Superfamily Argiopoidea 



but the arrangement of the eyes varies in different species. The 

 chelicera are small, without a lateral condyle, but with a compara- 

 tively long claw. The endites are strongly inclined and nearly 

 contiguous at the apex. The cribellum is narrow, transverse, 

 and divided into two parts (Fig. 273). The hind spinnerets are 

 two-jointed; the second segment is long and furnished with a comb 

 of long spinning tubes on the inner side (Fig. 273); the spinning 

 tubes are easily broken off and are consequently frequently 

 wanting. The postabdomen is prominent; the terminal segment 

 is furnished with a fringe of long, curved hairs (Fig. 273). The 

 calamistrum (Fig. 274) consists of a single series of long, slender, 

 curved hairs; parallel with the calamistrum, in our species at 

 least, there are two or more rows of similar hairs, which are 

 arranged in a less regular manner, and which perhaps form a 

 part of the calamistrum. 



I have not yet succeeded in obtaining a satisfactory photo- 

 graph of the hackled band. 



Genus CECOBIUS (CE-co'bi-us) 



As this is the only known genus belonging to this family, 

 the family characteristics given above may be taken as the generic 

 characters also. Two species have been found within the limits 

 of the United States. 



CEcobius parietalis (CE. pa-ri-e-ta'lis). — This is a small 

 spider, measuring less than one eighth inch in length, which is 

 found in crevices on the sides of buildings and of walls and within 

 buildings. In fact the spiders of this genus are essentially do- 

 mestic spiders. This fact suggested the generic name, which is 

 from the Greek oikobios, living at home, domestic. 



The cephalothorax and legs are a very pale yellowish or 

 greenish white marked with dark bands and spots (Fig. 275); 

 sometimes many of these spots are indistinct or wanting. The 

 abdomen is light brown, marked with dark spots and many 

 smaller white ones. 



This species is widely distributed in the warmer portions 

 of the South. I found it common on the walls of buildings in 

 New Orleans, and in several other Southern cities. It is also 

 reported by Emerton from a house in Roxbury, Mass.; and Mr. 

 Banks has taken it at Washington, D. C. 



288 



