282 PERIPATUS, MYRIOPODS, AND INSECTS. 



The species of Peripatus, which some refer to four genera, 

 are numerous and widely distributed. In its possession of 

 trachea and nephridia it is an interesting connecting link; 

 in many ways it seems to be an old-fashioned survivor of an 

 archaic stock. 



The species of Peripdtus are very beautiful animals. Mr. 

 Sedgwick says : " The exquisite sensitiveness and continu- 

 ally changing form of the antennse, the well-rounded plump 

 body, the eyes set like small diamonds on the side of the 

 head, the delicate feet, and, above all, 

 the rich colouring and velvety texture of 

 the skin, all combine to give these 

 animals an aspect of quite exceptional 

 beauty." They are shy and nocturnal, 

 hiding under stones and among rotting 

 wood, feeding on insects and the like, 

 which they catch by the ejection of slime 

 from the oral papillae. To their shy habits 

 their persistence is possibly in part due. 

 They are able to move quickly, somewhat 

 after the fashion of Millipedes, especially 

 like Scolopendrella. Young forms roll up 

 when touched, and have been seen to 

 climb up vertical glass plates. 



About a score of species are known, from S. 

 Africa, Auslialia, New Zealand, West Indies, S. 

 America, etc., widely distributed like some other 

 archaic types (cf. Dipnoi). 



As the different species have similar habits, and 

 live in very similar conditions, the differences 

 between them probably illustrate purely constitu- 

 tional variations. 



FIG. 120. — Ex- 

 ternal form of 

 Peripatus. — 

 After Balfour. 



Note antennae and 

 simple feet. 



A more Detailed Account of Peripatus. 



Form. — The body suggests an Annelid or a caterpillar, but, apart 

 from the appendages, there is no external segmentation. Over the soft 

 skin are numerous minute warts with small bristles. The mouth is 

 ventral and anterior ; the anus terminal and posterior. 



Appendages. — The first are the large, ringed antenme ; then follow 

 the sickle-like jaws in the mouth cavity ; a little further back are two 

 oral papillse from which slime is exuded. Then there are the 14-42 

 stump-like legs, each with two terminal chitinous claws. In the young 

 P. capensis the leg is said to be five-jointed, but in the adults there is 



