THE GALEODES. 
513 
Even the scorpion itself is hardly more formidable in aspect than the Galeodes, and to 
the generality of the insect tribe it is even a more dreadful foe. Armed with two pairs of 
powerful mandibles placed side by side, like the claws of lobsters without their jointed foot- 
stalks, the Galeodes sets off at night in search of prey. It runs with wonderful rapidity, more 
like a mouse than a spider, and, from the large size to which it sometimes attains, covers much 
more space than a mouse as it darts over the floor. One specimen I saw was about two inches 
in length, exclusive of the limbs, and measured exactly ten inches in total length. With 
straightened limbs the length would have been very greatly increased. 
A large specimen of the Galeodes will attack any insect and almost any creature of small 
size. It has been known to leap upon a lizard, to cling to its back as the combatants rolled 
about on the ground, to kill it by driving its fangs into the spinal cord at the junction at the 
head with the neck, and, finally, to eat it entirely with the exception of some of the larger 
bones. The lizard measured three inches in length, exclusive of the tail. 
GALEODES.— ttolpuga, or Galeodes araneoides. 
Much attention has been given to the Galeodes and its habits by Lieutenant-General J. 
Hearsey, who has kindly communicated to me the following observations : — 
When the Galeodes approaches any creature that it desires to attack, it thrusts out its 
long palpi, touches the body with the rounded tips of those members, and immediately raises 
them aloft, as if fearful lest they should be injured. The whole action is wonderfully like the 
manner in which an elephant flings its proboscis in the air after touching anything of which it 
is not quite sure. The tips of the palpi are rounded and soft, and when they are applied to 
any object a sort of phosphorescent flame seems to be emitted from them. Having satisfied 
itself by the touch, the creature rushes in at once to the attack. 
In order to ascertain whether the Galeodes would really attack and eat vertebrated 
animals, an ordinarily-sized specimen was captured and placed under a bell-glass. A very 
young musk-rat was then inserted under the glass, the Galeodes being on the opposite side. 
As the creature traversed its transparent prison, it came suddenly on the young musk-rat, 
which was quite a baby and could not open its eyes. Without hesitation it sprang on the 
little animal, killed it, and in a very short time had eaten it, 
VOL. III. — 65. 
