164 THE LIFE AND LOVE OF THE INSECT 



first hangs her great vertical web, in which the Crickets 

 are caught, from one brake of brushwood to the next. 

 I shall find her in the copses on the adjacent hills. The 

 other stretches hers across the ditches and little water- 

 courses frequented by the Dragon-flies. I shall find her 

 near the Aygues, on the bank of the irrigation-canals fed 

 by that torrent. Two excursions procure me the two 

 Epeirse. Next day, I offer them together to my captive, 

 who shall choose according to her tastes. 



The choice is soon made : Epeira Fasciata obtains the 

 preference. But she does not yield without protest. 

 At the Hymenopteron's approach, she draws herself up 

 and assumes a defensive attitude copied from that of the 

 Lycosa. The Calicurgus does not mind the threats : 

 under her harlequin attire, she is quick to strike and 

 swift of foot. A few brisk cuffs are exchanged and the 

 Epeira lies overturned on her back. The Calicurgus is 

 on top of her, belly to belly, head to head ; with her legs, 

 she overpowers the Arachnid's legs ; with her mandibles, 

 she grips the cephalothorax. She curves her abdomen 

 vigorously, bringing it underneath ; she draws her sting 

 and . . . 



One moment, reader, if you please. Where is the sting 

 going to penetrate ? According to what we have learnt 

 from the other paralyzers, it will be in the chest, to de- 

 stroy the movement of the legs. You think so ? I be- 

 lieved it too. Well, without wasting time in apologizing 

 for our very excusable common error, let us confess that 

 the animal is cleverer than we are. It knows how to 

 make certain of success by means of a preparatory trick 

 which you and I had not thought of. Oh, what a school 

 is that of the animals ! Is it not a fact that, before 

 striking the adversary, it is wise to take steps not to be 

 hit yourself ? Calicurgus Scurra does not disregard this 



