Arizona weekly enterprise., 1890-09-13
Asizoma Enterprise.
FLORENCE, SEPTEMBER 13, 1890
Arizona Tarantulas.
Florence Companion.

Florence Companion.
 The great spider called the "Tarantula." whose entire surroundings are so full of interest, is justly an object of dread to man and beast. Latin names for the creature have been bontiGully supplied, and it is somewhat difiicnlt to decide which are most deserving. The title of "Mygale Hentzii' seems to fit the Arizona vanety tolerably well.
 The Mygale sometimes spreads over six inches square, but more frequently four to five inches. The writer has at the present time d stuffed specimen that extends about six and half inches.
 A shaggy coat of hair covers the sur face of the great spider. It is supplied with six strong, bony legs; and two dan gerous pedipalps or strikers, each armed with sharp sting and poison sac. The strikers are frequently mistaken for two front legs, and from this arises the idea that the creature has stings on its feet
 Two powerful projections, resembling jaws, protrude from the head. Under each of these Is a curved poison fang, similar to q eats claw but longer, texact- ly like those of a rattlesnake) which may be lifted, extended, and hooked into the victim. A person thus stung tor bitten J must cut the tarantula away at once, for the spider does not seem willing to un- hook its fangs.
 There are two varieties in Arizona The large, black, so-called Texas ta- rantula, fierce and quarrelsolne species: and somewhat smaller kind, brown, heavier built, and less aggressive.
 The hair surrounding the mouth of a tarantula is of crimson color. The rep tile must be turned on its back to see this.
 TARANTULAs THAT SPRING.
 The venomous tarantula, Ill spite of all discussions U the contrary, does build and live in the regular Trap DoorSpideT nest which will be described later There seems to be n current idea that the Trap Door spider is harmless, which is certain ly roneous. 1t uses no web net, easily capturing its prey by extraordinary springs
 Those who have seen this arachnidan 1y daylight can have little idea of its power and fleetness. During the day it moves slowly and clumsily in tine dag zlng light but when darkness comes il ,an move with ease and certainty. Cred ible accounts have appeared stating that the tqrantula can leap sixteen feet Re peated statements have credited 1t with caps of three feet or more. In tie year 1870, or near that date three men disturb ad several tarantula nests in San Diego They were immediately attacked by the huge spiders. and had to run for their lives, taking refuge in the waters of the bay.
 A TARANTULA's s EYES. It is almost impossible for one who ism well-informed to locate the tarantula's eyes. The first time the writer looked for them the result was utter failure, and ended in the conviction that the reptile was blind! But it has eyes six almos invisible specks no larger than the point of pin, mounted on tiny setting that i grows out of the back Two peer for | ward, two sideways, and two behind The head and trunk. by the way, are al one piece.
 NATURE OF THE TARANTULA.
 Tarantula are considered deadly foe | to each other. and are seldom found il company. When imprisoned togethe there IS a fight, one succnmbs and is eat en by the victor.
 Nature has done a service in makin the tarantllla so hideous and formidabl 1 a looking object. Indeed it is owing t' this responsiveness that no greater mum Der of persons are stung. The sight c the great, hairy spider crawling near b will cause a cold, creeping sensatio down the back of almost any one.
 The Mygale poison is of q fearful nat ure; more dreaded than that of a rattle snake and unless very slightly scratched and heroic measures used, the result fatal. Many deaths are on record, cause by these spiders The most prolonge suffering was that of a San Diego woman A tarantula sank it's fangs in her ham during the night. The flesh was GU away with razor, and medical assistanc summoned at once. Her life was pro longed for time as well as her sutfel ings. For three months she fingered III der the effects; her hands constantl creeping and crawling along the beddin in horrible imitation of the motions ( the tarantula.
 The Mexicans claim that ip Mexico a extract is made from the tarantula an taken internally as medicine This ma be so. Many blood poisons may be take into the stomach in small doses with yer little ill effect The bee sting, for il stance, is painful, but the same poiso gives honey its agreeable flavor. Tn spider itself when stung by another, i'll mediately dies; and 1t may be easily l5il ed by administration of poisons interna ly, such as cyanide, etc; even gelseminul and other fluid extracts are effective.
 MEASUREMENTS
 A Tarantula- Hawk came saillng mt the Companion office recently. The. [ III