Irish Naturalist Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt: ...IRELAND. BY ReV. HILDeRIC FRIeND, F.L.S. Continuedfrom page 90.) Group II. Dlsjuncta. As in the last group we had only one indigenous species of worm for examination, so in the present instance. The paucity of species, however, is balanced by the interest and peculiarity of this solitary illustration; and from facts which have come under observation recently, it would appear as though the Irish representative of the group had begun to diverge from its English and European type. Allolofaophora profuga, Rosa.--The Rambler. A fine, steelblue worm, unlike any other British species in colour. The girdle and last half-dozen segments of a yellowish hue, the latter owing to the presence of turbid fluid, such as is secreted in great quantities by the Brandling (A. fcetula, Savigny), and others. When living, it is from five to eight inches in length, averaging six. There is a total number of from 120 to 160 segments in the body. The worm is cylindrical, tending to octagonal, owing to the disjuncted arrangement of the setae, which are much wider apart than in the groups previously studied. The tail tapers rapidly to a point, and is conspicuous, by reason of the striking difference in colour existing between it and the rest of the body. The girdle normally occupies segments 30 to 35, along the innermost four of which the band is stretched. Thus, this species closely resembles the true Lumbrici, with their six-segment girdle, and four-segment band. There is a tendency in this species, however, for the band to project beyond the four segments, or run into the two outermost. Well marked and prominent papillae on segment 15 carry the male pores. A peculiar odour, as of garlic, or some similar vegetable, is given off when the worm is irritated, just as the...