THE HOUSE-SPIDER. 475 



aversion, at the entire insect. Both these natural- 

 ists so far conquered their antipathy that they could 

 afterwards handle and examine Spiders with the 

 same indifference as others can flies. 



Spi: ers prey on other insects, and do not, in all 

 cases spare even their own species. There is little 

 doubt but their bite is venomous ; and it is said 

 that a fly which has once felt it can never be reco- 

 vered, but soon dies in convulsions. Many of the 

 species have been swallowed, without any subse- 

 quent inconvenience. 



Some of the Spiders spin webs for the purpose of 

 catching their prey ; but others seize it by surprise. 

 They are all able to sustain an abstinence from 

 food for a great length of time ; some for even six 

 months, or upwards. 



They frequently change their skins. — The larva 

 and pupa have each eight legs, and differ in no re- 

 spect from the perfect insect. 



Spiders have short horny jaws, and two incurved, 

 jointed, and very sharp feelers. They are without 

 antenna: ; and have eight or sometimes only six 

 eyes, and eight legs. Their abdomen is hairy, and 

 furnished with papilla?, from which they spin their 

 webs. 



THE HOUSE-SPIDER *. 



This species is very common in houses, and par- 

 ticularly about windows. The abdomen is nearly 



* Aranea doniestica. Linn. 



