ARTICULATA. 129 
clay be then lifted with it, the deceived animal, circumvented in this 
unexpected manner, suffers itself to be captured without opposition. 
Nemesia (pl. 78, fig. 35). 
Segestria (S. perfida, pl. 78, fig. 36) forms a tubular web in crevices. It 
inhabits Europe and North Africa. 
Lycosa (L. tarentula, pl. 78, fig.387 abe; L. melanogaster, fig. 38) is the 
genus which contains the poisonous tarantula, the effects of the bite of 
which were supposed to be cured by music, but denied by competent Italian 
authority in the last century; and as far back as 1672, Doctor Cornelio, of 
Naples, asserted the supposed disease tarentismus to be in some cases 
feigned, and in others a delusion arising from melancholy. This and some 
allied species live in winding holes a foot or two deep. The genus Lycosa 
is common in the United States. 
Argyroneta (A. aquatica, Linn., pl. 77, fig. 56, and pl. 78, fig. 49) is a 
genus of spiders with unusual aquatic habits. Breathing air, and with the 
structure of the land spiders, this animal lives in the water, diving beneath 
the surface, where it lives among aquatic plants in a kind of diving bell of 
its own construction, and into which it transports air from the surface. 
The spider, when about to carry a bubble down, bends its body, draws in 
its legs, and plunges suddenly, the bubble being retained by some unknown 
means. This is carried beneath a leaf or flat surface, and a web passed 
around it, thus forming a nucleus for the structure, which is gradually 
enlarged as bubbles are added, until it has attained the required size, when 
it is as large as a small walnut. It must, of course, be closed above, and 
the entrance must be below. If a fly is thrown into the water, the spider 
leaves its retreat to get it, and attaching a thread to it, drags it down. The 
winter is past, and the eggs laid, in this retreat. Soon after the young 
leave the egg, they ascend to the surface and commence taking down 
bubbles and constructing habitations of their own. This spider never 
leaves the water, but will live several days if removed from it. The single 
species known inhabits Europe from France to Lapland. 
The bite of Latrodectus maliugnatus (pl. 78, fig. 44) is said to be very 
dangerous in Corsica, being compared with that of a viper. This genus 
was formed from that of Thevidion ( pl. TT, fig. 55). 
The species of Zi egenaria we ee pl. 78, fig: 46) are found in 
buildings, where they live in holes, cellars, crevices, and angles of walls, in 
which they spin a tube connected with a broad Picinanted web externally, 
supported by numerous lines in various directions. The web is in popular 
use for checking the bleeding of slight wounds, and individuals of the genus 
are said to have been sometimes attracted by music. 
The genus Gasteracantha (G. armata, pl. 77, jig. 57 6) is remarkable for 
having an irregular abdomen armed with spines and tubercles. It is 
widely distributed, appearing in America, Asia, and Australia. It is allied 
to Epeira. 
Hersilia caudata (pl. T7, fig. 39) ; Chersis savinii (fig. £0); Salticus 
Jormicarius (fig. 41); iia a ainnter (fig. 42 abe); Arcys lanceo- 
larwus (fig. 43); this and the preceding one are from Brazil; Vyssa timida 
333 
