Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/44

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18
THE ZOOLOGIST.

between the mandible and maxilla, it is lodged between the palp and the first leg. It has been found in several genera (Hysterocrates, Phoneyusa, &c), ranging all over Central Africa, from Old Calabar and the Congo on the west, to Masailand on the east; and also in genera met with in Socotra and Madagascar. If a leg of the first pair in any of these genera be detached, it may be noticed that there is a fringe of hairs bordering the front edge of the upper surface of the first and second segments (coxa and trochanter). On the coxa immediately beneath this fringe, and partially buried in it, there are one or two long stout clavate spines, and some smaller ones as well (Fig. 2, A, a).

Stridulating organ of Phoneyusa
Fig. 2.—Stridulating organ of Phoneyusa sp.
A. Anterior surface of first and second segments of leg of first pair, with club-shaped bristles a on coxa and row of erect spines b on trochanter.
B. Posterior surface of first and second segments of palp, with rows of short spines c on maxilla and rigid brush-like bristles d on trochanter.

On the trochanter there is beneath the fringe a series of upstanding long curved spines (Fig. 2, A, b). When the limb is at rest in its normal position the front surface of these two segments are closely in contact with the posterior surface of the corresponding segments of the palp. It is here therefore that the remainder of the organ is found. It consists of a couple of irregular rows of spines on the basal segment (Fig. 2, B, c), and of a thick brush of very fine but stiff bristles upon the trochanter (Fig. 2, B, d). When the Spider is allowed to dry after removal from alcohol a