XXX11. INTRODUCTION. 



larva soonhatch, and the spider in its comatose state affords them 

 constantly fresh food, and in sufficient abundance to bring 

 them to a state of maturity. Other smaller parasitic Hymen- 

 optera deposit their eggs in the egg-cocoons of spiders; the 

 lame feeding upon the eggs of the latter. An apodous 

 (probably hymenoptorous) parasitic larva is often found adher- 

 ing to the abdomen of several species of Theridion and Liny- 

 phia. I have found it of even a larger size than the spider 

 itself, but still adhering to its abdomen. Every attempt to rear 

 the perfect insect from the parasite has hitherto failed. The 

 spider does not usually appear to be much the worse for its 

 hanger-on, though, no doubt, it must eventually be destroyed by 

 it. 



Spiders frequently lose their limbs in battle, but these losses 

 are made up for by the power of reproducing the lost member ; 

 they have also the power, when held by the leg, of throwing off a 

 joint, or even the whole limb, by means of a violent muscular 

 effort ; and thus often effoct their escape ; judging, no doubt, 

 that " it is better to lose some than all." 



Drought, as well as excess of wet, but more especially the 

 former, and unseasonable weather of all kinds, have a strong 

 effect in reducing the numbers of many spiders. Some speeios, 

 found in marshy places, are so susceptible of injury from lack of 

 moisture, that they cannot be carried alive in a chip-box for 

 more than an hour or two, unless a small portion of damp moss 

 be placed with them in the box. Others, on the contrary, appear 

 to thrive best on the most arid spots, and in the hottest sun. As 

 a rule, however, spiders aro " thirsty souls," constantly requiring 

 water to drink. Doubtless they imbibe the dew drops when other 

 sources of moisture fail. 



Affection of Spiders for their Eggs and Young. 



Great attachment is shown for their young by many spiders. 

 Some species of Clubiona, perhaps all of them, tend upon their 

 young, brooding over them as a hen does over her chickens, 



