244 



TETKAGNATHA EXTENSA. 



Tetkaonatiia extexsa, Linn., Blackw., Spid. Qt. Brit, and 

 Irel. p. 367, pi. xxviii., fig. 262. 



This spider is vory variable in size. The male measures from 

 2 to 4 linos in length, and the female from 4 to 5J lines. 



The cephalo-thorax is of a yellowish-brown colour, immature 

 examines having frequently, and some adults occasionally, 

 a central longitudinal dark band, broad behind 

 the eyes and narrowing to the hinder extremity 

 with a dark band also on tho lateral margins. The two rows of 

 eyes are nearly parallel, and the intervals betwoen those of each row 

 do not differ greatly. The logs aro of a clearer and lighter colour 

 than the cephalo-thorax, but in immature oxamples they are 

 frequently annulated with dusky blackish, brown ; the length of 

 the first and fourth pairs is excessive in the males. The palpi are 

 rather long and slender ; the radial joint is considerably longer 

 than the cubital, both being of a clavate form ; of the two parts 

 into which the digital joint is divided, the uppor one is much 

 the smallest, and has a rather strong, obtusely pointed 

 prominence on its inner side; the palpal organs are simple, 

 but have two curved spines at their extremity. The falces are 

 strongly porrected, and widely divergent; in the males their length 

 equals that of tho cephalo-thorax. Of the teeth on thoir innor 

 sides, one near the middle is by far the longest and strongest ; 

 and near their fore extremity on the outer side is a strong, slightly 

 curved, tooth-like process, with generally a small prominence 

 near its rather bent termination, giving it a somewhat bifid 

 appearance ; in some oxamples the bifid termination is very dis- 

 tinctly forked or Y-shaped ; this process is wanting in tho female. 



The narrow, elongated, cylindrical abdomen (which, however, in 

 some dark-coloured examples is considerably elevated or humped 

 towards the fore part on the uppor side, especiallyin females) varies 

 greatly in the depth of its colours, and in the distinctness of its 

 markings; its hues are greenish, brown, red-brown, silvery 

 yellowish, white and black; the upper side often hus a 



