26 



1. Lycosa fatifera. 



PL 2, fig. 8. a, b. 



Description. Bkiish black ; cephalothorax deeper in color at 

 the sides ; cheliceres covered with rufous hairs and with a red 

 elevation on their external side near the base ; one of the 

 largest species. [230] 



Observations. This formidable species dwells in holes ten or 

 twelve inches in depth, in light soil, which it digs itself ; for the 

 cavity is always proportionate to the size of the spider. The 

 orifice of the hole has a ring, made chiefly of silk, which pre- 

 vents the soil from falling in when it rains. This Lycosa, 

 probably as large as the Tarantula of the South of Europe, is 

 common in Massachusetts ; but we have not heard of serious 

 accidents produced by its bite. Its poison, however, must be 

 of the same nature and as virulent. The reason perhaps vrhy 

 nothing is said of its venom, is, that so very few instances can 

 have occurred of its biting any body. All persons shun spiders, 

 and these shun mankind still more. Moreover, their cheliceres 

 cannot open at an angle which can enable them to grasp a large 

 object. Without denying its power to poison, which it cer- 

 tainly has, it is well to expose popular errors, such as that of 

 the Romans in regard to the bite of the shrew, which it is now 

 proved cannot open its mouth wide enough to bite at all. This 

 spider, when captured, shows some combativeness, and has 

 uncommon tenacity of life. It is a laborious task to dig down 

 its deep hole with the care necessary not to injure it. I have 

 at times introduced a long slender straw doAvnward, till I could 

 feel a resistance, and also the struggle of the tenant ; and I 

 could perceive that it bit the straw. In one or two instances* 

 by lifting the straw gradually, I brought up the enraged spider 

 still biting the inert instrument of its wrath. It probably lives 

 many years. A piceous variety is found in Alabama, with the 

 two first joints of the legs, pectus and abdomen yellowish un- 

 derneath, or lighter in color. 



Habitat. Massachusetts, North Alabama. 



