154 APTERA. 



danger past, when they gradually unfold, and 

 slowly walk away. 



The Onisci are viviparous, and the young 

 are perfectly similar to the mother in the con- 

 formation of all their parts, except that the head 

 is larger, and the antennae thicker in propor- 

 tion. They are born about the end of August ; 

 and Degeer, whose accuracy is not to be doubt- 

 ed, observed that the young when first hatched 

 had but six pair of feet, absolutely wanting that 

 seventh pair, and the corresponding ring to 

 the body, with which they are all provided when 

 full grown. These parts must be developed at 

 some period between the time of their birth 

 and their maturity, but the precise point at 

 which this happens, has not as yet been dis- 

 covered. In the progress of their growth, they 

 often change their skin, and their remnant, 

 which we sometimes meet with in the fields, or 

 in the houses, is a thin white membrane, bear- 

 ing the impression of that body to which it 

 once belonged. 



The Onisci feed on different substances ; on 

 leaves, on plants, and on fallen fruit. Most of 



