Araneae. 
97 
the anterior pulmonary sacs, but more usually unite to form a Table-case 
common aperture in front of the spinning appendages. No - 23- 
The great majority of spiders belong to this group, and the 
habits are very varied in the different families. Many of the 
species obtain their prey by means of webs, others by stealth or 
by running it down. A number of species lead an aquatic or 
semi-aquatic life. In most of the Mygalomorph spiders, and those 
of the Arachnomorph spiders which live a free, wandering life, 
the silk is only used for the fabrication of the cocoon or for lining 
the nest. The snares of the sedentary or web-spinning spiders 
vary much in structure in the different groups ; sometimes they 
consist of a few crossing lines only, whilst in other cases, as in 
the orb-spinners (Argiopidae), they are of marvellous symmetry 
and beauty. There are numerous families ; some of the more 
important of these are commented upon below. 
Fam. — Argiopidae ( Epciridac ) . 
The spiders of this family are sedentary in habit, catching their 
prey by means of webs. Some of them spin orb-webs, others 
Gasteracantha formosa (slightly enlarged). (After Vinson.) 
construct horizontal sheets of web or irregular networks. The 
species are very numerous, and present much diversity of form 
and colouring, many of them being of exceeding beauty. Of the 
species occurring in this country, the large garden spider (A ranea 
( Epeira ) diademata) is familiar to everyone, and a number of 
smaller forms are also abundant. The species of Nephila are the 
largest Argiopid spiders. They are confined to the warmer parts 
of the world. Their immense orbicular webs, covering several feet 
in area, are composed of silk strong enough to arrest the flight of 
small birds, which, becoming entangled, are killed and eaten by 
the spider. Their food consists for the most part, however, of 
grasshoppers and other insects. The male is ridiculously small as 
compared with the female. On account of his small size and 
great activity he is able to make his escape from her if she 
H 
