. Elements of zoology, or, Natural history of animals / ed. by Reese. Zoology. MYR1AP0DA THE 1ITLTD 413 most nearly allied to the Annelida, both in external form and in the arrangement of the several organs. The inlns is, or gaily worm, is a species often found concealed under stones, or beneath the bark of decaying timber. Its body is long and cylindrical, and is composed of between forty and fifty hard rings, which, except at the head and tail, diner but little from one another. Each segment gives origin to two pairs of small legs, which arise close to the middle line along
. Elements of zoology, or, Natural history of animals / ed. by Reese. Zoology. MYR1AP0DA THE 1ITLTD 413 most nearly allied to the Annelida, both in external form and in the arrangement of the several organs. The inlns is, or gaily worm, is a species often found concealed under stones, or beneath the bark of decaying timber. Its body is long and cylindrical, and is composed of between forty and fifty hard rings, which, except at the head and tail, diner but little from one another. Each segment gives origin to two pairs of small legs, which arise close to the middle line along the under surface of the body. These are scarcely large or strong enough to support its weight, so that the animal moves but slowly, and seems rather to glide or crawl than to walk. When at rest, the body is rolled up in a spiral form ; lulus. and the feet, being concealed in the concavity of the spire, are protected from injury ; whilst the firmness of the rings of the body enables them to resist considerable pressure. These animals are furnished with another means of de- fence, for they are capable of emitting a fluid of very dis- agreeable odour from a series of orifices which may be seen on each side of the body. These orifices have been mistaken for the spiracles or respiratory pores, which are situated along the under surface. The annexed figure represents the iulus, with the body coiled up, the front of the body unrolled, and the antenna magnified. 701. The mouth of the Ivlidse is furnished with a pair of stout horny jaws, moving horizontally, and furnished with sharp toothed edges ; and by means of these, they are enabled to divide with facility the portions of decaying vegetable matter upon which they usually feed. These animals are very harmless to man, not being possessed of any poisonous organs ; and they may be regarded as posi- tively benefiting him, by the removal of substances the decay of which would be noxious. The common iulas of this country seldom much exce
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1840, bookpublishe, booksubjectzoology
