FAMILY EPEIEIDES. 



GENUS META, C. L. Koch. 



META MENABDI. 



Epeiba menardi, Lair., Gen., Crust., et Ins., torn. 1, p. 108. 

 Epeiba fusoa, Blachw., I.e., p. 349, pi, xxvi., fig. 252. 



Length of the female upwards of half an inch. Male rather 

 smaller. 



Cophalo-thorax reddish-brown, with brownish-black latoral 

 margins, and a longitudinal contral band of the same colour, 

 enlarged and slightly bifid near the eyes. Legs long, red- 

 brown, with broad brownish-black annuli; spines numerous, 

 erect, black. Abdomen, yellowish or reddish-brown above, 

 with a largo, oval, brownish-black spot in front; on each side of 

 the medial line ; tho two spots being nearly connected in front by 

 a narrow band issuing from each ; between these spots and the 

 spinners is a series of curved, transvorso, brownish-black bars. 

 Sides brownish-black, freckled with dull yellow, and with a 

 slightly curved yellowish band along each. Under part dark 

 red-brown or brownish-black, bordered on each side by an 

 obscuro yellowish band. 



Cubital and radial joints of the male palpus short ; tho radial 

 is strongest, and has a small pointed apophysis at its extremity in 

 front. Digital joint of irregular complex form ; palpal organs 

 highly doveloped and also very complex. 



