Original Observations on Reptiles and Insects of Texas. 19 



therefore are doing a good work in encouraging this capture and 

 destruction of reptiles and other venomous animals throughout 

 the state and in particular in Bexar county. 



Among the other interesting reptiles and insects on this chart 

 may be mentioned the large black tarantula and a smaller species, 

 the so-called jumping or privy spider, and also a peculiar and very 

 venomous insect resembling somewhat an ant (if such be magni- 

 fied several diameters). I have not been able to trace the true 

 nature of this insect in any work on natural history. The body of 

 this insect is elongated and of oval shape. Its abdomen is cov- 

 ered with intensely yellowish-red hair. It has no wings. At 

 the end part of its body a large curved sting is seen which the in- 

 sect retracts into its body and suddenly again expels when in the 

 act of stinging. It must be very poisonous, for when I chloro- 

 formed it for the -purpose of reproducing it by the photomicro- 

 graphic process it accidently stung me in the finger — only slightly, 

 but the pain was excruciating, similar to a red ant's or scorpion's 

 sting. I have no direct observation, but believe it uses this 

 weapon to kill other insects, perhaps tarantulas, wasps and other 

 equally harmful insects- With the exception of its oval-shaped 

 reddish-yellow abdomen, the balance of its body and its feet, 

 head and antennae are jet black. It is a great runner, and I have 

 encountered it only in roadways. 



The photo reproduction of the small white-spotted and black 

 jumping tarantula, seen in our collection, is a fine and life-like 

 illustration. I procured it by pouring a few drops of chloroform 

 on its body, when it became at first very vicious, but gradually 

 intoxicated. Then, with the aid of an insect forceps, I placed it on 

 a glass plate previously smeared with Canada balsam, so that 

 it would adhere well. After this I exposed it at close focus 

 .to the camera, magnifying it about twice its natural size. 



Our Texas climate conceals a great variety of so-called prairie 

 tarantulas, among which the jumping spider is very conspicu- 

 ous — from the smallest, hardly visible variety up to the common 

 gray and black tarantulas, from three to six inches long Along 

 our river banks a peculiar long-legged gray water tarantula is 

 often met with, and in the days gone by, when our river banks 

 were lined with old dilapidated bath houses and privy houses, in- 

 stead of bananas and fine shrubbery, the water tarantula and 

 the privy spider were very numerous, and when disturbed these 



