392 ARANEIDEA. 
It is possible that this species is identical with 7’ vettatum (O. P.-Cambr.); but 
I do not think, from Banks’s description and figure, that it is related to Steatoda 
albomaculata (O. P.-Cambr.), the type of Chrysso. 
THERIDULA. 
Theridula, Emerton, Trans. Conn. Acad. Sci. vi. p. 25 (1882). 
Mesopneustes, O. P.-Cambridge, Biol. Centr.-Amer., Arachn. Aran. i, p. 126 (1894). 
Type of Theridula, T. spherula, Emerton, Connecticut, N. America ; that of Mesopneustes, M. nigrovittata, 
O. P.-Cambridge, Mexico. 
The minute forms belonging to this genus are very like small Steatodw, but they 
have the anterior row of eyes procurved and the tibia of the palpus of the male 
enormously developed, concave on the inner side; while the bulb itself is very simple, 
with a variously curved spiraloid spine at its apex. 
The species occurring in the collection before me may be recognized as follows :— 
Males. 
A. Spine at the apex of the palpal bulb longer, more widely 
curved, its point extending well beyond the apex of the 
tarsalsheath . . . «2... sss we es 
B. Spine at the apex of the palpal bulb shorter, less widely curved, 
corkscrew-like, its point not extending beyond the apex of 
the tarsal sheath . 2 1. ww we ee ee we ee eC faceta, O. P.-Cambr. 
nigrovittata, O. P.-Cambr. 
Females. 
A. Legs entirely yellow. Vulva without a pair of anterior 
circular spermathecal discs evident from the exterior. 
Abdomen black, with white or yellow spots, very variable . opulenta, Walck. (sec. Simon). 
B. Legs brown, except the femora, coxz, and trochanters, which 
are yellow. Vulva with a pair of circular spermathecal discs 
evident from the exterior. Abdomen yellow-grey, with a 
single dusky blotch on the median posterior dorsal area . . faceta. 
1. Theridula nigrovittata, (Tab. XXXVII. fig. 8, ¢.) 
Mesopneustes nigrovitiata, O. P.-Cambr. Biol. Centr.-Amer., Arachn. Aran. i. p. 126, t. 17. figg. 3, 
38a-d (3d), 4, 4a, b (g var.)*. 
Type, ¢, in coll. Godman & Salvin. Total length 2°75 millim. 
Hab. Mexico, Teapa in Tabasco (H. H. Smith 1). 
This spider, which is in all probability the male of 7. opulenta, Walck., is very 
similar in general characters to the male of 7. faceta; the apical spine on the bulb of 
the palpus is, however, perfectly distinct in form. ‘The position of the genital rima 
and of the spiracular orifices is quite normal. 
