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ANIMAL LIFE IN THE TROPICAL FORESTS 
291 
their special haunts, and seldom attract so much attention as 
the groups already referred to. More prominent are the 
wingless tribes, such as spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. 
The wanderer in the forest often finds the path closed by large 
webs almost as strong as silk, inhabited by gorgeous spiders 
with bodies nearly two inches long and legs expanding six 
inches. Others are remarkable for their hard flat bodies, 
terminating in horned processes which are sometimes long, 
slender, and curved like a pair of miniature cow’s horns. 
Hairy terrestrial species of large size are often met with, the 
largest belonging to the South American genus Mygale, which 
sometimes actually kill birds, a fact which had been stated 
by Madame Merian and others, but was discredited till 
Mr. Bates succeeded in catching one in the act. The small 
jumping spiders are also noticeable from their immense 
numbers, variety, and beauty. They frequent foliage and 
flowers, running about actively in pursuit of small insects; 
and many of them are so exquisitely coloured as to resemble 
jewels rather than spiders. Scorpions and centipedes make 
their presence known to every traveller. In the damp 
forests of the Malay islands are huge scorpions of a greenish 
colour and eight or ten inches long ; while in huts and houses 
smaller species lurk under boxes and boards, or secret them- 
selves in almost every article not daily examined. Centipedes 
of immense size and deadly venom harbour in the thatch of 
houses and canoes, and will even ensconce themselves under 
pillows and in beds, rendering a thorough examination 
necessary before retiring to rest. Yet with moderate pre- 
cautions there is little danger from these disgusting insects, as 
may be judged by the fact that during twelve years’ wander- 
ings in American and Malayan forests the author was never 
once bitten or stung by them. 
General Observations on Tropical Insects 
The characteristics of tropical insects that will most attract 
the ordinary traveller are, their great numbers, and the 
large size and brilliant colours often met with. But a more 
extended observation leads to the conclusion that the average 
of size is probably but little greater in tropical than in 
temperate zones, and that, to make up for a certain propor- 
