NOTES ON GENERIC CHARACTERS IN THE LYCOSIDÆ

Abstract

In Lycosa there is in most cases present a small, apically more or less rounded flap or lobe at and pressing against the base of origin of the embolus. This lobe, which may be spoken of as the palea, is often small or but weakly developed; but in L. pulchara it is very long and conspicuous. Here it embraces and supports the embolus along much of its length, being at the same time shifted ectad from its usual position. This special development of the supporting palea in L. pulchra is associated with the pecuilar position of the embolus, which instead of curving back to rest along the lectus in the ususal manner, here arches foward and outward (i. e., ventrad) free from the bulb, only its apical part, which turns forward and rests obliquely across the auricula, being at all in contact with the lectus.