602 TRAP-lK)OR SI'IDKRS. 



clayey soil, most frequently on open flats, but occasionally in 

 sloping banks or under the protection of projecting stones. Nests 

 often occur in small groups. 



The Lid. — -The lid is circular in shape, and fits into the 

 mouth of the tube, so that the upper surface lies flush with the 

 ground. The inner surface is white, except the bevelled brown 

 margin which fits into the expanded rim of the tube. Near its 

 centre are several holes arranged, more or less, in a circle. Into 

 these the spider inserts her fangs and claws when she has 

 occasion to close her door against intruders, a considerable force 

 being then required to pull it (^pen. The size of the lids of 

 nests occupied b}^ adults varies somewhat. The diameters of 

 three large ones T measured were 25, 25. and 32 mm., and the 

 respective lengths of the tul)es 115, 190, and 180 mm. From 

 6 to 8 mm. is a common thickness for these lids at the centre. 

 Lids often show clearly the successive stages in their construc- 

 tion, and evidently indicate that the nest had originally been 

 of very small diameter, and had Ijeen enlarged to suit the growth 

 of the occupant. One lid showed eight distinct enlargements, 

 the first or original lid being 9 mm. and the eighth 32 mm. 

 in diameter. The newer lids are always constructed under the 

 older ones, and attached to them. 



During the period of egg-laying, hatching, and evidently 

 for some time after, the lids are fastened down securely by 

 means of a plug of clay built downwards from and attached 

 to the lid, and completely filling u]) the mouth of the nest. This 

 to Stasimnpus. AcantJwdon Cnidcni and the various local 

 is, as far as iVlicedale trap-door spiders are concerned, peculiar 

 species of Moggridgea merelv fastening down their lids with web. 

 As these clay plugs are milike the soil near the nests, the dif- 

 ference in colour may be due to some softening medium sui)plied 

 by the si)ider herself. The lower surface of these plugs is 

 concave, and shows clearly the marks of the spider's fangs. 



Tube. — The nests usually enter the ground with a slight 

 slant. Most of them have one bend, l)Ut nests with two or 

 more bends are not uncommon. This, however, is only a matter 

 of necessit}', because of stones or other obstacles in the way. 

 The tube varies in diameter — ^one which was 25 mm. at the 

 mouth was only 16 mm. at a depth of 25 mm. down the tube. 



Lining. — The lining is of tough, felted web, and is very 

 white in colour. 



E.rcar'ating. — One one occasion T dug out a full-grown 

 female, and took away an inch of the tube with the lid attached. 

 This was sunk in very wet clay until the lid was level with the 

 surface. The whole was allowed to dr-v- somewhat, the 

 spider was returned to its ver\ much shortened abode, 

 which it began straightwa}- to deepen by digging out 

 the earth. It was seen to be busv. head down- 



wards. Presentlv it turned \\ith some dillicult\- in the 



