248 



of its own making, which, as M. Simon remarks (Arachn. de 

 Franco torn. 1, p. 37), is unusual among spiders of this family. 



This spidor is not rare in shrubberies and woods at Bloxworth, 

 and other parts of Dorsetshire, becoming adult in Juno and July. 

 It is also found in many other parts of Great Britain. 



GENUS SINGA, C. L. Koch. EPEIEA, BUclw. in part. 



In this genus the thorax is oval, and the caput is rathor long 

 and more regularly convex than in Cyclosa ; the lateral marginal 

 constrictions are moderate. The legs are moderately strong, hut 

 not very long, their relative length varies, 1.2.4.3. or 1.4.2.3., 

 and their spines are rather weak. 



The maxillfo and lahium do not differ greatly from those of 

 Cyclosa, hut the abdomen differs materially, being of a rathor 

 depressed oval form, equal in breadth, roundness, and convexity 

 at both extremities; the hinder part projects beyond and over 

 the spinners, but has no protuberance like that of Cyclosa. Six 

 impressod sj>ots in a longitudinal series of throe pairs, are always 

 visible on the middle of the upper side. The eyes are very 

 similar in position to those of Cyclosa. 



The spiders of this genus are small, but all prettily, and often 

 vividly, coloured. They are found upon low plants, such as 

 heather and rushes, among which their orbicular snares are 

 spun ; a small tubular silken retreat, in which they lie concealed, 

 being found close at hand. 



Four species are at present known to be British, and all of 

 them have been found in Dorsetshire. 



SINGA HAMATA. 



Araneus hamatus, Cierc/c, Sv., Spindl., p. 51, pi. iii., tab. 4. 

 Singa hamata, Cambr., Trans. Linn. Soc. xxx., p. 329. 

 Epeika tubulosa, Blackw., Spid. Great Brit, and Irel., p. 364, 

 pi. xxvii., fig. 262. 



The male is about 2 lines in length, and the female is rather 

 largor. 



The cephalo-thorax is of a deep black-brown colour ; tho 

 falces, maxillae, and labium tinged with red. The legs are 



