THE HOUSE SPIDER 191 



true of all adult male spiders, tlie palpi are modified so as to be 

 used in fertilization. In this species the bulb of the palpus is 

 quite large, almost black, and is hooked and pointed at its tip. 



Wanderiiig Habits. — Continuous daily observation made dur- 

 ing one season on fifteen snares revealed mueJi in regard to the 

 wandering habits of the male. Webs that had been without male 

 occupants were found to be suddenly occupied, only to be de- 

 serted again a few days following. Frequently a male was 

 found for several days on the snare of an immature female, 

 waiting for her to reach maturity after which mating would 

 take place. 



After mating with the female the male is frerjuently driven 



i'lG. 37. — Mature male, X5V2- 



from her snare, whereupon he may wander for a long distance 

 until another snare is found. If the snare be vacant the male 

 may remain upon it for a few days until he has rested and fed. 

 His stay is usually short unless a female occupies the web. 



Courtship. — The life of the mature male is taken up largely 

 in courting females. It is very interesting to watch a male 

 approach the snare of the female and make his advance. The 

 flirtation that ensues takes place over the silken web, and by 

 means of it. First the female starts as if alarmed, not knowing 

 whether friend or foe is at hand. She jerks sharply on the lines 

 of the silk running from her resting place. The male answers 

 by similar short jerks. He approaches nearer. The female signals 

 again, and again the male returns the signal. The male continues 



