Superfamily Argiopoidea 



Genus AMAUROBIUS (Am-au-ro'bi-us) 



The sternum is not prolonged between the posterior coxae 

 (Fig. 251); and the cribellum is divided into two parts (Fig. 252). 

 This genus includes the larger representatives of the family, 

 some of them being nearly one half inch in length. Seven spe- 

 cies have been described from the 

 United States. 



These spiders prefer cool, moist, 

 and poorly lighted situations. 

 They live in cracks in cliffs, in 

 cellar walls, in stumps, in hollow 



Fig. 251. AMAUROBIUS, VENT- 

 RAL ASPECT 



Fig. 252. CRIBELLUM OF AMAUROBIUS 



Fig. 253. WEB OF AMAUROBIUS 



logs, and under stones. Some of them spin a loose, irregular 

 web, in which there appears to be no definite plan (Fig. 253). 

 Others that live in a retreat in a crack in a cliff or wall spin a 

 sheet of silk about the entrance to the retreat (Fig. 254). Some 



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