PIIOLCUS. 
209 
is a slender, pointed projection; and another small, conical process, of a lighter colour, 
occurs at their base, towards the outer side. The axillary joint of the palpi has a large 
apophysis underneath, projecting from it at right angles, on the base of which there is a 
pointed protuberance; the humeral joint is gibbous on the under side ; the radial joint is 
greatly dilated, and is much larger than the cubital joint; the digital joint is small, nearly 
circular, convex and hairy externally, and slightly concave on the under side, with which 
concavity the palpal organs are connected ; they are very highly developed and complicated 
in structure, consisting of two parts ; one, directed downwards, has a bold protuberance 
underneath, and is enlarged, but depressed, at its extremity, which is provided with several 
small points; it is of a red-brown colour, the outer side, which is fringed with long hairs, 
being the palest; the other part, situated near the insertion of the former, is attached to the 
digital joint by a dark, protuberant base; it is greatly dilated, nearly globular, of a pale 
flesh-colour, bisected by a fine red line, and projects upwards a strong, curved, compressed 
process, slightly serrated on its outer edge, and having two prominences at its base, one on 
the outside of the curve and the other within it, the extremity of the latter being bent 
backwards ; the colour of this part and its appendages is dark reddish-brown, and behind 
them there is a pale,. membraneous process, directed upwards, whose extremity appears 
between the strong, curved process and the prominence at its base, on the inner side. 
In the month of June, the female of this species deposits her eggs in a globular cocoon of 
a very slight texture, which she carries with her wherever she moves, holding it with the falces. 
Adult and immature individuals of both sexes have been received from Barmouth, in 
Merionethshire, from Liverpool, and from the Isle of Wight. 
The spider referred to by Mr. Jesse in his ‘ Scenes and Tales of Country Life/ pp. 202, 
203, as remarkable for the rapidity of its vibratory motions when disturbed, most probably is 
E holcus phalangioides, which frequents ancient buildings in the south of England, and like 
Epeira diadema, Theridion quadripunctatum, and some other species, has the habit of violently 
agitating itself when anything suddenly touches its lines. That this vibratory motion, 
which in the case of Pholcus phalangioides appears to acquire its maximum velocity, is pro¬ 
duced by the partial contraction and extension of the joints of the legs in quick succession, 
may be ascertained by occasioning specimens of Epeira diadema to continue the action till it 
becomes so slow, in consequence of the fatigue experienced by the animals, that there is no 
difficulty in determining the manner in which it is effected. This singular proceeding is 
evidently intended by the spider to communicate motion to its snare, and thus to cause the 
struggles of any insect entangled in it, by which means it is directed with certainty to its 
victim. 
