these crabs are natives of Japan. 



DOMED CKAB. CrypiopMia rorn.ica.iu. 



IN the family of crabs which is known by the name of Parthenopidai, we have a veiy 

 different form, the carapace being more or less triangular, the beak or snout small and 

 not notched, and the eyes very retractile. The claw-legs are generally large in proportion 

 to the other limbs, which are often very short. 



The DOMED CRAB is a very remarkable example of this family, and in addition to 

 certain generic peculiarities, well displays the characteristics of the family. As may be 

 observed by reference to the illustration, the claw-legs are very large throughout their 

 entire structure, and are furnished at their extremities with short but powerful nippers. 

 The carapace of this creature is extremely wide, but the width is due, not so much to the 

 body as to the shell, which is expanded in such a manner as to conceal the legs under its 

 shelter. 



