ANIMAL BIOLOGY 



sorts, and in the construction of snares for the capture of 

 prey. The snares may consist of irregular masses of web, 

 broad funnels which lead into a tubular retreat, or, as in 



FIG. 62. Female Drassus in 

 the act of dropping eggs. (After 

 Emerton.) 



FIG. 63. Orb weaving spider spin- 

 ning, bs, beaded spiral of sticky web ; 

 R, rays; 55, smooth spiral. (After 

 McCook.)] 



the orb weavers, of a beautiful circular orb of remarkable 

 regularity and beauty of construction. The orb weaving 

 spider commonly hangs downward in the center or hub 



FIG. 64. Diagram of an orb web. je, dc, ec, scaffolding of web; x, x, x, 

 foundation lines to which the rays are attached. (After McCook.) 



of the web with its legs spread out upon the radiating 

 strands, ready to hasten to any part which is disturbed by 

 the struggles of an entangled victim. In their efforts to 



