310 



The mandibles are the most heavily constructed of an>- of the mouth parts. The 

 basal part is wide and quite straight while the distal part is cur\-ed inward, giving 

 the sickle-shaped appearance shown in the figures. The inner edge bears a small en- 

 largement which Harger (1880) has suggested is comparable to the molar process of 

 other Crustacea. The two mandibles are not exactly alike (see figure 127). The tip 



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Fig. 125. Limnoria lignonim. 1, Dorsal view of male. 2, Ventral view of gravid female. X 28. 

 After Hoek, 1893. 



of the left bears the most conspicuous teeth. The dentition ^-aries with the individual. 

 The teeth may be large and set in definite rows on the tip, or they may be smaller 

 and not so definite. There may be a set of rounded teeth in the region opposite the 

 molar process, but these are entirely lacking in many individuals. The mandibular 

 palps have three joints and a varying number of bristles. Above the point where the 

 palp joins the mandible proper is a large rounded tubercle. The first and second 

 maxillae and the maxillipeds, in contrast to the mandibles, are leaf-like in structure, 

 suggesting their use as organs for sweeping the particles of wood into the mouth. 

 The first and second maxillae have simple straight bases and branched tips. The 



