48 MR. R. I. POCOCK AND HON. N.C. ROTHSCHILD oN [Jan. 20, 
6. On a new “ Bird’s-dung” Spider from Ceylon. By R.I. 
Pocock, F.Z.S.,and the Hon. N. C. Roruscuitp, B.A., 
Ie Sio5 Leis 
[Received November 18, 1902. ] 
(Plate X<5) 
During a recent visit to Ceylon, the Hon. N. C. Rothschild, in 
company with Mr. EK. H. Green, discovered a specimen of a 
Spider (Phrynarachne) imitating, for purposes of allurement and 
concealment, a patch of bird’s-dung. A photograph of the spider 
resting upon the leaf tn sitw was obtained, and the leaf with its 
patch of web was brought home with the spider (Pl. X. figs. 1, 2). 
The film of white web upon the leaf, with its irregular outline 
and marginal, often apically thickened projections, closely assimi- 
lates the splash of the fluid components of the excrement; while 
the spider itself, with its mottling of black and white, resting 
upon the centre of the film, with its legs tucked in, represents 
the semi-solid central core. So close, indeed, was the imitation 
that both observers were for a time deceived, until closer scrutiny 
revealed the true nature of the deceptive patch. 
It is commonly assumed that the purpose of this imitation is 
purely alluring or pseudepisematic. No doubt, however, it is an 
equally important procryptic factor, serving to protect the spider 
from various enemies, especially the wasps of the family Pompilide. 
The spider, which appears to represent an undescribed species, 
may be named after one of its discoverers *. 
PHRYNARACHNE ROTHSCHILDI, Sp. n. 
® — Colour. Carapace with a broad central black patch, with 
irregular lateral margin, extending from the eyes to the posterior 
slope, and forming an angular expansion on each side imme- 
diately behind the head; and with its posterior border passing 
into a median longitudinal stripe, continuous with a trans- 
versely arcuate black stripe which extends from the middle of 
the posterior slope of the carapace on to its lateral portion, 
breaking up into fainter patches separated by radiating pale 
bands; clypeus, sides of head, and area between central patch and 
lateral patches yellowish white. Mandibles yellow in basal half, 
with a large black patch, not reaching the fang, in the distal half 
in front, blackish brown beneath. Sternum mostly yellowish white, 
with a large subtriangular black patch, divided by a narrow pale 
line in its posterior half, and some black at the bases of the legs. 
Labium blackish, maxille blackish internally, whitish externally. 
Palp with its femur white below, black above in its basal half; 
patella white, tibia and tarsus black, variegated with yellow 
patches. First and second legs with the coxe black, variegated 
1 For explanation of the Plate, see p. 51. 
2 Mr. R. I. Pocock takes the sole responsibility for the naming and description of 
the species. 
