Superfamily Argiopoidea 



mon in shrubs and trees. Only a few of the more common species 

 can be described here. 



The Domestic-spider, Theridion tepid ariorum (T. tep-i-da- 

 ri-o'rum). — Of all the spiders that inhabit our dwellings this 

 is the most familiar, and consequently best merits the title of 

 the domestic-spider. Its tangle of threads can be found in almost 

 any neglected room, throughout the length and breadth of our 

 country; and the species is not limited to our country for it is 

 almost a cosmopolite. 



This is an exceedingly variable species in colour and mark- 

 ings. The beginning student of spiders is apt to collect many 



V\ii. .540. THERIDION 

 TEPIDARIORUM, DORSAL VIEW 



Fig. 341. THERIDION 

 TEPIDARIORUM, CAUDAL ASPECT 



specimens of it and to think that they represent several species. 

 It is well therefore to become familiar with it in its various guises 

 as soon as practicable. 



The female when full-grown may measure more than one 

 fourth inch in length; but many adults are smaller; the male is 

 about one sixth inch in length. The female varies in colour from 

 dirty white with a few dark spots to almost black. Figure 321, 

 p. 330, is a side view of an individual in which the markings are 

 distinct; Fig. 340 is a dorsal view; and Fig. 341 represents the 

 caudal aspect of the same specimen. The most characteristic feat- 

 ure is the presence of several dark chevrons above the tip of the 

 abdomen (Fig. 341). The male differs in being smaller and in having 



345 



