Superfamily Argiopoidea 



The cymbium of the palpus of the male is narrow (Fig. 373) ; 

 near the tip it has a notch on the upper side, and two stiff hairs 

 (Emerton). 



This species was first described by Keyserling from Lake 

 Superior; but Emerton states that it is one of the most common 

 spiders under leaves all over New England. 



/ 



Supergenus HISTAGONIE/E (His-ta-go-ni'e-se) 



There are several genera of small theridiids that agree in 



having the sternum broadly trun- 

 cate behind, between the widely 

 separated coxae (Fig. 374) and in 

 having the tarsal claws unarmed; 

 These genera have been grouped by 

 Simon into three supergenera; repre- 

 sentatives of each of which occur 

 in the United States. 



These minute spiders have not 

 been thoroughly studied in this 

 country; and it is probable that 

 more careful collecting will bring 

 to light many undescribed forms. 

 It does not seem worth while, therefore, to attempt a complete 

 generic synopsis. 



In the Histagonieae the cuticle of the abdomen contains horny 

 shields and the median eyes are subequal or the anterior are 

 larger than the posterior. The cephalothorax is oval, short, but 

 little convex, and hardly elevated in front; it is strongly narrowed 

 in front. The following genus includes our best known species. 



Fig. 374. STERNUM OF HISTAGONIA 



Genus HISTAGONIA (His-ta-go'ni-a) 



The abdomen is oval, moderately convex, and covers only 

 the posterior part of the cephalothorax; there is a dorsal shield 

 in both sexes, and one on the epigastrium; there is also in the 

 male a shield on the venter in front of the spinnerets. In the 

 male there is a horn extending forward in front of the eyes and 

 having on its tip a bunch of hairs with flat, fan-shaped ends. 



Histagonia rostrata (H. ros-tra'ta). — The cephalothorax is 



366 



