136 



ARACHNIDA. 



doubled until it is of sufficient strength to bear the weight 

 of the intended fabric, together wath the spider itself. The 

 other outer threads of the frame-work are then added, and 



Epeira diadema. 



then cross lines can-ied from one point of the web to another 

 exactly opposite, forming a complete series of spokes or 

 radii, which she then attaches together by a spiral series of 

 transverse bars of a more glutinous thread, as above noticed. 

 It is quite an amusing sight to watch one of the small geo- 

 metric spiders engaged in this construction : the rapidity 

 with which the cross spiral threads are fixed in their proper 

 places is quite astonishing. 



Mr. Blackwall has noticed the curious fact that those 

 species of spiders which form geometric nests, are furnished 

 with several claws on each foot, whilst some of the jumping 

 spiders, and some others, have only two claws. In several 

 species of Epeira it will be distinctly perceived that the in- 

 ferior part of their feet is provided \^ith several claws, which 

 have a degree of curvature, are finely pointed, and are fur- 

 nished with tooth-like processes in the under side. In Epeira 

 apoclisa there are as many as five of these claws, which, in 

 addition to the three upper claws previously known, give a 

 total of eight to each foot. There is also a strong moveable 



