Superfamily Argiopoidea 



the abdomen more slender. In the lighter individuals of both sexes 

 the markings are very indistinct. In cases of doubtful determina- 

 tions an examination of the external reproductive organs should 

 be made. 



The palpus of the male is represented by Fig. 342; the em- 

 bolus is comparatively short, and is supported by a prominent 

 terminal apophysis; this is roughened on the outside by numerous, 

 crescent-like elevations. 



The epigynum of the female (Fig. 343) has a single large 

 oval opening. 



The web is an irregular net-work of threads built in a great 

 variety of situations, but usually beneath some object which 



serves as a protecting roof, as in the 

 upper angles of rooms, in the upper 

 corners of window frames and of 

 doorways. When living in the 



Fig. 342. THERIDION 

 TEPIDARIORUM, PALPUS OF MALE 



Fig. 343- 

 EPIGYNUM OF THERIDION TEPIDARIORUM 



open air it is most apt to make 

 its webs beneath overhanging cliffs. 

 Frequently in the webs of this 

 spider there is a more densely 

 woven portion forming a sort of 

 a tent beneath which the spider rests (Fig. 322, p. 331). 

 The egg-sacs are brownish and pear-shaped with a dense outer 

 coat. They are suspended in the web, and several of them are 

 made by one spider. Often a brood of spiderlings that has just 

 emerged from its egg-sac can be found. 



Theridion fordum (T. for'dum).— This large species, which 

 resembles the domestic-spider in size and habits, is found 

 in the South. It is distributed from Florida to California. 



346 



