JOINTED-LIMBED ANIMALS AS MESSMATES 



179 



(Lasius mixtus]. In fig. 1127, B is represented a little drama 

 which appears to be frequently enacted by the two kinds of insect. 

 One ant is seen in the act of feeding another by squeezing a drop 

 of sweet fluid out of its crop. A tassel- tail is just about to steal 

 this drop, being also 

 prepared to beat a 

 hasty retreat after ac- 

 complishing the im- 

 pudent theft. 



CRABS ( BRACK Y- 

 URA) AS MESSMATES. 

 - Partnerships be- 

 tween Crabs and 

 Sea-Anemones are of 

 common occurrence, 

 the former being 

 benefited by the 

 stinging properties 

 of the Zoophytes, 

 which in their turn 

 are placed under 

 favourable condi- 

 tions as regards feeding. Such an association between a Buffoon- 

 Crab (Dorippe face kino] and an Anemone (Cancrisocia expansa) 

 is shown in fig. 1128. An arrangement, differing in detail, has 

 been described in the case of two kinds of crab native to Mauritius, 

 each of which has two anemones as messmates, one fixed to each 

 of the large pincers. 



Hermit-Crabs are particularly not- 

 able for the partnerships which they 

 contract with Zoophytes, probably be- 

 cause the shells in which they shelter 

 their soft tails afford a convenient 

 surface for attachment. Two British 

 species, for example, Eupagurus Bern- 

 kardus and E. Prideaitxii, have as 



their respective associates two different species of Cloak-Anemone 

 (Adamsia Rondeletii and A. palliata). Regarding the latter 

 hermit-crab Stebbing (in A History of Crustacea] speaks as 

 follows: "Surmises are sometimes made as to the advantages 



Fig. 1127. Scenes in Ant Life, enlarged. A, an Ants'-nest Beetle (Atemeles} 

 asking to be fed. B. A Tassel-Tail (Grassiella polypoda] about to steal a drop 

 of food which one ant is giving to another. 



Fig. 1128. Buffoon -Crab (Dotippe fac- 

 chino] with Commensal Sea-Anemone (Can- 

 crisocia expansa}, reduced 



