PRIVATE LIVES IN THE INSECT WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23014, 17 October 1936, Page 4

PRIVATE LIVES IN THE INSECT WORLD

A BOOK ABOUT SPIDERS V Spicier Wonders in Australia.” By Keith C. M'Keon. Illustrated. Sydney; Angus and Robertson, 6s. The author of “Insect Wonders of Australia ” has followed up that popular work .with a book on spiders. Mr M'Keon is a field worker of considerable knowledge and skill, and in his latest book he treats of his subject with so much sympathy that the reader’s interest is held throughout. Not since Fabre has the spider had such a gifted champion. Though the book is written for the layman, (he biologist will find an amazing collection of material contained in the small space ol; 270 pages; The book will have a wider appeal than Savory’s “Biology of Spiders,” for the author, while conveying his exact meaning, eschews all technical detail. Anyone whose knowledge of spiders is limited to the superstitious fear of causing rain by killing them—and there are many such—will find that this book really is a book of wonders. Such a reader will learn for the first time that there arc not only spiders that catch and eat birds, but also spiders that catch fish, mice, frogs, and even snakes. He will read with amazement of spiders which, like gladiators of old, render their victims powerless with a deft cast of a net; and of spiders which actually fish for their prey with a bailed line. Not the least interesting subject dealt with is the mating of spiders. The reader, will sympathise with the small, but unfortunate, groom which, marooned on his bride’s commodious back, is unable to make his escape. Fearful of his wife’s voracious fangs he- dare not attempt to depart until his retreat is assured. In order to while away the time of waiting, and probably thoughtful for lean days ahead, this strange spouse refreshes himself by eating of his wife’s juicy plumpness. There is a chapter dealing with the poison spiders. It is interesting to note that our katipo is closely related to a poisonous Australian species. Two chapters on ticks and scorpions further emphasise this more sinister aspect of the arachnids. The place of the spider in man’s economy is touched on. It will come as a surprise to readers to learn that the Papuan natives use the webs of some gigantic species as nets with which to catch fish. Nor will many know that spider web has been successfully used as a substitute for silk in the manufacture of stockings. The book is illustrated with splendid plates. One’s only regret is that they are placed so far from the text which they illustrate. D. E.