THE FALL WEB-WORM. 43 
result often follows summer denudation by any insect, and we have re- 
ferred to some remarkable cases in our previous writings.* 
ENEMIES OF THE WEB-WORM OTHER THAN INSECTS. 
“The caterpillars have comparatively few enemies belonging to the 
vertebrate animals. This is not owing to any offersive odor or to any 
other means of defense, but is entirely due to their hairiness. Chick- 
ens, and even the omniverous ducks, do not eat them; if offered to the 
former they pick at these morsels, but do not swallow them. 
“The English sparrow has, in this case at least, not proven of any 
assistance whatever. Indeed, as before stated, its introduction and 
multiplication has greatly favored the increase ot the worms. 
“The ‘pellets’ of a Screech-owl (Scops asio) found in the vicinity of 
Baltimore, Md., and examined by Mr. Luggar, consisted apparently al- 
most entirely of the hairs of these caterpillars, proving that this useful 
bird has done good service. 
‘* Perhaps the statement may be of interest, that this little owl is 
getting much more common in the vicinity of such cities, in which the 
English sparrow has become numerous, and that the imported birds 
will find in this owl as bold an enemy as the Sparrow-hawk is to them 
in Europe, and even more dangerous, since its attacks are made towards 
dusk, at a time when the sparrow has retired for the night and is not 
as wide awake for ways and means to escape. 
“If our two cuckoos, the black-billed as well as the yellow-billed spe- 
cies, could be induced to build their nests within the city limits or in 
our parks, we should gain in them two very useful friends, since they 
feed upon hairy caterpillars. ; 
“The common toad (Bufo americana) has eaten great numbers of 
these caterpillars, as shown by dissections made by Mr. Lugger, and 
it should be carefully protected instead of being tormented or killed by 
boys or even grown people. The tvad is always a useful animal and 
ought to be introduced in all gardens and parks. 
“The following species of spiders were observed to eat the caterpillars, 
viz, Marpessa undata Koch and Attus (Phydippus) tripunctatus. Neither 
species builds a web, but obtains its prey by boldly leaping upon it; 
they are, in consequence of such habits, frequently called Tiger-spiders. 
The forn.er was exceedingly common last year, more so than for many 
previous years, thus plainly indicating that the species did not suffer 
for lack of food. This species is usually found upon the trunks of trees, 
and is there well protected by its color, which is like that of the bark. 
It hides in depressions and cracks of the bark, and, jumping upon the 
passing game, or, cat-like, approaching it from behind, it thrusts its 
poisonous fangs into the victim, which soon. dies and is sucked dry. 
The Attus has similar habits, but is still more cautious; it usually hides 
“See Eighth Report on the Insects of Missouri, p. 121. 
