The Pompili 



to the utter bewilderment of the evicted ani- 

 mal. 



Two contrasting points impress me in the 

 facts which I have just set forth: the shrewd- 

 ness of the Pompilus and the folly of the 

 Spider. I will admit that the Wasp may 

 gradually have acquired, as being highly 

 beneficial to her posterity, the instinct by 

 which she first of all so judiciously drags the 

 victim from its refuge, in order there to 

 paralyse it without incurring danger, pro- 

 vided that you will explain why the Segestria, 

 possessing an intellect no less gifted than 

 that of the Pompilus, does not yet know 

 how to counteract the trick of which she has 

 so long been the victim. What would the 

 Black Spider need to do to escape her ex- 

 terminator? Practically nothing: it would 

 be enough for her to withdraw into her tube, 

 instead of coming up to post herself at the 

 entrance, like a sentry, whenever the enemy 

 is in the neighbourhood. It is very brave 

 of her, I agree, but also very risky. 

 The Pompilus will pounce upon one of the 

 legs spread outside the burrow for defence 

 and attack; and the besieged Spider will 

 perish, betrayed by her own boldness. This 

 posture is excellent when waiting for prey. 



21 



