Note 8 — Chapter IV · THE AGENIÆ; THE PELOPÆUS’ VICTUALS

If the Epeira, the habitual foundation of the meal, happen to be lacking, any other Spider is regarded as adequate, even when she belongs to a very different group. We have here the wise eclecticism of the Crabro-wasps8 and Bembeces, who welcome any member of the Fly clan, provided that the prey be not disproportionate to the huntress’ strength. We should be wrong, however, to erect this indifference into too absolute a principle: there is reason to believe that the Pelopæus recognizes different qualities of nourishment and flavour between one Spider and another. A more fastidious expert than Lalande,9 with his legendary passion for plump, nutty Spiders, she must rate this species more highly than that; and there are some which she must absolutely despise. These include the House Spider (Tegenaria domestica), who weaves her cobwebs in the corners of our houses.