132 AMERICAN SPIDERS AND THEIR SPINNINGWORK. 
twelve inches wide, twelve inches high, seven inches deep. The shape and size 
are of course modified, as with all webs, by the particular features of the site. 
There is a decided space between the labyrinth and the orb, except 
that the orb is, with rare exceptions, attached above by its foundation 
lines to the labyrinth. This is seen in the side view shown at Fig. 116. 
The spider is there nested under one of her cocoons. The side attachment 
of the orb is apt to be upon some of the long guy lines by which the laby- 
rinth is held in form. It generally extends downward as far as the middle, 
or a little below the middle point of the orb. 
The maze serves its little proprietor and factor 
the following uses: First, it is environment and 
support for her tent; second, it gives convenient 
points of suspension for her orb; third, 
it provides a safe and convenient nur- 
rinth,  Sery within which to hang her cocoons ; 
and, fourth, proves an admirable field 
upon which the young can find exercise and for- 
age. I have seen the little fellows, late in the 
season, scrambling up and down among the inter- 
lacing lines, picking out here and there minute 
entangled insects. Fifth, the labyrinth serves as 
a true snare as well as domicile for the adult 
spider, for I have seen her capturing small insects 
that had been caught within the maze, cutting 
through the lines for that purpose. Her chief 
dependence for food is, however, upon the orb. 
Moreover, sixth, the labyrinth must have value as 
Fic. 116 Side view of Labyrinthea’s : . . 
mace, to show tie space between eu pColeeiuines environment for the occupant against 
SL ATE DERE: raiding mud dauber wasps and other enemies, and 
for her cocoons against various parasitizing foes, since the tangle of crossed 
lines certainly raises a formidable barrier against approach of winged in- 
sects. It might be added, seventh, that in the pairing season the males 
appropriate the labyrinth for purposes of temporary rest in their gradual 
approach when courting the female. They pull down the lines by their feet 
as they hang back downward until they form the ribs of a sort of araneal 
groined arch. I haye seen three males hanging upon one web at the same 
time. Labyrinthea rarely makes great changes in this portion of her snare, 
although the orb, as is usual with Epeiroids, requires frequent 
Strength yenewal. Indeed, the maze has greater natural strength than the 
i sd orb, for I have observed that winds and showers which had com- 
Hnth, pletely beaten down and dissolved the latter did not affect the 
former, and in such cases the occupant abode within her reti- 
telarian bounds for a day or two without reproducing the orbweb.* 
1 On this point see further in the chapter on Engineering Skill. 
et Pe MeN meres toe 
