694 



THE MILLEPEDES. 



THE left-hand figure in the next illustration is remarkable for the enormous number of 

 rings of which the creature is composed, and the consequent number of legs which are 

 needed to cany it over the ground. Although this species is only from four to five 

 inches, it has no less than three hundred . and twenty-two legs. It is a native of the 

 Philippine Islands, whence so many wonderful forms are brought. 



The rather harsh generic name of this creature is composed of two Greek words, the 

 former signifying an angle, and the latter the top of the head, and is given to the animal 

 because the front edge of the head is formed into an acute angle. The general colour of 

 the species is ashen grey, and the mandibles are black at their tips. 



The second figure introduces us to a new group of Myriapoda, where the creature 

 have the power of rolling themselves up, more or less completely, like the hedgehog anc 

 the pill-woodlouse. The species shown in the illustration is given of the natural size. It 

 is a native of Borneo, and was found by Mr. A. E. Wallace. The general colour of 

 the creature is rusty brown, inclining to red ; the head is edged with blackish brown, auc 

 the front segment is also edged with the same colour. The surface is shining anr 



Gonibrtgrnatus Cumingii. 



Zephrdnia imprtfsu*. (New species.) 



polished, and all the segments, except that at the end of the body, are marked with deep 

 longitudinal impressions. For this reason, I call the species " impressus." Its length is 

 nearly two inches. The specimen from which the drawing was taken is in the collection 

 of the British Museum. 



Before leaving these creatures, it may be as well to state that, during the earlier stages 

 of their existence, these animals are much less perfect than when they have reached 

 adult age; they have not their full complement of segments or limbs, nor an equal 

 number of eyes. The metamorphosis, therefore, is complete, and serves to show the 

 relationship between the Myriapoda and the insects. 



Two new examples of this remarkable genus are next given, in order to show the 

 beautiful markings which exist in some species, and to exhibit the aspect which they 

 present when rolled up for defence. 



The central figure represents the Actason Millepede, which is here shown of its 

 natural dimensions. It is a native of Madagascar, and was noted by the celebrated 

 female traveller Madame Ida Pfeiffer. The surface of its body is very polished and 

 shining, and the general colour is a livid yellow. A number of tiny puncturations are 



