Page:VCH Kent 1.djvu/278

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A HISTORY OF KENT ANYPH^NIDiE 20. Anyphana accentuate (Walckenaer). lies in the middle of the ventral surface of Hurst Wood (T. R. R. S.). the abdomen between the genital rima and Often common on the foliage of oak and the spinners, and not, as in the last family, other trees. This spider is remarkable for immediately in front of the spinners. Known the position of the spiracular opening, which ^'^o under Cluhiona. THOMISID^ Spiders with eight eyes, situated in two transverse rows, two tarsal claws, and anterior spinners close together at their base. Maxillae not impressed. The crab-like shape and side- long movements of these spiders are their chief characteristics, enabling them to be easily dis- tinguished, as a rule, from the more elongate Drasiidie and Clubionidie. 21. Philodromus dispar, Walckenaer. Hurst Wood (T. R. R. S.). This spider, with its shiny black abdomen, is not uncommon in the summer time amongst foliage, and can sometimes be observed crouch- ing flat upon palings. It is very swift in its movements. 22. Philodromus aureolus (Clerck). Tunbridge Wells (T. R. R. S.). A very abundant species, with usually a dull red - brown abdomen, with yellowish central pattern. It frequents the foliage of trees of all kinds, and especially in the im- mature condition will outnumber all other species which fall into the umbrella beneath the beating-stick. 23. Philodromus caspiticolis, Walckenaer. Yalding. ment from foes as they lie close to the pale rush stems and slender dry blades. 25. Xysticus crista tus (Clerck). Tunbridge Wells (T. R. R. S.). This is by far the commonest of the ' crab- spiders,' and is found abundantly on foliage or crouching on bare places in fields and com- mons. Known also under Thomisus. 26. Xysticus erraticus (Blackwall). Yalding. A larger species than the last, having in- stead of a narrow wedge-shaped dark central bar on the carapace a broad spade -shaped dull red band margined with white. Known also under Thomisus. 27. Misutnena vatia (Clerck). Tunbridge Wells (T. R. R. S.). This species, one of the largest of the This species is possibly only a variety of Thomisida, can be found in the blossoms of the last-named, and frequents similar situa- "~ """ '" — i-— - -- l — tions. Known also as P. ctespiticolens^ Black- wall. 24. Tihellus oblongus (Walckenaer), Tunbridge Wells (T. R. R. S.). A long, very narrow, dull white or straw- coloured spider, often common amongst dry grass in many different localities. They at- tain however their largest size amongst the sedge -grass and rushes in swamps and bogs. The elongate form assists in their conceal- various woodland plants, where it crouches amongst the petals on the watch for its prey. The colour of the female is yellow, with red lateral slashes ; the male being much smaller and almost black. Known also as Thomisus citreus, Blackwall. 28. Diaa dorsata (Fabricius). Tunbridge Wells, Hurst Wood (T. R. R. S.). A bright green spider with large dull red- brown central patch on the abdomen ; not uncommon on herbage and amongst flowers. Known also as Thomisus floricokm^ Blackwall. SALTICIDiE The spiders of this family may be recognized in a general way by their mode of progres- sion, consisting of a series of leaps, often many times their own length. More particularly they may be known by the square shape of the cephalic region and the fact that the eyes are arranged in three rows of 4, 2, 2 ; the centrals of the anterior row being much the largest and usually iridescent. Those of the second row are the smallest, while the posterior pair is placed well back and helps to give the quadrate character to the carapace. Otherwise these spiders are simply specialized Cluhionids with two t.nrsal claws and other minor characters possessed in common with members of this latter family. 228