231 



The abdomen (of the female) is very glossy, and has on its 

 upper side a broad, strongly dentated, somewhat maroon-brbwn, 

 longitudinal, central band, broadly bordered with white. 

 The sides are also dark maroon-brown, and each has a 

 horizontal, white, irregular band ; the two bands generally 

 unite above the spinners, and usually also merge in that which 

 borders the central brown band on the upper side. The under 

 part is similar to the sides in colour. 



The abdomen of the male is of a cylindrical form, and though, 

 in the immature state and for a short time after attaining 

 maturity, it nearly resembles that of the female in colours and 

 markings, it becomes very soon of a uniform, deep, maroon- 

 brown hue, with a bright white spot on each side near the 

 anterior extremity. 



Immature males of this species were described (Zool., 1863) 

 under the name Linyphia allicincta, Cambr. 



Found, but not very abundantly, in early summer, among 

 coarse herbage and low plants in open places in woods at Blox- 

 worth. It appears to be more common in somo other parts of 

 England and Wales, and has also been found in Scotland. 

 The abdomen of the female often reflects somewhat 

 metallic tints of violet and purple. It is nearly allied to Linyphia 

 peltata, Sund. ; but its larger size, darker hue, and the granulose 

 surface of the falces of the male will serve to distinguish it 

 readily. The adult males are not so easily met with as tho 

 females, appearing to lead, generally, a solitary and vagabond 

 life. 



LINYPHIA PUSILLA. 



Linyphia pt/siixa, Sund., Sv. Spindl. Beskr. in. Vet. Akad., 

 Handl., f. 1829, p. 214. 

 ,, fuliginea, Blacho., Spid. Great Brit, and Irel., p, 216, 

 pi. xv., fig. 142. 

 The male measures from l-5th to l-7th of an inch in length. 

 In form, general structure and colours this spider nearly re- 

 sembles Linyphia hortensis, Sund. ; it is, however, usually smaller ; 



