GIANT SPIDERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8943, 18 December 1907, Page 7

GIANT SPIDERS.

In many parts of Southern Asia and Oeylon, and also in Northern aud Central Australia, there are found giant spiders of the species that spin circular webs for the purpose of ensuariug their prey. The webs of these are of bright yellow or orange colour, aud the central net is usually five or six feet in diameter. Not only do these webs catch and hold cicadao, largo moths aud dragon flies that brush away common webs as if they were nothiug. but they also intercept aud retain small birds. As far as is known, these spiders are not markedly venomous, but they are very stroug and are armed with very powerful maudiblos and claws, so that thoy have no difficulty in overcoming any insect or small auimal of which they get hold. Another large spider of a different species aud habit is found in the same regions. This socuros its proy by hunting, aud is very fleet of foot as well as capable ol jumping over a distance of three or four foot, at a bound. Its home is iv cracks of the earth or among logs or stones, hut it j ventures far abroad in search of proy. Like the preceding species, it is capable of inflicting a severe aud painful bite, but is uot especially venomous.