Arachjjida.- 
-INSECTS.- 
-Tarantula. 
277 
eilk ; the entrance to tlie nest is closed by a trap-door, 
or valve, which is provided with a hinge ; the door can 
\ Fig. 177. / 
a 
be opened or shut at pleasure. The species that con- 
struct these ingenious and beautifully adapted nests, 
belong to the genera Cteniza and Actimpus ; these 
nests are undoubtedly the most remarkable of any that 
are constructed by annulose animals; the hinge to tlie 
door indicates an amount of ingenuity altogether u i- 
paralleled. The Cteniza nidulans constructs a most 
beautiful trap-door nest, usually in loose soils. 
The Cteniza lonica was observed at Zante, where 
its nests were found at the roots of olive-trees in an 
elevated situation ; two or three were usually found 
under one tree. The upper portion of the nest was a 
little above ground; the form and structure of the trap- 
door was very remarkable; all of them had an elevated 
ridge just above the hinge; this construction gave addi- 
tional weight and acted as a lever, so that the slightest 
pressure sufficed to raise the lid, giving ingress to the 
creature in a moment ; the length of the tube or cell 
is usually about five inches. Another species Actinopus 
CBdificatorius is from North Africa ; it has the cephalo- 
thorax of a polished pitchy black colour, the abdomen 
being brown black, with a fine silky texture ; the legs 
are very hairy, interspersed with fine bristles ; the 
articulation of the joints of the legs are pale or whitish ; 
the legs are of about equal length, differing in thick- 
ness. This spider makes a nest about four inches deep; 
the opening, and consequently the trap-door also, is 
oval ; but the side on which the hinge is attached is 
much more curved than the opposite one, that being 
nearly straight ; the inner lining of the nest of this 
species is pure white. 
THE TARANTULA {Lycosa tarantula) is a species 
found in the warmer parts of Europe ; in Italy it is of 
frequent occurrence, especially near Tarentum, whence 
its name is derived. It is the largest of all the European 
spiders; its bite is very severe, and is followed by a con- 
siderable amount of pain. The bite of this species was 
formerly believed to be fatal, or at least to be attended 
with most painful and serious results, occasional delirium, 
periodical attacks, attended with deep melancholy, 
which in a few years ended in the death of the indi- 
vidual. At length a sure remedy was discovered ; a 
musician discovered an air that compelled the sufferer 
to fits of dancing, the violence of which was such that a 
profuse perspiration resulted, and consequently a certain 
and perfect cure. Records of remarkable cases and 
their almost miraculous cure are extant, one of which 
we are tempted to give as a proof of the credulity of 
bygone times. 
A Spaniard, believing in the certain efficacy of music, 
submitted to be bitten by two of these spiders of dif- 
ferent colours. The venom soon began to spread and 
diffuse itself throughout his body, the usual symptoms 
beginning to appear; upon which various musicians 
were procured — drummers, pipers, trumpeters, &c. All 
commenced playing, but unhappily without producing 
the usual results ; all their efforts were in vain; it was 
discovered at length, that having been bitten by spiders 
of different kinds, the effects produced were contrary ; 
by one he was incited to dance, by the other he was 
restrained therefrom. In the conflict of the opposing 
passions, nature gave way ; the Spaniard died ! 
The largest spiders known belong to the genus 
My gale; some of the species from South America are 
at least two inches long ; their bodies being densely 
covered with hair, their general appearance is at once 
formidable, and no doubt to most persons very repulsive. 
