Arizona republican., 1891-09-29
r DEADLY TARANTULAS.
Horribly Hairy Spiders Whose
 Bite Is Certain Death.
Something About the Different Species of This Terrible Insect-A Winged Foe That Makes short
 Work of It.

It is fact not generally known that there are two varieties of tarantulas in Arizona and New Mexico. This probably accounts for the conflicting reports about the deadly nature of the tarantula poison. The so-callcd Texas tarantula is by no means an agreeable bedfellow, but his bite is by no means fatal. The venomous Texas tarantula, in spite of all discussions to the con trary, does build and live in the trap door spider nest. There seems to be current idea that the trap-door spider is harmless, which is certainly erroneous. It uses no web net, easily capturing it's prey by extraordinary springs. Those who have seen this arachnidan by day light can have little idea of its power and fleetness. During the day it moves slowly and clumsily in the dazzling light, but when darkness comes it can move with ease and certainty. Credible accounts have appeared stating that the tarantula can leap sixteen feet, says the Florence Companion. Re- peated statements have credited it with leaps of three feet or more In 1870, or near that date, three men disturbed several tarantula nests near 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.
 On the other hand, the poison of the Mygale species is of fearful nature more dreaded than that of a rattle snake and, unless only slightly scratched and heroic measures used, the result is fatal. Many deaths are on record caused by these spiders. The most prolonged suffering was that of a San Diego woman. A tarantula sunk its fangs into her hand during the night. The flesh was cut away with a razor and medical assistance summoned at once. Her life was prolonged for time, as we'll as her suiferings. For three months she fingered under the ef- fleets, her hands constantly creeping and crawling along the bedding in hor- rible imitation of the motions of the tarantula. --
 The Mygale sometimes spreads over six inches square, but more frequently four or five inches. The writer has at the present time stuffed specimen that extends about six and a half inch es. A shaggy coat of hair covers the surface of the great spider. It is sup piled with six strong, bony legs, and two dangerous pedipalps or strikers, each armed with sharp sting and poi son sac. The strikers are frequently mistaken for two front legs, and from this arises the idea that the creature has stings on it's feet. Two powerful projections, resembling jaws, protrude from the head. Under each of these is curved poison fang, similar to cats claw, but longer (exactly like those of a rattlesnake), which may be lifted, ex- tended and hooked into the victim. A person thus stung tor bitten?) must cut the tarantula away at once, for the spider does not seem willing to unlock its fangs.
 Tarantulas are considered deadly foes to each other and are seldom found in company. When imprisoned together there is fight, one succumbs and is eaten by the victor. Nature has done a service in making the tarantula so hideous and formidable a looking ob- ject. Indeed, it is owing to this repul- siveness that no greater number of per sons are stung. The sight of the great hairy spider crawling near by will cause | cold, creeping sensation down the l back of almost anyone.
 The deadly foe of Mir. Tarantula is l the tarantula hawk. These giant blue | wasps, with their fiery wings, are dead | ly foes to the tarantula, and should be | encouraged in every locality. They | seem never to rest for moment, and with tireless energy fly and walk rapid | ly along the ground, running into every | crevice and hole, and examining every | suspicious object, after the tarantula.
 The fate of the giant spider when discovered by the hawk is certain, and | attended with fascinating horror.
 The winged insect hovers over the | victim until it finds good opportunity to sting. The poison acts in a peculiar manner, the tarantula becoming para. lyzed. In this state the eggs of the hawk are laid in the spider, who re- mains alive to be slowly devoured by | the hunprv larym