224 



INSECT LIFE. 



spider can escape from it if a too formidable insect 

 comes upon the web. 



The most common species of funnel-web weaver 

 is the grass-spider, Agalena ncEvia (Ag-a-le'na nce'vi-a) ; 

 this abounds in all parts of the United States. 



THE ORB-WEAVERS. 



Those spiders that build nets which consist of a 

 framework of radiating lines upon which is fastened 



a thread in a spiral 

 manner (Fig. 193) 

 are called the orb- 

 weavers. There are 

 many species of 

 these, each differing 

 somewhat in habits, 

 but the more gen- 

 eral features of 

 their webs are quite 

 similar. 



No more inter- 

 esting subject for 

 study can be found 

 than the methods of 

 work of these spi- 

 ders ; and we will 

 not deprive the stu- 

 dent of the pleasure of finding out for himself how 

 they build their webs by describing the process in 

 detail. We will, however, help him a little by call- 

 ing attention to a few points. 



Find a completed web, and examine carefully the 

 silk of which it is composed. With a small stick 



Fig. 193. — Partially completed web of an orb- 

 weaver. 



