54 THE SPIDERS OF EPPING FOREST.
groups, these groups forming a triangle whose apex is in front.
Scytodes is almost invariably found in buildings of some sort.
One species of the genus, S. thoracica, Latr. is found in Britain,
but it is exceedingly rare.
Family DRASSIDAE.
[Drassidae, Cambr. List, ad partern].
Cephalo-thorax oval, never greatly convex, attenuated and obtuse in front:
median stria usually present: lateral striae generally obsolete. Byes 8 (in some
exotic species 6 or 4) distinctly heterogeneous, the anterior centrals being of the
diurnal type, and the remainder of the nocturnal type; often oval or angular,
especially the posterior centrals, arranged in two rows. Ocular area much
broader than long. Clypeus narrow. Falces robust, usually cylindro-conical;
never greatly attenuated nor divergent; basal prominence present; fang rather
long and powerful, somewhat enlarged at its base, Labium considerably longer
than wide, extending beyond the middle of the maxillae. Sternum almost flat,
oval. Maxillae usually more or less inclined towards the labium, marked near
the centre with an oblique transverse impression (exotic exceptions): on then-
interior surface there is, towards the external edge, a serrula (a row of minute
pointed granulae, arranged like the teeth of a saw), and upon the internal edge a
dense Scopula. Palpus: Female, with a pectinated claw. Male, palpal tibia
with an apophysis at its exterior superior angle this apophysis being usually of a
very simple form: tarsus oval, completely enclosing the palpal organs, which
are of rather simple structure. Legs fairly long and strong, almost always
furnished with spines (especially in III. and IV.): coxa and patella I. usually
longer than in the remaining legs: tarsi usually with a Scopula: claw-tufts
present (a few exceptions): tarsal claws 2, usually pectinate. Abdomen usually
cylindrical, or cylindrical-oval, as a rule without brilliant colours or distinct
pattern. Spinners prominent, usually situated quite at the posterior extremity of
the abdomen: inferiors cylindrical, usually larger than the rest, well separated at
the base (a few exceptions) truncated at the extremity, where there are a number
of prominent spinning-tubes; superiors with a short, conical, terminal joint,
furnished with small spinning tubes. Cribellum absent. Tube tracheae opening
just in front of spinners. Female genital aperture with epigynal plates, which are
sometimes very small, and at other times highly developed.
The Drassidae are spiders of moderate size, which spin no
snare, but usually construct silken retreats beneath stones or
loose bark, seldom venturing forth in search of prey before dusk.
Four genera of Drassidae are found in Britain.
TABLE OF DRASSIDAE.
1. Fang groove with,upon its inner edge, a transverse, denticulate
lamina. Posterior row of eyes distinctly recurved .. Gnaphosa
Fang groove without such a plate, usually with isolated
denticulations. Posterior row of eyes straight, procurved
or rarely recurved .. .. .. .. 2
2. Maxillae externally almost straight, very little inclined
towards labium, the point of insertion of the palpus