It will have been noticed, in the course of the foregoing descriptions, that Spiders display a more or less conspicuous wariness, a cool, deliberate “counting on the cost” in their matrimonial ventures that is often wanting in such matters in the human race. But, then, the risks involved are more patent, more imminent. Mr. Campbell comments on this intelligent behaviour in the case of the Cellar Spider, remarking that they measure “each other’s strength when on the same web by the tension and motion of the threads.”
A word as to the Scorpions. These creatures are near relations of the Spiders, and in many things resemble them, notably in regard to their ferocity. One does not meet here, however, with the same disparity in size between the sexes, nor are vivid colours ever developed. This, according to some, would be accounted for by the fact that though these creatures possess numerous eyes they are practically blind, and depend for their information as to what is going on around them by their sense of touch, which is excessively delicate. They are morose in disposition and always solitary. It has been said that if two are found under the same stone—a favourite lurking-place—one is engaged in eating the other! Nevertheless, they are of abstemious habits, for the naturalist Fabre found that from October to March they last, though throughout this time they remain alert, and always ready to resent disturbance. In April they exhibit more activity, though even then they eat but little. But now they begin to wander in search of mates.
Fabre’s observations on their mating habits are exceedingly interesting, and they have brought to light some very extraordinary phenomena. His notes were made on the species common in the South of France—Buthus occitans. Mr. Cecil Warburton, referring to the distinguished Frenchman’s work, quotes the following noteworthy passage in the Cambridge Natural History: “After some very curious antics, in which the animals stood face to face with raised tails, which they intertwined ... they always indulged in what Fabre calls a ‘promenade à deux’ hand in hand, so to speak, the male seizing the chelæ of the female with his own and walking backwards, while the female followed, usually without any reluctance. This promenade occupied an hour or more, during which the animals turned several times. At length, if in the neighbourhood of a suitable stone, the male would dig a hole, without for a moment entirely quitting his hold of the female, and presently both would disappear into the newly-formed retreat.”
Plate 35.
Photo by P. H. Fabre.
SCORPIONS.
The early stages in the courtship of the scorpions are full of romance. The two prospective partners for life engaging in a kind of waltz, holding each other’s “hands.”
[Face page 252.
After the mating, as with the Spiders, the male is often devoured by the female. After any combat with an enemy, such as a Lycosa or a Scolopendra, it seems to be de rigueur to eat the vanquished.