THE WOLF-SPIDERS. 



6 S7 



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 

 confounded 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 in- 

 terior 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 



Lyc6sa andrenivortt. 



WOLF-SPIDERS. 



Lycosa tarantula. 



Lycisa saccata. (Female) 

 Lyc6sa sacedta, (Male.) 



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 are 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 their own living. 



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

 is 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 con- 

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

 pastures and commons, and its color is extremely variable, though brown and yellow are 

 the prevailing tints. A very common species {Lycosa campestris) may be seen plentifully in 

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

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