Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/611
Scientific nameGryllotalpa gryllotalpa
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
DescriptionThe digestive system of a mole cricket dissected for comparison with the digestive system of a locust.
The two process which project from the tail of the cricket act as antennae for the backward movements of the insect.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSHC/443RCSHC/473RCSHC/474RCSHC/475RCSHC/607RCSHC/608RCSHC/609RCSHC/610RCSHC/784
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in an oval glass jar with glass lid.
Materialglass (material)
Insecta
Dimensions
whole height: 241 mm
whole width: 165 mm
whole depth: 92 mm
whole weight: 3537 g
whole width: 165 mm
whole depth: 92 mm
whole weight: 3537 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript611: The alimentary canal of a Mole Cricket Gryllotalpa vulgaris) isolated. The structure of this canal bears a general resemblance to that of the Locust but the crop, instead of being a gradual dilatation of the oesophagus, is appended to the side of that tube like the crop of a gallinaceous fowl, and a longer canal intervenes between it and the gizzard. Two large and laterally disposed caecal appendages open, as in locusts, into the termination of the gizzard, from which the true digestive stomach is continued; this part is narrow at its commencement, then becomes dilated, and afterwards gradually contracts to the situation where the biliary organ communicates with the alimentary canal. The intestine is short, dilated at its commencement, and becomes narrower to the rectum, where it is again dilated. The two processes projecting beyond the anus, which have been conjectured to act as antennae in the retrograde motions of the animal, are preserved in this specimen. The black colour of the parts was derived from the piece of wood to which they were originally attached. The above five specimens are mounted with No. 443.
