Superfamily Argiopoidea 



brownish black colour marked with yellowish white. On the 

 basal half of the abdomen there are two parallel, longitudinal, 

 light bands; each of these is continued in a zigzag course to the 

 tip of the abdomen, or there may be several light chevrons on 

 the hind part of the abdomen, the light markings varying greatly 

 in size and form in different individuals. These markings are 

 much more distinct after a specimen has been kept in alcohol. 

 The epigynum of the female consists of three lobes, a small 

 median lobe which is pointed behind, and two larger lateral 



Fig. 256. EPIGYNUM OF 

 AMAUROBIUS BENNETTI 



Fig. 255. AMAUROBIUS BENNETTI 



Fig. 2S7- TIBIA OF 

 THE PALPUS OF 

 MALE OF AMAUR- 

 OBIUS BENNETTI 



lobes which meet behind the median lobe (Fig. 256). The tibia 

 of the palpus of the male is of the form shown in Fig. 257. 



Amaurobius ferox (A. fe'rox). — This is a larger species, adult 

 females often measuring a half inch in length. It is dusky brown 

 in colour. In well-marked individuals, there are, on the base of the 

 abdomen, three yellowish white, longitudinal bands, and on the 

 hind part, four pairs of light spots; but there are great variations 

 in the markings. The most distinctive characteristics are the 

 following. 



The lateral lobes of the epigynum do not meet behind the 

 middle lobe (Fig. 258); and the tibia of the palpus of the male 

 is of the form shown in Fig. 259. 



This is a domestic spider, being found in cellars, under the 



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