464 ARANEIDEA. 
2. Eriophora edax. (Tab. XLIV. figg. 1, la, 4, 3; 2, 2a-f, 2.) 
Epeira edax, Blackw. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. (3) xi. p. 30 (1863) °. 
3. General structural characters similar to those of EB. purpurascens, except that coxa iv. bears spines (usually 
three) in the middle of its apical margin, as well as trochanter iv.; femora iii. and iv. do not present two 
such definite series of spines; tibia ii. has fewer spines in the various rows; and protarsus ii. is without 
stout spines at the base. 
Palpus similar in general character to that of HZ. purpurascens, but the cymbium is nct nearly so strongly or 
conspicuously geniculate. The clavis is rounded at the apex, but has two small incurving teeth. 
Q. General characters as in Z. purpurascens, but the abdomen always has a low posterior central dorsal cusp, 
the shoulders also being often slightly produced. The scapus is not recurved forward and the apical 
portion is strongly carinate above. The general coloration is so variable that it is useless to describe 
minutely any one variety, but it is usually as follows :—Carapace and legs dull orange, the femora not 
black nor clothed with rust-red hairs. Abdomen brown or clay-yellow, with a central narrow white line, 
and a broad “\-shaped folium dorsally, its apex directed backwards, reaching to the posterior apical 
cusp; the sides are slashed with three narrow dusky bars. 
Varieties occur which are absolutely black, and there is every range of colour between these two extremes. 
Hab. Mexico, Atoyac, Amula (H. H. Smith); Guaremaua, Guatemala city (Stoll) ; 
Nicaragua, Chontales (Janson); Costa Rica (Rogers), San José (Tristan); Panama, 
Bugaba (Champion), Veragua (Boucard).—Brazit, Rio Janeiro !. 
3. Eriophora minax. (Tab. XLIV. figg. 3, 3a-e, 2.) 
Epeira minax, O. P.-Cambr. Biol. Centr.-Amer., Arachn. Aran. i. p. 112, t. 15. figg. 1, 1 a—d (2) 
(1893)'. 
Type, 2, in coll. Godman & Salvin. Total length 16-20°5 millim. 
Hab. Mexico, Ciudad in Durango (Forrer), Acaguizotla in Guerrero 1, Atoyac, Vera 
Cruz, Teapa (H. H. Smith). ' 
This large species is very similar to E. purpurascens in general appearance and 
structural characteristics, but the hairs on the femora of the legs and on the ventral 
area of the abdomen are black, not rust-red. These hairs are, however, also modified 
in coloration in many examples of the former. The scapus of the vulva is much 
broader basally, more. strongly folded back, and deeply corrugated with transverse 
grooves; apically it is enormously prolonged, but has not the broad groove on the 
lower side, nor is it apically bent upwards as in E. purpurascens. It is highly probable 
that EZ. minaz is identical with EL. balaustina, McCook, recorded by Banks from Tepic. 
The figures of the vulva given by McCook are, however, not sufficiently detailed for 
comparative purposes, and considering how close the species run, it is safer to keep the 
examples in the collection before me under the name they have been described in 
Vol. I. 
4, Eriophora variolata. 
Epeira variolata, O. P.-Cambr. Biol. Centr.-Amer., Arachn. Aran. i. p. 46, t. 6. figg. 14, 
14a,5(¢)°. 
Epeira bivariolata, McCook, Amer. Spid. i. p. 159, t. 5. figg. 5, 5 a,b (2), 6,6a (8) (nec 
O. P.-Cambr.) ?. 
