66 INSECTS MIMICKING ANTS. 



fianks of the main army, and re-enter it again after 

 their task is accomphshed. If some very rich place be 

 encountered anywhere near the line of march — for 

 example, a mass of rotten wood abounding in insect 

 larvtB, a delay takes place, and a very strong force of 

 ants is concentrated upon it.' 



Belt, also, has given ' an excellent account of these 

 Ecitons. He observed that spiders were peculiarly 

 intelligent in escaping them, making off several yards 

 in advance ; and not like cockroaches and other stupider 

 insects, taking shelter in the first hiding-place, where 

 they were almost sure to be detected. The only chance 

 of safety was either to run right away or to stand still. 

 He once saw a Harvestman {Phalangiuni) standing 

 in the midst of an army of ants with the greatest 

 circumspection and coolness, lifting its long legs one 

 after the other. Sometimes as many as five out of 

 the eight would be in the air at once, but it always 

 found tliree or four spots free from ants, on which it 

 could safely place its feet. On another occasion. Belt 

 observed a green leaf-like locust, which remained per- 

 fectly still, allowing the ants to run over it. This 

 they did, but seem to have been quite deceived by its 

 appearance and immobility, apparently taking it for a 

 leaf. 



In other cases, insects mimic ants, and thus escape 

 attack or are able to stalk their prey. Belt mentions 

 a spider which in its form, colour, and movements so 



' The Naturalist in Nioaragna, p. 17. 



