The Black-Bellied Tarantula 



der the Spider's mandibles. A weak prey is 

 a mouthful which the Spider reserves for the 

 calm of the night. A prey capable of resist- 

 ance is not attacked in captivity. The pris- 

 oner's anxiety cools the hunter's ardour. 



The arena of a large bottle enables each 

 athlete to keep out of the other's way, re- 

 spected by her adversary, who is respected in 

 her turn. Let us reduce the lists, diminish 

 the enclosure. I put Bumble-bee and Taran- 

 tula into a test-tube that has only room for 

 one at the bottom. A lively brawl ensues, 

 without serious results. If the Bumble-bee be 

 underneath, she lies down on her back and 

 with her legs wards off the other as much 

 as she can. I do not see her draw her 

 sting. The Spider, meanwhile, embracing the 

 whole circumference of the enclosure with 

 her long legs, hoists herself a little upon the 

 slippery surface and removes herself as far 

 as possible from her adversary. There, 

 motionless, she awaits events, which are soon 

 disturbed by the fussy Bumble-bee. Should 

 the latter occupy the upper position, the 

 Tarantula protects herself by drawing up her 

 legs, which keep the enemy at a distance. In 

 short, save for sharp scuffles when the two 



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