90 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [Jan., 



ing along almost the whole line of the equator, and once the young 

 are upon her she pays no more attention to the discarded cocoon. 

 It is interesting to note (and this is also the case in the other Lycosids 

 examined by me, perhaps with the exception of Ocyale) that the cocoon 

 is always cut open along the line where the cover had previously been 

 cemented to the base of the cocoon; this equatorial line is always a 

 little rougher than the remaining surface of the cocoon, and perhaps 

 this roughness impels her to a further roughening. 



The young, on emerging from the cocoon, hang on to the body of 

 the mother for some time before leaving her, and leave in succession, 

 the more vigorous first. ? No. 54 carried her young from June 7 to 

 June 13 ; 9 No. 57 from June 2 to June 9; ? No. 58 from June 7 to 

 June 12 ; 9 No. 65 from June 1 to June 3. Thus in the observed 

 cases the time varies from 2 to 7 days. 



Feedmg. — As in other Lycosids this species kills the prey by grasping 

 and biting it, and rarely accepts dead insects; and not only sucks the 

 juices of the victim but chews it up. It also drinks water fre- 

 quently. 



Parasites. — ^Two large individuals of a species of Mermis (Nematode) 

 escaped from ? No. 152. 



Pardosa scita Montg. 



This species is much less abundant than P. nigripalpis, but still 

 fairly common on some dry, open grounds. It runs and leaps very 

 rapidly, and is difficult to catch. I have made but few observations 

 upon it. 



Moult. — As in other Lycosids. 



Mating. — Only once was the beginning of a courtship seen. The 

 male touched the female, then waved his palpi in the air in the manner 

 of P. nigripalpis, but for only a few seconds, and did not repeat the 

 movement. Afterward whenever he approached her, she would wave 

 her first pair of legs in the air and tap his with hers. 



Parasites. — -A species of Mermis. 

 Pirata liber Montg. 



This is the common local species of the genus, and frequents marshy 

 ground. It dies very quickly from thirst and is with difficulty kept 

 alive in confinement. A number of individuals were watched, but 

 the following were the only observations worth recording. 



Mating. — A male placed in the cage of the female touched her, 

 went ofT, then returning with his first pair of legs outstretched and 

 in tremulous vibration he touched her with them, when she jumped 



