A raneae. 
99 
Fam. — Thomisidae. 
The Thomisidae , or Crab-spiders, as they are often called on Table-case 
account of their sidelong method of walking, are usually small, No - 23 * 
squat-looking spiders. They lead a w T andering life, and do not 
construct regular snares. Many of them are sluggish in habit, 
and are noticeable for their protective coloration, which renders 
them inconspicuous to their enemies, and at the same time enables 
them to lie in wait for and 
surprise their prey. The 
species which live in 
flowers are said to be able 
to change their tints to 
suit the blossom on which 
they are resting ; other 
Thomisids show close re- 
semblance to various sub- 
stances such as bark, 
blades of grass, the ex- 
crement of birds, etc. The 
Crab-spiders belonging to 
the sub-family Philodro- 
minae are more active in 
habit, and trust to their 
speed for the capture of 
their prey. 
A sketch in colour of 
a common British flower- 
spider ( Misumena vatia ) is exhibited in the Table-case containing 
the specimens of Arachnomorph spiders. 
Fam. — Clubionidae. 
The spiders of this family are often of large size, but there are 
a great number of small or medium-sized species. They are pre- 
datory forms, and are provided with large and powerful chelicerae. 
Many of them are laterigrade, and can walk either backwards or 
sideways at will. In the tropical regions of the world a number 
of large species are met with in houses, and several of them have 
a wide distribution. One of these house-spiders ( Heteropoda regia) 
has been imported by shipping from the East Indies practically all 
over the world, and, like the common rat and cockroach, main- 
tains itself wherever the conditions are favourable to its survival. 
h 2 
Flower-spider, Misumena vatia, x 2. 
(After Blackwall.) 
