1946] 
3 
Parturition in Peripatus 
An unsuccessful parturition was observed in a smaller indi- 
vidual of another species. * * * * * * 7 Here the young was apparently in- 
jured and died when only one fourth extruded. In this case 
strong contractions of the posterior portion of the female’s body 
were observed but she was unable to complete parturition more 
TABLE 2 
Length in mm. 
Pairs Weight — 
of legs in mg. Contracted Extended 
Adult 
33 
786 
50 
60 
Young #1 
33 
48 
23 
33 
Young #2 
34 
54 
24 
31 
than half way. Forceps delivery was resorted to in an attempt 
to save the adult, but unsuccessfully since she died about 12 
hours later. It may well be that this failure was occasioned by 
placing the animal under observation since the smaller species 
was characteristically much more active and upset when re- 
moved from shelter. The larger species was much more tolerant 
of observation and for this reason may be particularly suitable 
material for studies on this group. 
7 This animal, also from Barro Colorado Island, was one of several Oroperi- 
patus corradi. It had a contracted length of 36 mm and was a light chocolate 
color with a lighter under side and with darker legs and a dark, median dorsal 
stripe 0.3 mm wide. 
