VENOMS IN THE ANIMAL SERIES 



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cavities, each of which is completely filled by the gland. They are 

 separated from each other by a muscular septum formed of striated 

 fibres inserted in the chitinous skeleton ; by the contraction of this 

 septum the animal is enabled to eject its venom. 



The scorpion never stings backivards, but always in front of 

 itself. It delivers stabs with its sting in two distinct ways. For 



Fig. 21. — Scorpio occitamis. (After Joyeux-Laffuie.) 



1, Scorpion seizing a spider, and piercing it with its sting (natural size) ; 2, 

 extremity of the abdomen (telson) enlarged, showing the poison-apparatus ; 3, poison- 

 apparatus detached from the abdomen, showing an isolated poison-gland. 



the purpose of defending itself from attack it elevates its abdomen 

 into a bow, and then regains its former position by suddenly unbend- 

 ing it. To strike an animal, such as a spider, which serves it for 

 food, the scorpion seizes it with its pincers and holds it as in a vice. 

 Then it raises its abdomen, brings the end of it close to its captive, 



