42 The Structure and Habits of Spiders. 



guide the thread, and keep it clear of sur- 

 rounding objects, and even pull it from the 

 spinnerets. This is well seen when an insect 

 has been caught in a web, and the spider is 

 trying to tie it up with threads. She goes as 

 near as she safely can, and draws out a band 

 of fine threads, which she reaches out toward 



Fig. 21. 



the insect with one of her hind-feet; so that 

 it may strike the threads as it kicks, and 

 become entangled with them. As soon as the 

 insect is tied tightly enough to be handled, the 

 spider holds and turns it over and over with her 

 third pair of feet, while, with the fourth pair, 

 she draws out, hand over hand, the band of 

 fine threads which adhere to the insect as it 

 turns, and soon cover it entirely. 



