A HISTORY OF DURHAM 



ARGYOPID^E 



The spiders included in this family have eight 

 eyes, situated in two rows, the lateral eyes of both 

 rows being usually adjacent if not in actual contact, 

 while the central eyes form a quadrangle. The 

 tarsal claws are three, often with other super- 

 numerary claws. The web is either an orbicular 

 snare, or consists of a sheet of webbing beneath 

 which the spiders hang and capture the prey as it 

 falls upon the sheet. This immense family in- 

 cludes those usually separated under the names 

 Epemdie and Linyphiid<f. 



37. Meta Menardl (Latreille). 



Durham, Kepier Wood (J. E. H.), Finchal 



Abbey (O.P.-C.). 



Taken from overhanging rocks, old ruins, and in 

 caverns. 



38. Meta segmentata (Clerck). 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 

 A very abundant spider in the summer and 

 autumn amongst nettles and other herbage along 

 hedgerows. The spiders vary very much in size, 

 and spin an orbicular web having a clear space in 

 the centre as do others of the genus and also 

 Tetragnatha, thus differing from the genus Araneus 

 (Epeira). Known also as Epeira incKnata, Black- 

 wall. 



39. Meta meriante (Scopoli). 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 

 A larger species found in cellars and under 

 damp overhanging banks. Known also as Epeira 

 antrlada, Blackwall, and a variety with a white 

 band down the centre of the abdomen as E. celata, 

 Blackwall. 



40. Tetragnatha extensa (Linnaeus). 

 Durham ; Wolsingham. 



A very common species of elongate form which 

 sits in the centre of its web with legs stretched out 

 in front and behind. Not so entirely confined to 

 marshy localities as the next species, and easily 

 recognized by the silvery white band under the 

 abdomen. The jaws of the males of this genus 

 are very large and conspicuous. 



41. Tetragnatha solandri (Scopoli). 

 Durham (J. E. H.). 



Very similar to the last species in general 

 appearance, but almost entirely confined to river 

 banks and marshy swamps. Can be recognized by 

 the dull white bands beneath the abdomen and the 

 absence of any pale line on the sternum. 



42. Pachygnatha clerckii, Sundevall. 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 

 Resembles a Tetragnatha in the possession of very 

 large mandibles, but is not elongate and spins no 

 web to speak of. Found under leaves and at the 

 roots of herbage, especially in marshy places. 



43. Pachygnatha Jegeerii, Sundevall. 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 

 Smaller and commoner than the last species. 

 Found at the roots of herbage. 



44. Nesticus cellulanus (Clerck). 



Durham ; Teesdale (J. E. H.). 

 Known also as Linyphia crypticolens, Blackwall. 



45. Linyphia triangularis (Clerck). 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 



A very abundant species in autumn, whose sheet- 

 like snares glistening with dewdrops form a con- 

 spicuous feature on the hedges and bushes in the 

 early mornings. The mandibles in the male are 

 very long, resembling those in Tetragnatha. 



46. Linyphia pusilla, Sundevall. 



Wolsingham (J. E. H.). 



A smaller species than the last, with deep black 

 ventral region. The palpus in the male sex has a 

 long spiral spine. It spins its web near the ground 

 amongst herbage. Rare in this county. Known 

 also as L. fuRginea, Blackwall. 



47. Linyphia Montana (Clerck). 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 



A large species whose habits are similar to those 

 of Triangularii. It is, however, often found also 

 in conservatories and outhouses. Known also as 

 L. marginata, Blackwall. 



48. Linyphia hortensis, Sundevall. 



Wolsingham ; Teesdale (J. E. H.). 



Not a common species, somewhat similar to 

 pusilla in general appearance and habits. Known 

 also as L. pratens'u, Blackwall. 



49. Linyphia clathrata, Sundevall. 



Common everywhere (J. E. H.). 



Resembles montana, but is smaller. Very common 

 amongst herbage. Known also as Neriene marginata, 

 Blackwall. 



50. Linyphia peliata (Wider). 



Durham ; Wolsingham (J. E. H.). 



A very small and common species found amongst 

 the foliage of trees and bushes in the summer time. 

 A variety is known also as L. rubea, Blackwall. 



51. Labulla thoracica (Wider). 



Wolsingham ; Durham ; Teesdale (J. E. H.). 



Not uncommon in outhouses or under over- 

 hanging banks and rocks. The male is remarkable 

 for the enormously long spiral spine on the palpal 

 bulb. 



52. Drapetisca sociafis (Sundervall). 



Durham ; Wooler (J. E. H.). 



Not uncommon, often abundant, where it occurs, 

 sitting close to the bark of fir and other trees as 

 well as on rocks. Known also under Linyphia. 



53. Bolyphantes luteolus (Blackwall). 



Durham (J. E. H.). 

 Known also as Linyphia alticepi, Blackwall. 



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