. The cyclopædia of anatomy and physiology. Anatomy; Physiology; Zoology. Myrmecobiiis fasciattu. 4—4 1—1 Incisors „ „; canines 1 ^ ; praemolars 3—3 6—6 molars -—j;: = 54. 3—3' 6—6 From this formula it will be seen that the number of molars, eighteen in both jaws, ex- ceeds that of any other known existing mar- supial, and nearly approaches the peculiar dental formula of the extinct Thylacotherittm,* and that which characterizes some of the ex- isting Armadillos. The resemblance to the genus Dasypus is further carried out in the small size of the molar teeth, their separation from each other b
. The cyclopædia of anatomy and physiology. Anatomy; Physiology; Zoology. Myrmecobiiis fasciattu. 4—4 1—1 Incisors „ „; canines 1 ^ ; praemolars 3—3 6—6 molars -—j;: = 54. 3—3' 6—6 From this formula it will be seen that the number of molars, eighteen in both jaws, ex- ceeds that of any other known existing mar- supial, and nearly approaches the peculiar dental formula of the extinct Thylacotherittm,* and that which characterizes some of the ex- isting Armadillos. The resemblance to the genus Dasypus is further carried out in the small size of the molar teeth, their separation from each other by slight interspaces, and their implantation in sockets, which are not formed upon a well-developed alveolar ridge or process. The molars, however, present a distinct multi- cuspidate structure, and both the true and false ones possess two separate fangs, as in other Marsupials. The inferior molars are directed obliquely inwards, and the whole dental series describes a slight sigmoid curve, (Jig. 97.) The false molars present the usual compressed triangular form with the apex slightly recurved; and the base more or less obscurely notched before and behind. The canines are very little longer than the false molars; the incisors are minute, slightly com- pressed and pointed ; they are separated from each other and the canines by wide intervals. The Myrmecobians are insectivorous,f and shelter themselves in the hollows of trees, fre- quenting most, it is said, those situations where the Port-Jackson willow abounds. In the structure and proportions of its hinder feet, Myrinecobius resembles the Dasyurine family ; and in the slightly developed canines, the smooth external surface of the skull, the breadth between the zygomata, and the absence of the interparietal ridges, as well as in its * This small Tnsectivore, of which the marsu- pial character is doubtful, had twenty-four molars in each jaw.—See Geol. Trans. New Series, part 1. t Mr. Gould informs me
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