SCORPIONS, SPIDERS AND CRABS 249 



using the left palpus as part of his support. The right 

 palpus was slightly twisted so as to bring the surface 

 (containing the fertilizing germs) opposite the sexual 

 organs of the female. . . . He now rapidly raised his 

 palpus up and down for four or more seconds, and with 

 such energy as to compel her to assume a vertical position. 

 He then retired and again approached her, repeating 

 the movements . . . occasionally pausing before he 

 withdrew his palpus. ... At times he would leave the 

 female for five minutes, and strut with straightened legs 

 round the vase, wagging his abdomen. Now and then 

 he would remain perfectly still with the palpus with- 

 drawn, or play with the palpi of the female, while she 

 seemed in a comatose state. He would then renew the 

 union with undiminished vigour, appearing on each 

 occasion less desirous of changing his position. I left 

 them at 12-30 a.m. and returned at 7 a.m. The male 

 was still using his right palpus. I saw no application 

 of the left palpus, but have no doubt that it was em- 

 ployed during the night, as in other cases. I have not 

 observed the pairing ever interrupted by a fresh collection 

 of semen, although there is no reason to think this may 

 not occur. The duration of pairing is long ; but I am 

 inclined to think it is more dependent on the difficulty 

 in inserting the palpus than on sexual endurance. The 

 impregnation appeared to take place when the male 

 retained his palpi in front of the bursts copulatrices for 

 about thirty seconds, which was frequently the case." 



There are occasions, however, when a very different 

 sequel attends this dalliance. In one instance, for 

 example, Mr. Campbell placed a pair together, and at 

 once the male began to pay his addresses. " Shortly 

 afterwards he rapidly appHed one of his palpi to the 



