Lycdsa andrenivora. 



WOLF-SPIDERS. 



Lycdsa tar&ntula. 



Lycdsa toccata. (Female). 

 Lycosa saccdta. (Male). 



this strange disease rested, is perfectly innocent, being as harmless to man as any other 

 Spider, and only formidable to the insects on which it preys. 



Another species of Lycosa, inhabiting the south of France, has sometimes been con- 

 founded with the true Tarantula of Italy. The habits of this species have been carefully 

 studied by M. Olivier, and have afforded some interesting details respecting the economy 

 of the creature. It frequents dry and uncultivated soils, and sinks therein a little pit, of a 

 depth varying with its size and the length of its residence. The interior of this cell is 

 strengthened with a web. At the entrance of this burrow it sits watching for its prey, 

 and as soon as an unfortunate insect passes within range, it darts forward, seizes it in its 

 talons, and bears the victim away to its den, where it feasts in peace and solitude. 



The female is a kind parent, and extremely fond of her eggs and young. She envelopes 

 the eggs in silk, and forms them into a globular ball, which she always carries about with 

 her until the young are hatched. When the time comes for the little spiders to make 

 their appearance in the world, the mother tears open the envelope, and so aids her young 

 to escape. As soon as they arc fairly out of the egg, they transfer themselves to the body 

 of their parent, where they cling in such numbers, that she is hardly visible under her 

 swarming brood. They remain with their mother through the winter, and in the following 

 spring the bonds of mutual affection are loosened, and the young disperse to seek theii 

 own living. 



About sixteen or seventeen British species of Wolf-spider are already known, and it ir-> 

 likely that they will be found to be still more numerous. 



The left-hand figure derives its name from its habit of killing the smaller bees, such 

 as the andrena and its kin. One of these bees may be seen half buried in a convolvulus 

 flower, where it has just been espied by the spider. It is mostly found in old pastures 

 and commons, and its colour is extremely variable, though brown and yellow are the 

 prevailing tints. A very common species (Lycosa campestris) may be seen plentifully ID 

 all meadows and pasture-lands, or even on the lawns in our gardens. It is a brisk and 

 3. u u 



