THE MONEY-SPINNERS. 



671 



We now pass to the last figure in this illustration, which represents a member of 

 another family. 



This pretty spider is rather more than half an inch in length, but owing to the short- 

 ness of the limbs, it does not present so formidable an aspect as many of less real 

 dimensions. This species was only known to be British in 1826, when it was discovered 

 beneath rough fragments of rock upon Snowdon. Others, however, have been found 

 in many parts of the kingdom ; and although it is not a common species, it cannot lay 

 claim to any great rarity. The female of this species makes a curious and rather large 

 cocoon of a dish-like shape, measuring nearly half an inch in diameter, and attaches it 

 firmly to the under surface of stones by means of a series of strong silken threads. The 

 cocoon is found about May and June. The outer surface of the cocoon is rather pro- 

 fusely studded with patches of mud, in all probability to take off their too great brilliancy. 



The color of this species is simple, but pleasing. The cephalothorax and limbs are 

 reddish brown, and the abdomen is yellow, over which is drawn a broad black streak, 

 narrowing as it approaches the extremity of the abdomen. 



A. Theridion littedtum. (Female.) 

 D. Therldion denticulatum. 



B. TJtcridion Itnehtum. (Nest.) 

 E. Theridion nervbsutn. 



C. Theridion Kne&tum. (Male.) 

 F. Theridion lepidanorum. 



The very large genus, Theridion, of which several species are given in the accom- 

 panying illustration, is spread over the greater part of the world, and has many British 

 examples. These spiders are mostly of small dimensions, some being extremely mi- 

 nute. Several of the tiny spiders, popularly called Money-spinners, belong to this 

 genus ; and fortunately for themselves, they are protected from destruction by the pre- 

 vailing notion that it is unlucky to kill a money-spinner. 



Their habits are extremely various. Some live under stones, others are found in 

 houses, hiding themselves in shady corners, while the greater number prefer the open air, 

 the fields, and commons, and spin their elaborate webs over the bushes, trees, or herbage. 



One species (Theridion benignuni), so called by M. Walckenaer, because the two sexes 

 live peaceably with each other, contrary to the usual custom among Arachnida, is very 



