THE GALEODES. 



513 



Even the scorpion itself is hardly more formidable in aspect than the Galeodes, and to 

 the generality of the insect tribe it is even a more dreadful foe. Armed with two pairs of 

 powerful mandibles placed side by side, like the claws of lobsters without their jointed foot- 

 stalks, the Galeodes sets off at night in search of prey. It runs with wonderful rapidity, more 

 like a mouse than a spider, and, from the large size to which it sometimes attains, covers much- 

 more space than a mouse as it darts over the floor. One specimen I saw was about two inches 

 in length, exclusive of the limbs, and measured exactly ten inches in total length. With 

 straightened limbs the length would have been very greatly increased. 



A large specimen of the Galeodes will attack any insect and almost any creature of small 

 size. It has been known to leap upon a lizard, to cling to its back as the combatants rolled 

 about on the ground, to kill it by driving its fangs into the spinal cord at the junction at the 

 head with the neck, and, finally, to eat it entirely with the exception of some of the larger 

 bones. The lizard measured three inches in length, exclusive of the tail. 



GALEODES. Solpuga, or Oaieodes araneoiOes. 



Much attention has been given to the Galeodes and its habits by Lieutenant-General J. 

 Hearsey, who has kindly communicated to me the following observations : 



When the Galeodes approaches any creature that it desires to attack, it thrusts out its 

 long palpi, touches the body with the rounded tips of those members, and immediately raises 

 them aloft, as if fearful lest they should be injured . The whole action is wonderfully like the 

 manner in which an elephant flings its proboscis in the air after touching anything of which it 

 is not quite sure. The tips of the palpi are rounded and soft, and when they are applied to 

 any object a sort of phosphorescent flame seems to be emitted from them. Having satisfied 

 itself by the touch, the creature rushes in at once to the attack. 



In order to ascertain whether the Galeodes would really attack and eat vertebrated 

 animals, an ordinarily-sized specimen was captured and placed under a bell-glass. A very 

 young musk-rat was then inserted under the glass, the Galeodes being on the opposite side. 

 As the creature traversed its transparent prison, it came suddenly on the young musk-rat, 

 which was quite a baby and could not open its eyes. Without hesitation it sprang on the 

 little animal, killed it, and in a very short time had eaten it. 



