in HERMIT HOMES 117 



breathe, insects just completing their transformations 

 are acquiring their wings at the surface, and many 

 smaller and less powerful than our hunter are abroad 

 on the water on the same errand, to gain their liveli- 

 hood. Any and all of these make capital food for 

 fimbriatus, who pounces upon them, and devours them 

 on the raft. Should it see an enviable morsel at a 

 distance it darts off the platform, returning to enjoy 

 its meal. On the approach of an enemy it can pene- 

 trate the water, and can exist submerged for some 

 time. 



Lycosa piratica, a closely allied species, also chases 

 its prey on the water, but it makes no raft. It like- 

 wise is able to descend below the surface, when it 

 breathes by means of air confined among the hairs 

 with which it is clothed. 



