153 

 Genus LXXXIV. ONISCUS. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Antenna setaceous, bent at an angle, and com- 

 posed of 5 or 6 distinct articulations. Mouth 

 with two toothed jaws and four filiform palpi. 

 Body oval and annulated. Feet fourteen, 

 ending in a simple nail, somewhat hooked. 



General Observations. 



The Onisci, commonly known by the name 

 of Wood-lice, are of very retired habits. They 

 but seldom appear in the day time, seeming to 

 shun both the light and heat of the sun. They 

 are mostly found under stones, in the crevices 

 of walls, in cellars, and in subterraneous places. 

 When undisturbed they move slowly, and their 

 many legs seem but of little comparative use 

 to them even in flight. The majority of the 

 species are either so sensible, or so timid, that 

 they roll themselves up as soon as they are 

 touched ; and, like the hedgehog, present a ball 

 without the slightest appearance of head or feet. 

 In this state they remain till they think the 



