On new Genera and Species of Araneidea.

Abstract

Of the sixteen species of Spiders described on the present occasion, two are from Caffraria, sent to me by Mr. Mansel Weale ; one-from St. Helena, received from Mr. Melliss some years ago ; two from Ceylon, contained in the fine collection made for me by Mr. G. H. K. Thwaites ; and the rest (11 species) from a collection made on the Amazons by Professor Traill.All are, so far as I am able to ascertain, new to science, excepting the Spider from St. Helena, erroneously included by myself (P.Z. S. 1869, p. 538, pl.xlii.fig.6) in the genus Olios.The example from which the description and figures (/. c.) were made was a very misleading one, having been pinned and dried, some important generic parts injured, and its legs extended laterally, in what I find since to be a quite unnatural position.Specimens of this Spider received more recently have convinced me that a new genus of Drasside must be established for its reception.Eight other new genera are also here characterized, belonging to the families Drasside, Theridiide, Poltide, and Salticide.One other point of interest only need be noted here; and that is the discovery, for the first time in South America, of a species of the curious four-eyed genus Miagrammopes, Cambr.(posted, p. 435.The genus was first characterized from Ceylon (Linn.Soc.Journ.x. p. 398).Since then it has been found at Sydney, N.S