278 



verse, curved line running through the ocular area, and two 

 oblique ones following the direction of the indentations, shewing 

 the junction of the caput and thorax, and continuing backwards 

 through the middle of the latter. 



The pattern on the abdomen is very similar to that of the 

 foregoing specios, but the marginal, yellow lino of tho dontated 

 band is more sinuous, and is rendered very characteristic in its 

 appearance by being clothed with light grey hairs. The whole 

 abdomen is of a browner hue, the cruciform marking being of 

 a yellow-brown, or light-brown colour. Varieties occur in which 

 the abdomen is entirely black, or nearly so, with the dentated 

 band and cruciform marking delinoatod by a fine yellow line 

 clothed with grey hairs. The annulations on the legs are broad, 

 distinct, and of a deep brown colour. 



The palpi (of the male) resemble those of Epeira cornuta 

 more nearly than they do those of Epeira patagiata. Tho digital 

 joint and palpal organs, however, are not so largo in proportion 

 to the size of the spider, and tho prominent cleft process at their 

 base is shorter and stronger, and differs also in some other minor 

 particulars, as also do the other parts of tho palpal organs. 



The logs of both sexes are (proportionally) longer than those 

 of Epeira cornuta. 



Very rare in Dorsetshire — one only, found near Bloxworth, 

 is on record. It is more abundant near Chester, and also near 

 Cambridge. 



EPEIRA QUADRATA. 



Aeanetjs qtjadratub, Clerck., Sv. Spindl., p. 27, pi. 1, tab. 8. 

 Epeira qtjadrata, Walek., Blackw., Spid. Great Brit, and Irel., 

 p. 324, fig. 236. 



The male measures from 2 J to 4 lines in length, and the 

 female from 4 to 9£ lines. 



The nearly globular form of tho abdomen of the female of 

 this large and beautiful spider will serve to distinguish it from 

 all other known British species. 



