116 



This spider is not rare in spring and early summer, running 

 on the iron railings on the lawn at Bloxworth Kectory. I have 

 also found it in pastures, among grass and herbage, in several 

 other localities in this county. It occurs in numerous other 

 localities in England, and I have also received it from Ireland 

 and Scotland. 



NEEIENE RETUSA. 



Eeiqone retusa, Westr., Aran. Suec., p. 253. 

 Neriene elevata, Camlr., Zoologist 1862, p. 7966. 



The size of this spidor is about the same as that of Neriene 

 agrestis, and its colours are also similar ; but the male 

 may be easily distinguished by the hinder part of the caput 

 being a little elevated, and 'then suddenly dropping to the normal 

 level by an abrupt slope just behind the eyes ; forming there 

 (if looked at sideways) a kind of notch. The radial joints of 

 the palpi are also quite different, and of a rather peculiar form ; 

 the cubital joint is longer than the radial, and slightly clavate ; 

 the radial is prominent at its extremity in front, the prominence 

 ending in a small, pointed apophysis, directed outwards ; and 

 beneath the prominence is a small, black, sharp pointed spine, 

 slightly curved, with its point directed rather backwards and 

 outwards.- 



The female resembles the male in colours. 



This is, apparently, everywhere, a rare spider. In Dorset- 

 shire I have only met with it on two or three occasions, and then 

 in company with Neriene agrestis. I have found it also in Lanca- 

 shire, and have received it from both Scotland and Ireland. 



NERIENE APICATA. 



Neriene apicata, Blackw., Spid. Great Brit, and Irel., p. 269, 

 pi. xviii., fig. 183. 

 This is another little spider closely allied to the last, and 

 similar to it in siee, colour, and general appearance ; but it may 



