OCR Text |
Show 1884.] NEW G E N E R A O F SPIDERS. 203 In this Spider also are the peculiar pale spines above noted on the upper side of the femora. The abdomen is of a uniform black colour ; the upper surface and sides towards the hinder part covered with conical tubercles, most of them terminating with a short strong bristle or spine, but some on the sides near the hinder part terminate with a longer, distinct pale spine directed downwards ; this deflection, however, may perhaps be only due to accident or some other cause, though I think it is normal. It is possible that this Spider may only be the male of O. ceylonica, though, from the difference in the size of the eyes, as well as from the remarkable differences in colour and markings, I am inclined to think it a distinct species. A single example was received from Ceylon from Mr. Thwaites, and another from Major (now General) Hobson from Bombay some years ago. Fam. CRYPTOTHELID^E. REGILLUS, gen. nov. Cephulothoraxl&rge, a little longer than broad, somewhat flattened, deeply indented ; thorax round ; caput short, and constricted on the margins before. Eyes 8, small, and not differing greatly in size ; disposed in two verv slightly curved transverse concentric rows, the convexity of the curve directed forwards ; the anterior row is shortest; the figure therefore described by the two rows is the frustum of a cone. Legs strong, moderate in length, 1, 2, 4, 3, those of the first pair considerably longest and much the strongest; they are tuberculose and furnished with strong spines, springing from the tubercular prominences ; two parallel rows of strong ordinary spines are disposed longitudinally beneath the tibiae and metatarsi of the first and second pairs ; others (some semidiaphanous) more prominent, long, obtuse and occasionally clavate at their extremities, are irregularly disposed. The tarsi end with three claws-the two upper claws (each apparently furnished with a single tooth only), and beneath them is a very small one, difficult to be seen. Falces straight, a little retreating, not very long nor strong. Maxillae short, straight, slightly leaning over the labium, pointed on the inner and rounded on the outer extremity. Labium short, broad, rounded at the apex. These parts were difficult to observe. Sternum short-oval. Abdomen truncate before, broadest and obtuse behind. The whole of the upper surface and sides covered with strong prominent spines of various lengths, some pale and semidiaphanous, others brown and black, some obtuse at the end, others clavate. The whole Spider is thus of a very hirsute and bristling appearance. The spinners are short, closely grouped together, and almost entirely concealed by a marginal series of long coarse hairs which converge over them ; I & 14* |