SCORPIONS. 



139 



The Arachnidans may be grouped in three principal divisions, 

 generally known by the names of Mites, Scorpions and Spiders. 



The Mites (Acari) breathe by means of air-tubes, resembling 

 those of insects, which are so arranged as to convey air to every 

 part of the system. 



FIG. 145. HEAD OF CHEESE-MITE. 



These form a very numerous family, which is extensively dis- 

 tributed. Some are parasitic in their habits, infesting the bodies 

 of insects ; many live in cheese, and other provisions, where they 

 multiply prodigiously ; and not a few inhabit leaves, or are found 

 under stones and beneath the bark of trees ; while others, such as 

 the pretty scarlet water-mite, common in every pond, are aquatic. 



The Scorpions, forming the second division, are at once re- 

 cognizable by the peculiarity of their external configuration. Their 

 palpi, the representatives of the maxillary palpi of insects, are 

 enormously large, resembling in their shape and proportionate 

 size the claws of a lobster, while the hinder part of their body, 

 corresponding with the abdomen, is much prolonged, and com- 

 posed of numerous joints, sometimes ending in a sharp hooked 

 point, which constitutes their sting, and gives emission to their 

 much-dreaded venom. 



Scorpions usually lurk under stones, in ruined buildings and 

 caves, or in other dark and damp situations, sometimes even in 

 the interior of houses. They run quickly, brandishing their tails 

 over their backs, and with this they kill beetles, locusts, and other 

 insects, which they catch by means of their formidable pincers. 

 The female scorpion produces her young at different intervals : 



