106 



ZOOLOGY 



Next we have certain spiders which build irregular webs. 

 Such are the line-weavers. To this group belong the common 

 cobweli spiders of our cellars and outhouses. The web consists 

 of a fine irregular mesh ynth strands running above and below 

 it in various directions. The spider stands below the main part 



Fig. 108. — Web of a tube-weaver Tegenaria ; looking down upon the web, 

 which is in a corner between two vertical walls. The tube is in the angle. 

 Photo. l5y W. H. C. P. 



of the web, hanging back downward. Such a web serves to 

 entangle and hold fl.ying insects upon which the spider preys 

 (Figs. 109, 109 a). 



Finalljr the orb-weavers (Orbitelarise ') spin a web Ijdng 

 mostly in one plane and having a geometric form often of re- 

 markable perfection and symmetry. Such extraordinary struc- 

 tures deserve careful attention. Foundation fines (Fig. 110) of 

 unusual strength are first laid down to form the outer frame 



1 orhis, circle ; tela, web. 



