-3 7 - 



Except the head and terminal segment, all others have a distinct longi- 

 tudinal furrow, deepest at the posterior portion. Except where punct 

 ured as shown in the figure, the upper surface is finely rugose or sha- 

 greened. 



The figures will supply all details omitted here, better than descrip- 

 tive terms can do; the interesting peculiar features being the lateral ap- 

 pendages and the spreading tufts of hair arising from distinct punctures. 

 What purpose do they serve? 



The pupa is equally peculiar, and is sufficiently described by the 

 figure. It is white, with a very faint yellowish tinge, the elytra tucked 

 in beneath the fore and median legs and over the posterior pair. 



A Family of young trap-door Spiders. 



(Fachylomerus carolinensis, Henfz.) 

 By Geo. F. Atkinson* 



Two questions were asked by Mr. Moggridge about the habits of 

 young trap-door spiders. For the answer to these he was unable to 

 make any observations, so far as the record shows. The questions are; 

 ist, do young trap-door spiders make nests like those of the parent with- 

 out being shown? 2nd, do the males of trap-door spiders make a nest 

 with a trap-door when very young? To the first question we would al 

 most unhesitatingly reply in the affirmative, without direct observation. 

 In regard to the second, it is well known by those who have given much 

 attention to the habits of trap-door spiders, that the mature males, at 

 least, do not build trap-door nests, but seek a hiding place under stones, 

 logs, etc. 



There is also another question as to the constancy with which spe- 

 cies follow a uniform type in the construction of their nests. Some nat- 

 uralists make the different kinds of nests a partial basis for classification. 

 and others are looking for different characters manifested in the varia- 

 tions of the trap-door; whether the door is horizontal; the hinge lower 

 or higher than the distal part of the door; or the door sloping one 

 side, etc. 



The object of this paper is to present the variations produced by a 

 family of 28 young trap-door spiders, in the building of their nests, 

 which I have carefully observed and noted. I trust also to show that, 

 from the labors of these little creatures, and of several mature ones, which 

 I have had in captivity, a great deal of light is thrown on the questions 

 stated above. 



