VARIETY OF CHARACTER IN INSECTS.
[To THE EDITOR 01 THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sia,—I have read your correspondent's remarks in the Spectator of January 19th and the comments contained in an article in the Daily Telegraph of January 21st, upon your correspondent's deductions, with considerable interest. Your- correspondent, however, is in error in attributing the action of spiders, when disturbed in their webs, to nervousness and trembling on the part of the spider. The object of the spider is to set up a counter-action to neutralise any sudden gusts of wind or air currents tending to destroy the web. For this purpose the spider shakes the web violently against the wind, the waves of motion so obtained meet and neutralise- the opposite waves or swayings of the web set up in a con- trary direction by the air-currents. The principle is precisely the same as that employed in some instances in suppressing the vibrations of engines and dynamos placed in the basements of houses. In the cases referred to by your correspondent, the breath of the observer is mistaken by the spider for an air- current. The action is easily mistaken for trembling, as the spider remains stationary in the centre of his web, bending and straightening the legs with great rapidity, so as to throw the full weight and impetus of his body against the wind. The principle involved is extremely scientific, and seems to link the man with very lowly forms of life.—I am, Sir, &c., THOS. VEASEY, A
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