30 SPIDERS [CH. 



CHAPTER V 



TRAP-SNARES AND BALLOONS 



THERE are some interesting variants of the 

 circular snare spun by some exotic Epeirids. One 

 North American species spins it in a horizontal 

 position and then raises the centre, and, by an 

 elaborate system of stay lines from above, converts it 

 into a very accurately shaped dome. A whole group 

 of orb-weavers habitually decorate a sector of the 

 snare with bands of flocculent silk, the object of 

 which for a long time puzzled arachnologists, till 

 it was observed that the spider drew upon this 

 reserve supply of material to wrap up particularly 

 obstreperous insects. It is not unusual for a spider of 

 one of the common species to remove a whole sector 

 of the snare, and by stretching a line from the centre 

 to a place of retreat along the gap thus formed, to 

 provide an unencumbered avenue between its home 

 and its post when on duty. For it must not be 

 forgotten that a spider has to walk warily on its own 

 web, and must avoid, as far as possible, treading on 

 the adhesive lines, or delay and damage to the 

 structure are sure to ensue. 



As a rule the circular snares of the different 

 British species are of a very uniform pattern, 



