FAMILY OXYOPLDES. 



A small group of semitropieal spiders, containing (as at 

 present known) but two genera only, one of which is represented 

 in Great Britain. They are allied both to the Lycosides and 

 Salticides. The cephalo-thorax is of peculiar form, rising 

 gradually from the hinder to the fore extremity, which last 

 (caput) is large and obtuse, the lateral constrictions being very 

 slight. Legs long, not very strong, nor greatly differing in 

 length ; armod with numerous and very long spines, and 

 terminating with three tarsal claws. Eyes unequal in size, placed 

 in four transverse rows of considerably different length, forming 

 a somewhat lute shape, with the point (in front) truncated. 



The spiders of this family are found on low-growing plants 

 herbage, and bushes. Thoy spin no snare, but capture their 

 prey by leaping upon it, and are very active, running and 

 jumping like the Salticides, from plant to plant. 



GENUS OXYOPES, Latr. SPHASUS, Walck., Blackio. 



Eyes in a tolerably compact group, seated, as above, in four 

 transverse rows. Those of the foremost row very small, and near 

 together ; those of the second row largest and wider apart 

 forming, with those of the first row, a quadrangular figure, 

 whose posterior side is longest. Those of the third row 

 are smaller than those of the second, and form a line at 

 least double its length. The fourth row is the same length 

 as the second, and its eyes are of the same size. Clypeus 

 very high. Legs long, slender, varying in relative length. 

 Abdomen oval, much the highest in front, sloping gradually to 

 the spinners. Maxillee long, straight. Labium at least one half 



