276 INSECT WATER TRESPASSERS. 



entangles air among the hairs, and so enables it to 

 run over the surface of the water. Sometimes it will 

 take advantage of a dead leaf or bundle of weeds 

 floating on the water, and make that extemporized 

 raft its headquarters, sallying out to secure prey, and 

 then returning to the raft on which it can take its meal 

 in peace and quiet. 



Although the Pirate Spider can run on the surface 

 of the water without sinking, it can also dive when it 

 is alarmed. Its usual plan of diving is to make use of 

 some water plant, run down its stem, and cling there 

 until it thinks the danger to be past. It can remain 

 below the surface for a considerable time, and, as 

 far as is known, is able to breathe by respiring the aiv 

 with which its body is surrounded. 



