PLATE XII
Squilla mantis, FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN. ABOUT ONE-HALF NATURAL SIZE
(From Brit. Mus. Guide)
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The Stomatopoda have a small carapace, which does not cover the last four thoracic somites, and has in front a small flattened rostrum, attached by a movable hinge, like that of the Leptostraca. The eyes are stalked, and, like the antennules, are attached to a separate movable segment of the front part of the head—a peculiarity not found in any other Crustacea. There are small plate-like gills attached to the bases of some of the thoracic limbs, but the chief organs of respiration are large feathery gills attached to the pleopods or swimmerets.
The Stomatopoda are all found in the sea, generally in shallow water, burrowing in sand or hiding in crevices of rocks or corals. Some species are more than a foot in length.