Arachnida.- 



-TNSECTS.- 



-Tarantcla. 



277 



silk ; the entrance to tlie nest is closed by a trap-door, 

 or valve, which is provided with a hinge ; the door can 



Epeira diadema— (I, female; />, mnlo. 



be opened or shut at pleasure. The species that con- 

 struct tliese ingenious and beautifully adapted nests, 

 belong to the genera Cteniza and Actiiiopus ; these 

 licsts are undoubtedly the most remarkable of any that 

 are constructed by annidose animals ; the hinge to the 

 door indicates an amount of ingenuity altogether un- 

 jiaralleled. The Ctciiiza nidulans constructs a most 

 beautiful trap-door nest, usually in loose soils. 



The Cteniza loniea was observed at Zante, where 

 its nests were found at the roots of olive-trees in an 

 elevated situation ; two or three were usually found 

 under one tree. The upper portion of the nest was a 

 little above ground; the form and structure of the trap- 

 door was very remarkable; all of them had an elevated 

 ridge just above the hinge; this construction gave addi- 

 tional weight and acted as a lever, so that the slightest 

 pressure sufficed to raise the lid, giving ingress to the 

 creature in a moment ; the length of the tube or cell 

 is usually about five inches. Another species Actinopus 

 (cdificatoriiis is from North Africa ; it has the cephalo- 

 thorax of a polished pitchy black colour, the abdomen 

 being brown black, with a fine silky texture ; the legs 

 are very hairy, interspersed with fine bristles ; the 

 articulation of the joints of the legs are pale or whitish ; 

 the legs are of about equal length, (littering in thick- 

 ness. This spider makes a nest about four inches deep; 

 tlie opening, and consequently the trap- door also, is 



oval ; but the side on which the hinge is attached is 

 much more curved than the opposite one, that being 

 nearly straight ; the inner lining of the nest of this 

 species is (im-e white. 



THE TARANTULA {Lycosa tarantula) is a species 

 found in tlie warmer parts of Europe; in Italy it is of 

 frequent occurrence, especially near Tarentnm, whence 

 its name is derived. It is the largest of all the European 

 spiders; its bite is very severe, and is followed by a con- 

 siderable amount of pain. The bite of this species was 

 formerly believed to be fatal, or at least to be attended 

 with most painful and serious results, occasional delirium, 

 periodical attacks, attended with deep melancholy, 

 which in a few years ended in the death of the indi- 

 vidual. At length a sure remedy was discovered ; a 

 musician discovered an air that compelled the sufferer 

 to fits of dancing, the violence of which was such that a 

 profuse perspiration resulted, and consequently a certain 

 and perfect cure. Eecords of remarkable cases and 

 their almost miraculous cure are extant, one of which 

 we are tempted to give as a proof of the credulity of 

 bygone times. 



A Spaniard, believing in the certain efficacy of music, 

 submitted to be bitten by two of these spiders of dif- 

 ferent colom-s. The venom soon began to spread and 

 diffuse itself throughout his body, the usual symptoms 

 beginning to appear ; upon wliich various musicians 

 wore procured — drummers, pipers, trumpeters, &c. All 

 commenced playing, but unhappily witliout producing 

 the usual results ; all their efforts were in vain; it was 

 discovered at length, that having been bitten by spiders 

 of diU'erent kinds, the effects produced were contrary ; 

 by one he was incited to dance, by the other he was 

 restrained therefrom. In the conflict of the opposing 

 passions, natiu'e gave way ; the Spaniard died ! 



The largest spiders known belong to the genus 

 Mi/f/ale; some of the species from South America arc 

 at least two inches long ; their bodies being densely 



covered with hair, their general appearance is at onco 

 formidable, and no doubt to most pi;rsous very repulsive. 



