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sometimes a little dilated in the middle, and of a brightish 

 yellow colour, without any marginal dark line ; the succeeding 

 angular bars are usually much less distinct, being dull yellow- 

 brown. Tho general colour of the upper part and sides of the 

 abdomen is reddish yellow-brown ; the two longitudinal rows of 

 white spots are very vivid, and the fore part and sides are 

 clothed in a somewhat streaky form, and also mottled, with 

 equally bright bluish white hairs. 



The two central eyes of the anterior row are rather larger 

 than the laterals. 



The legs and palpi are of a greenish-brown colour, the former 

 without any dark annuli ; and the digital joints of the latter 

 reddish-brown. Tho radial joint of the palpus is longer than 

 the cubital ; the digital joint is much smaller than those of 

 Pirata hygropkilus, and the palpal organs are less complex. 



Excepting in size there is but little difference between the 

 sexes. 



Pirata piraticus is found in similar situations to those in which 

 Pirata hygrophilus is met with, and is still more abundant in 

 many localities. It is found, though not so commonly, in the 

 neighbourhood of Bloxworth ; but in the marshy grounds near 

 Wareham it is exceedingly plentiful, as well as on the borders 

 of Little-Sea, near Studland. It occurs also in other parts of 

 England, as well as in many parts of Scotland. The uppor rail 

 of wood and iron fencing, in wet and marshy spots, is usually 

 crowded with immature individuals of this spider, on bright 

 warm mornings in May. They appear to come to such situations 

 as these for the purpose of beginning their aerial excursions. 

 When running along a rail they may be seen suddenly to stop 

 and elevate themselves on their legs, standing as it were on tip. 

 toe ; then silken threads partly propelled from the spinners by 

 the spider, and partly drawn out by the breeze may be seen 

 floating out, and with a slight jerk the spider starts and sails 

 away suspended in the air by its silken parachute. It is adult 

 in June and July, and the egg cocoon is globular and white. 



