87 



though constant, structural characters, but also in its colouring ; 

 this is of a more or less bright reddish-brown, varied with 

 whito, brown, and yellowish markings ; the pattern is very similar 

 to that of Theridion denticulatum, with a similar dark angular 

 patch at the thoracic junction ; but the denticulations of the 

 abdominal band aro not so sharp, nor so well-defined ; and tho 

 whole colouring isconstantly different from the sober brown, white, 

 and blackish hue of that species. I have never found this spider 

 anywhere excepting in lofts, unused rooms, and outhouses; it is 

 occasionally to be met with in such situations at Bloxworth ; and 

 in the angles and in corners of the ceilings, or in other suitable 

 positions, it spins its web. It is as yet unknown on the con- 

 tinent, and is adult in May, June, and July. An unfortunate 

 cleansing and sweeping out, to which (unknown to me till after- 

 wards) the chief haunt of this pretty little spider was subjected 

 several years ago, has left it since then very scarce. As, how- 

 ever, it is now " strictly preserved " I hope to get up the stock 

 again somo day. 



Since the above was written I have found (during Juno and 

 July, 1878), several adults of each sex, and numerous immature 

 examples in another outbuilding at Bloxworth Rectory. 



THERIDION VARIANS. 



Tuehidion vaiuans, JTahn., Blacho, Spid. Great Brit, and Irel., 

 p. 188, pi. xiv., fig. 120. 



This is a spider of much less frequent occurrence in Dorsetshire 

 than Theridion denticulatum, though found in similar positions, as 

 well as on plants and shrubs near dwellings. Its general colour- 

 ing is altogether paler. Tho cephalo-thorax has a broadish, 

 dark-brown, or blackish, central longitudinal band on a whitish- 

 yellow ground, and a broad dentated one of a dull reddish-brown 

 hue runs along the middle of the upper side of the abdomen 

 the rest of the abdomen being brown, or yellowish-brown. The 

 legs are annulated with black, on a whitish-yellow ground. The 

 length of the male of T. varians is about 1-1 0th of an inch, and 



