Superfamily Argiopoidea 



the more usual position is on the orb with the tip of the abdomen 

 at the centre of the open hub, and with the first and second pairs 

 of legs on radii of the clear space and the third and fourth legs 

 on the notched zone. 



This species is the Epeira hortorum of Hentz. 



Genus PLESIOMETA (Ple-si-o-me'ta) 



This genus has been recently separated from Leucauge, which 

 it resembles in the possession of the characteristic fringe of hairs 

 on the external face of the basal half of the posterior femora 

 (Fig. 434). It differs from Leucauge in having the tibiae and meta- 

 tarsi of the first two pairs of legs studded with many triangular, 

 thorn-like points. In the single described species, the central part 

 of the epigynum bears a prominent tubercle which projects at 

 right angles to the length of the abdomen. 



Plesiometa argyra (P. ar'gy-ra). — This is a Central American 

 species which extends its range into the southern portions of the 

 United States. It bears a striking resemblance to the beautiful 

 Leucauge, but is somewhat larger and can be readily distinguished 

 by the characters given in the above generic description. 



Genus NESTICUS (Nes'ti-cus) 



The lateral eyes of each side are near together; the anterior 

 median eyes are much smaller than the others; the clypeus is 

 wide; and the tarsi are without accessory claws. 



These spiders resemble Theridion in appearance and are 

 placed in the Theridiidae by some writers; they live in caves, in 

 mines, in tunnels, and in other similar situations. Four species 

 have been found in this country. 



Nesticus pallidas (N. pal'li-dus). — The female measures one 

 seventh inch in length. The cephalothorax and legs are pale 

 orange-brown, the abdomen is yellowish white with brown hairs. 



The species was described by Emerton from specimens taken 

 in a cave in Virginia, among stalactites where there was no day- 

 light. And I have found specimens in a cave near Austin, Tex. 



Nesticus carteri (N. car'ter-i). — The cephalothorax and legs 

 are light yellow; the abdomen in some specimens, bears indistinct 

 gray markings. 



424 



