The Black-Bellied Tarantula 



When the soil is earthy and homogeneous, 

 the architectural type is free from obstruc- 

 tions and the Spider's dwelling is a cylin- 

 dric.ll tube; but, when the sire is pebblv. the 

 shape is modified according to the exigencies 

 of the digging. In the second case, the lair 

 is often a rough, winding cave, at intervals 

 along whose inner wall stick blocks of stone 

 avoided in the process of excavation. 

 Whether regular or irregular, the house 

 is pl.isrered to a certain depth with 

 a coat of silk, which pre\"ents earthslips 

 and facilitates scaling when a prompt exit is 

 required. 



Baglivi. in his unsophisticated Latin, 

 teaches us how to catch the Tarantula. I be- 

 can-;e his rus'uuj iusiJi.nor; I waved a spike- 

 let at the entrance of the burrow to imitate 

 the humming of a Bee and attract tlie atten- 

 tion of the I vcosa. who n:shes out. thinking 

 that she is capturing a prey. This method 

 did nor succeed with me. The Spider, it is 

 true, leaves her remote apartments and comes 

 a lirrle way up tlie vertical tube to enquire 

 into the sounds at her door: but the wily 

 animal soon scents a trap; it remains motion- 

 less at mid-height and. at the least alarm, tro-^s 



