Then he describes the method in which the Amphipod works up bits
of weed and its own droppings into the framework of the tube. In
putting its foecal pellets to this use, it reminds one of a species of
Melicerta (_Melicerta janus_)[52], which employs the same material
to coat its gelatinous sheath.
In breaking up weed and pellets with its foot-jaws and (probably) its
mandibles, the Amphipod recalls the practice of some of the Masking
Crabs, which have been seen to apply to the mouth the material they
were using to deck themselves. Dr. Aurivillius suggests that in the
case of the Crabs there may be an adhesive secretion from the mouth,
as there is possibly in the Amphipods. ‘The spinning was done wholly
with the first and second pereiopods, the tips of which were touched,
from point to point over the inside of the skeleton tube, in a way
that recalled strongly the movements of the hands in playing upon a
piano. The cement adhered at once to the points touched, and spun out
between them in uniform delicate threads. The threads seemed to harden
very quickly after they were spun, and did not seem, even from the
first, to adhere to the animal itself. In one case, in which the entire
construction of the tube was watched, the work was apparently very
nearly or quite completed in little more than half an hour.’
The species we are likely to meet with in rock-pools fashion their
tubes in a similar way. The only difference to be noted is that they
employ less cement, and a larger proportion of broken-down weed and
other matters.
The Sand-hopper (_Tali´trus locus´ta_) and the Shore-hopper
(_Orches´tia littorea_) are so exceedingly plentiful that it may
be well to collect and preserve some during any visit to the seaside.
Both are of fairly large size, and present no great difficulty to us in
making out their several parts. Let us take the Sand-hopper first.
Sand-hoppers swarm on most sandy shores, where they perform the useful
part of scavengers. They are always found above high-water mark, and
do not enter the sea of their own accord. In hunting for them it is a
good plan to turn over decaying masses of sea-weed, for under them the
Sand-hoppers are sure to swarm.
Strange tales have been told of their voracity. Bate and Westwood[53]
record the story of a correspondent who says that at Whitsand he ‘saw
“not millions, but cartloads,” of this species lying piled together
along the margin of the sea. They hopped and leaped about, devouring
each other, as if for very wantonness. A handkerchief, which a lady let
fall amongst them, was soon reduced to a piece of open work by the
minute jaws of these small creatures.’
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account