Araneides of the United States. 33 
under a table in my study, near and among the webs of seve- 
ral of the Theridion vulgare. The cocoon differs in shape 
from that which is made by the last-named spider. It is ob- 
long, and tapers equally at both ends, which are secured by 
many threads connected with a web like that of Theridion. 
Like one of this subgenus, the mother was watching the 
young, which were issuing from the lower cocoon. The se- 
cond specimen observed was found devouring the eggs of a 
Theridion vulgare, most probably after having eaten the 
mother. The next day it had disappeared. A third one was 
found dead in the web of a Theridion vulgare, which no 
doubt had killed it. A fourth one was found eating that very 
same Theridion. This shows that these two species are 
mortal enemies. I never knew a spider of this species to 
remain more than two days in the same place. Its habits 
seem to be nocturnal ; for generally, when discovered in the 
day-time, it is found in some dark corner, or crevice, with its 
legs folded in the manner of several species of Epeira. 
I sometimes enclosed specimens of this spider-eater with 
other species of Araneides, in a glass jar, in order to watch 
its motions. The moment another spider was thrown in, it 
showed by its attitude that it was conscious of the presence 
of an enemy. It first moved its first and second pairs of 
legs up and down ; then slowly approached its victim, and 
generally killed it. A Theridion vulgare, thrown in, mani- 
fested great terror; but after some seeming reflections on for- 
titude and necessity, it prepared for the mortal combat, and 
cautiously advanced towards the Mimetus, which moved 
more slowly. The Theridion, when near, threw out a long 
thread, on which were several globules of a transparent fluid. 
This partially succeeded, for the Mimetus was caught by one 
leg; and while the Theridion retreated for observation, it 
was confined, and dragged about for a long time, before 
it succeeded in freeing itself. The battle presently was 
renewed, and this time the Theridion was conquered, and 
eaten, Habitat. Alabama. 
JOURNAL B. S. N. H. R 
