The Life of the Spider 



Crab Spider, applied 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 side- 

 ways ; she also has fore-legs stronger than her 

 hind-legs. The only thing wanting to com- 

 plete 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 catch- 

 ing game. Without springs or snares, she 

 lies in ambush, among the flowers, and awaits 

 the arrival of the quarry, which she kills by 

 administering 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 de- 

 scribed the contests between the victim 

 and her executioner, at greater length, else- 

 where. 



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 return. Soon she is wrapped up in her 



214 



