Superfamily Argiopoidea 



rests near the edge of the leaf as shown in Fig. 334. At first 

 sight it appears to be resting on the leaf; but a careful examination 

 reveals the fact that each foot is supported by a thread. The 

 web, however, is so delicate that it is practically invisible. 



Genus EPISINUS (Ep-i-si'nus) 



This is one of two genera of the comb-footed spiders occurring 

 in our fauna in which the lateral eyes of each side are widely 

 separated (Fig. 335). This genus is distinguished from the other 

 (Latrodectus) in having the abdomen flattened and broad behind. 

 It contains but few species, of which only one has been described 

 from the United States. 



Episinus truncatus (E. trun-ca'tus). — The female of this 

 species measures about one sixth inch in length; the male, one 

 tenth inch. It is easily distinguished by the form of the abdomen 

 (Fig. 336), which is narrow and bi-lobed at the base, and 

 gradually widened to near the posterior end; at the widest part 

 of the abdomen there is on each side a tubercle, behind which the 

 abdomen tapers rapidly to a point. This tapering portion is so 

 short that the abdomen has a truncate appearance, which doubtless 

 suggested the specific name. 



This is a European species; the specimens before me are 

 from the Fox Collection, and were taken in the District of Colum- 

 bia. It has also been reported from Virginia. In habits and 

 structure it is closely allied to Spintbarus. 



Genus EURYOPIS (Eu-ry-o'pis) 



In this genus the anterior median eyes are much larger and 

 much wider apart than the posterior median eyes (Fig. 337); 

 and the abdomen is pointed behind. 



These spiders are of peculiar form, resembling certain crab- 

 spiders more than they do other comb-footed spiders (Fig. 338). 

 They appear to spin but little, for their web is unknown. They 

 are found under stones, and in moss and lichens, running with 

 great rapidity; and they may be shaken from bushes, on which 

 they are probably stalking their prey. 



Our species are of small or moderate size; and black with 

 white or silvery markings. They can be distinguished by the 



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