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Remarks. This form was first described by Scopoli as early as in the
year 1763 under the name of Oniscus muscorum, and has subsequently been re-
corded by Fabricius, Brandt and Koch under other names; but now the specific
name proposed by Scopoli is . generally adopted. In its external appearance, it
exhibits some resemblance to Ligidium hypnorum, but, on a closer examination, is
easily distinguished by the very different structure of the antennae and uropoda.
Occurrence. Two specimens of this form are preserved in our university
Museum, having been taken by the late Dr. Jensen, the one at Brevik, the other
at Langesund. I have not myself succeeded in finding it in the neighbourhood
of Christiania, nor in any other locality examined by me. and it would thus seem
to be very rare in this country. According to Mr. Budde-Lund, it is chiefly found
in forests, beneath moist leaves and moss. As might be supposed from its
slender and elongated legs, it is rery rapid
in its motions.
Distribution. Denmark, Prussia, Germany, Holland, Poland, Austria,
Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Algeria.
Gen. 3. PlatyarthFUS, Brandt, 1833.
Syn: Typhloniscus, Schobl.
Generic Characters. Body oval, much depressed, with the lateral parts
of the segments lamellarly expanded. Cephalon with well-marked projecting lateral
lobes. Metasome not abruptly contracted; last segment but slightly produced.
Eyes wholly absent. Antennae comparatively short and very strongly built, with
the joints of the peduncle flattened, flagellum only consisting of a single
joint. Oral parts resembling those in Philoscia. Legs short and thick, scarcely
increasing in length posteriorly. Opercular plates of pleopoda without air-cavities.
Uropoda rather produced, with the inner ramus originating far in front of the outer.
jRemarlcs. This genus, established by Brandt, is chiefly characterised by
the total absence of eyes, the peculiar structure of the antennae, and the short
and thick legs. In the structure of the oral parts, it does not exhibit any es-
sential difference from that in other Oniscidse. The genus lyphloniscus of Schobl
is identical \\ii\\ Brandt's genus. We know of only 3 species belonging to this
genus, one of which will be described below.