232 



INSECT LIFE. 



but this tube is lined with a denser layer of silk, and 

 is provided with a hinged lid, which fits the opening 

 of the tube with wonderful accuracy (Fig. 200). 

 There are two small holes in the edge of the lid 

 farthest from the hinge ; when the spider enters its 

 nest it runs over the door, and, catching the claws of 

 its hind legs into these holes, pulls the door shut after 

 it. The spider hides in this nest when not seeking 



FlG. 200. Entrance to nest of a trap-door spider. 



its prey. Some species take the precaution to build 

 a branch to their nest, and to provide this branch 

 with a door. As this door forms a part of one side 

 of the main tube, it is not likely to be observed by 

 any creature which may find its way past the first 

 door of the nest. 



Several species of trap-door spiders occur in the 

 Southern and Southwestern States. 



THE HARVESTMEN OR GRANDFATHER-GRAYBEARDS. 



Among the more common frequenters of road- 

 sides are the harvestmen, which are near relatives of 

 spiders. They differ from spiders, however, in hav- 

 ing the abdomen segmented. Most harvestmen can 

 be recognized by their very long and slender legs 



