SIR JOHN LUBBOCK ON PAUROPUS. 189 



terminate in simple claws, which, as we have seen, is not the case in this genus. The 

 mouth-parts in Paaropus, though very different from those of t lie Chilopods, appear to 

 resemble those of that group in a rudimentary condition, rather than those of th< 

 Diplopods. Lastly, the eyes and antenna? are very unlike those of the Diplopods. 



This little genus, therefore, does not possess the characteristics of either order of Myri- 

 apods, but forms a link not only connecting the Chilopods and Diplopods together, but 

 also bridging over to a certain extent the crrcat chasm which separates them from other 



O"*0 



Articulata. It must at any rate be regarded as a new family, even if it does not con- 

 stitute the type of a third order among the Myrinpods. 



Panropiis, moreover, possesses several other peculiarities, which are of the more interest 

 because the Myriapods hitherto known present a homogeneity in their characters which is 

 very remarkable if we consider the value of the group, their extensive geographical 

 range, and the number of species. In its general appearance, in its minute size, in the 

 character of its antenna, in the possession of clubbed hairs and long seta-, Panropus, on 

 the contrary, does something to relieve the disagreeable monotony of the class. 



The antennae are particularly remarkable, and the more so because, in all known 

 Myriapods, these organs are simply filiform, and short, almost invariably seven-jointed 

 among the Diplopods, longer and possessing more numerous segments among the 

 Chilopods. The antennae of JPanropus, on the contrary, in their bifid character, and in 

 the possession of long, jointed appendages, offer peculiarities which can be found, so far 

 as I am aware, among no other terrestrial Articulata, and which remind us strongly of 

 the types presented by the antennae of certain Crustacea. 



I exhibited and named this little creature at a recent meeting of the Entomological 

 Society. On that occasion Mr. Westwood remarked that, with the exception of the genus 

 Iapyx, described by Mr. Halliday, Pauropus was the most interesting addition to the 

 Articulata which had been made for many years. I may perhaps attribute too much 

 value to it ; but, considering the importance of the groups which it serves to connect, and 

 the numerous as well as important points in which it differs from all hitherto known 

 species, I cannot help thinking that even the genus Iapyx t interesting as it undoubtedly 



esents fewer peculiarities and is less instructive than the little creature which I 



pr 



now had the pleasure of describ 



Note.— As I have already observed, one of the specimens which I captured early in 

 August, lived until the middle of December. Until within a few days of its death, it was 

 lively and apparently in good health and spirits ; but it did not increase in size, or 

 undergo any change. Throughout the winter I have found other specimens in their 

 usual haunts. Like the Thysanura &c, they retire into the most sheltered places, and 

 are difficult to find in very severe weather, but reappear again on the return of a milder 

 temperature. I have carefully watched them during the spring, and have kept several 

 specimens in captivity, but have seen nothing which would lead me to suppose that they 

 undergo any further development. As I have therefore had them under observation for 

 very nearly a year, I think we may safely conclude that it is not a mere immature form, 

 but is really a new type of Myriapod.— July 22, 1867. 





