1 82 The Life of the Spider 



picturesque and conveys some sort of informa- 

 tion. Such is the term Crab Spider, appHed by 

 the ancients to the group to which the Thomisus 

 belongs, a pretty accurate term, for, in this case, 

 there is an evident analogy between the Spider 

 and the Crustacean. 



Like the Crab, the Thomisus walks sideways ; 

 she also has fore-legs stronger than her hind- 

 legs. The only thing wanting to complete the 

 resemblance is the front pair of stone gauntlets, 

 raised in the attitude of self-defence. 



The Spider with the Crab-like figure does not 

 know how to manufacture nets for catching 

 game. Without springs or snares, she lies in 

 ambush, among the flowers, and awaits the 

 arrival of the quarry, which she kills by ad- 

 ministering a scientific stab in the neck. The 

 Thomisus, in particular, the subject of this 

 chapter, is passionately addicted to the pursuit 

 of the Domestic Bee. I have described the 

 contests between the victim and her executioner, 

 at greater length, elsewhere. 



The Bee appears, seeking no quarrel, intent 

 upon plunder. She tests the flowers with her 

 tongue ; she selects a spot that will yield a good 



