66 



INSECT MANUFACTURES. 



elastic force, so that on being opened, it closes 

 again of itself. This is principally accomplished 

 by a fold or doubling of the web, at each end 

 of the hinge, which permits the door to be 

 opened nearly to a right angle 

 with the aperture, but no far- 

 ther, unless violence be used. 

 The under side of the door 

 is perfectly smooth and firm, 

 being shaped so as to fit 

 accurately, and yet to offer no 

 resistance when pushed open 

 by the insect. 



As might be expected, there 

 are varieties in the shape and 

 size of these nests. Some spe- 

 cimens found in the island of 

 Zante had the silken layers of the lid extended 

 into a sort of handle or lever just above the hinge, 

 on pressing which in ever so slight a degree the 

 trap-door opened. From this it would appear 

 that the entrance to such a nest could be 

 effected as easily by the enemies of the spider 



KEST OF TRAP-DOOR 

 SPIDER. 



