1880.] OF THE GENUS ARGYRODES. 327 



The palpi are short, of a blackish colour ; and each terminates 

 with a rather long, slender, slightly-curved claw. 



A single example of this Spider, which is nearly allied to 

 Argyrodes antipodiana, Cambr., was received from Parana, South 

 America, where it was found some years ago by Mr, Henry Rogers. 



Argyrodes antipodiana, sp. n. 



Adult female, length \ of an inch. 



This Spider is very nearly allied to Argyrodes argentata, Cambr., 

 resembling it closely in general appearance, colours, and markings. In 

 all the examples, however, that I have seen, the longitudinal black 

 line on the upperside of the abdomen is stronger, and runs quite 

 through to the apex of the hinder part ; and in some examples there 

 is a tendency to form one or more lateral oblique stripes running 

 from the angular points of the upper margin of the underside towards 

 the upperside ; the apex of the abdomen is also more obtuse. In 

 respect of the form of the abdomen, this species resembles Argy- 

 rodes epeirce, Sim., very closely ; and the variety of markings just 

 now mentioned is also very like the less darkly marked varieties of 

 that species ; there is, however, in every one of the numerous females 

 I have examined of A. epeirce, a transverse dark bar or slender stripe 

 on the upperside of the abdomen, a little way in front of the apex : 

 and the central longitudinal stripe is always strong, but never runs 

 through to the apex. 



The genital aperture, although of the same general character, 

 differs, though slightly, in all the three Spiders now compared ; and 

 I feel but little doubt that, when the male of A. antipodiana is dis- 

 covered, it will be found that the form of the cephalothorax also 

 differs in that sex from both the others mentioned. A, epeirce is 

 also apparently a larger Spider than the present one. 



I have received examples of this Spider from Sydney, N. S. W. 

 (from Mr. H. H. B. Bradley), and from New Zealand from Capt. 

 F. W. Button. 



Argyrodes lugens, sp. n. (Plate XXVIII. figs. 2 a\ V, c'.) 



Adult female, length Ig line. 



This Spider is nearly allied to Argyrodes epeirce, Sim ; the ab- 

 domen, however, is higher and sharper at the apex, and its pattern 

 is quite different. In one respect only there is a similar portion of 

 the pattern- — namely, in the constant presence of a transverse black 

 bar on the upperside, a little way in front of the apex ; this bar is 

 generally broader than in A. epeirce ; and in regard to the colouring 

 of the abdomen, the dark portions are nearly or quite jet-black, 

 whereas in A. epeirce they are more of a very deep red-brown hue. 



The present Spider is very variable in respect of its pattern, vary- 

 ing from an almost uniform brilliant silvery hue, marked only with 

 a central longitudinal black stripe on the upperside, terminating in 

 the transverse bar above noticed, and a black underside boldly deu- 

 tated on its upper margins, to a uniform jet-black ground marked 

 on the upperside with two parallel longitudinal silver stripes or bands, 



