550 

 TARENTULA TRABAMS. 

 Araneus trabalis, Clerck., Sv. Spindl., p. 97, pi. iv., tab. 9 



Tarentula trabalis, Clerck., Cambr., Ann. and Mag., N. H., 

 b. 5, 1., p. 125, and Thorell, Syn. Europ. 

 Spid., p. 321. 



Length of the male from 4 to 4£ lines ; female larger. 



Allied to Tarentula aculeata, Clk., but easily distinguished 

 by its prevailing yellow and yellow-brown hue. The pattern is 

 very similar, but the longitudinal bands on the cephalo-thorax 

 are much more clearly defined, especially the pale lateral 

 marginal ones. The dark lateral bands are deep yellowish 

 brown, the central and marginal ones brightish yellow. The 

 sternum is darkish yellow-brown, with a central longitudinal 

 yellow band, which does not, however, reach the hinder 

 extremity. The abdominal markings (very similar in their 

 colours to those on the cephalo-thorax) are exceedingly well 

 defined. The markings on the femora are also more conspicuous 

 than those of Tarentula aculeata. 



On the outer side (rather in front) of the humeral joint of the 

 male palpus is a longitudinal line of closely-set black hairs. 



This spider is also similar in pattern to Tarentula pulverulenta, 

 Oik. (p. 364.), but its much larger size, as well as different 

 colouring, distinguish it at once. 



An immature female found near Exeter, and sent to me some 

 years ago by Mr. Edward Parfitt, is the only British example of 

 this fine spider I have yet seen. 



I have received adults of both sexes from France, where it is 

 abundant, and also from Germany ; and have found it myself in 

 Upper Austria and in the Italian Lake District. 



