670 



MOULTING OF THE SPIDER. 



Like the preceding species, this spider makes several dish-shaped cocoons, surrounds 

 them with a coarse envelope, and covers the white silken cases with bits of old mortar, 

 fragments of wood, particles of whitewash, or any other substance that can be easily 

 obtained. These cocoons are to be seen in June and July. 



The colour of this species is ruddy brown, dark brown, and buff, the first tint being 

 drawn in a broad band along the whole body, the second being the ground tint, and the 

 third being formed with rows of spots on each side of the central line. The limbs are 

 banded with reddish brown and black. The male is smaller than the female, darker 

 coloured, and has his legs proportionately longer. The average length of the body is 



A. Tegendria domestica. (Male.) 



B. Tegendria domestica. (Female. ) 



C. Ageleita labyrlnthtea. 



D. CaMtes SaxdtUis. 



nearly three-quarters of an inch, so that the spread of limb is, in a fine specimen, very 

 considerable. This species occasions dire tumults in the minds of housemaids, who sweep 

 away the webs with ruthless broom, and give the spider no hope of a peaceful home. 



There are several British species of Tegenaria, all having very similar habits. In one 

 species, it has been found that the spider changes its skin, or moults, nine times before 

 they reach adult age, the first moult being achieved while in the cocoon, and the remaining 

 eight after the young have left their silken cradle. It has, moreover, been proved by 

 actual experiment, that a limb may be removed at the joint and renewed many times in 

 succession, the new limb appearing after the next moult. The life of this species averages 

 four years. 





