14 



hairs along the sides, but their bases are covered so that 

 they are not visible. It may be observed by some, that 

 this is the imperfect or larva state of some insect ; but it is 

 scarcely probable that we shall ever see it in its perfect 

 state ; and to those who do not know the difference, it 

 may be an useful piece of information to show that certain 

 insects in the larva state nearly resemble their more perfect 

 or latter state*. 



In the lower part of this plate we represent an Acarus, 

 which we call A. amictus. It was found among moss, 

 Hypnum molluscum, and was not only clothed with a 

 high load of fragments, but had bits of beetles, green and 

 gold wings, which gave it a brilliant appearance, as it is 

 otherwise in itself a very ordinary-looking insect. It puts us 

 in mind of the fable of the jackdaw dressed in peacock's 

 feathers. 



Acarus corhicula, Little Basket Mite. — This minute ani- 

 mal is formed so like a basket, by the flatness of the back, 

 and the hairs placed in order round the edges, (some up- 

 right and some looped,) that it is distinct from any other 

 we know of before described. It does not however seem to 

 be used as a basket, nor have we ever seen it clothe itself. 

 We find them not so rare as at first suspected. These are 

 also from the same place as the last. 



Dr. M'Culloch (in Linn. Trans, v. Q. t. 31. p. 369.) 

 has given an account of Cancer phalanghanf a kind of 

 spider-like crab, clothing itself to deceive its prey ; and I 

 received a specimen lately of the same species of Crab, 

 clothed with Sertularia lorlculata, from Scotland, by favour 

 of James Brodie, Esq. The Sertularia was laid in tile-like 

 order, — a good confirmation of Dr. M'Culloch's position. 



* Insects, such as Beetles, Butterflies, are known to change from the form 

 of caterpillars, maggots, or larvas. The chrysalis or pupa to a perfect Beetle 

 is seldom seen ; but those of other insects are very common. This is pro- 

 bably the larva of an Hemerobius. 



