550 Arachnida. 



THE DIVING SPIDER, (Argyroneta aquatica,) 



Is another kind, which forms a sort of tent by stretch- 

 ing its threads between the stems of aquatic plants far 

 below the surface. In this den it dwells, and here it 

 devours the prey which it captures during its excursions ; 

 and in order to provide a stock of air for its respiration, 

 it carries down successive small portions entangled 

 amongst the hairs of its abdomen. This process is 

 exactly similar to that by which diving-bells used to 

 be supplied with air, and indeed the dome-like habi- 

 tation of this Spider is constructed precisely on the 

 same principle as the diving-bell. 



There are also several kinds of Water Mites ^ the most 

 abundant of which is of a rich red colour, and grows to 

 nearly the bulk of a pea. It may commonly be seen 

 swimming among the plants in pools and ditches. 



THE TABANTULA. (Lycosa Tarantula.} 



THIS Spider is a native of the South of Europe. It lives 

 in fields, and its dwelling is about four inches deep in the 

 ground, half an inch wide, and closed at the mouth with 

 a net. They lay about seven hundred and thirty eggs, 

 which are hatched in the spring. These Spiders do 

 not live quite a year; the parents never survive the 

 winter. 



