A South American species has been known to attack and capture small birds, though this may be considered rather the exception than the rule, their food consisting of large insects and small lizards. Of all the spiders, the Tarantula turricula (Fig. 179) is the most remarkable, as it not only makes a deep burrow, but erects above it a chimneylike structure with all the skill of a human workman. Indeed, the structure, in neatness and perfection of design, is far superior to many of the chimneys seen among the poorer classes of some countries. The spider lays the miniature timbers across with the precision and exactness of a skilled carpenter and after the manner of human log-cabin builders. The female carries her young upon her back, as shown in the illustration. XXI. SOME SIX-LEGGED INSECTS One of the great divisions into which the insects are divided relates to their possession of six legs (Fig. 180). This includes a marvelous array of creatures. Among them we find the singular little glacier flea (Fig. 181) and the springtail, a prodigious jumper (Fig. 182). The latter is found in damp places, and when touched will release a forked spring which is held in place by a hook, and this sends the insect flying into the air like an acrobat. These humble little creatures present a strange contrast to the lace-winged insects which are among the most beautiful of the tribe. [Illustration: FIG. 180.--A six-legged insect.] The May flies (Fig. 183) are well known for the wonderful exhibitions they sometimes make, the air being filled with them, a joyous, beautiful throng, destined to live but a few hours. In South America they occur in such vast numbers that they are collected and used as guano. The young pass through a strange change, having little resemblance to the parent, and live in the water, where they breathe by means of several plumelike gills. [Illustration: FIG. 181.--Glacier flea.] [Illustration: FIG. 182.--Springtail.] [Illustration: FIG. 183.--May fly.] Among all the insects of the field and swamp none are more familiar than the dragon fly (Fig. 184), which children were once led to believe had a vicious habit of sewing up the eyes and mouth of any one; hence the name "darning needle." These insects are often beautiful, with their rich wings of glistening lace, four in number, their bodies gleaming in tints of bronze, blue, and black. The abdomen is long and slender, like a needle; the head is prominent and armed with powerful jaws; the eyes are large and compound, with several single eyes as well. Some dragon flies are very small. Others are large, as those of the Malay Archipelago, where the natives trap them and use them for food. The dragon flies are hunters, preying upon other insects which they capture on the wing, and large forms have been seen taking very young fishes from the water, swooping down upon them like hawks. [Illustration: FIG. 184.--Dragon fly.] [Illustration: FIG. 185.--Larvæ of a dragon fly.]