Superfamily Argiopoidea 



adult female measures from two fifths to three fifths inch in 

 length; and has a finger-like scape, which is slender and tapers 

 toward the tip (Fig. 511). 



The male measures a little less than one third inch in length, 

 and resembles the female in the markings of the abdomen, al- 

 though the transverse gray patch is usually not as distinct as 

 in the female. The distinctive characteristics of the palpi 

 (Fig. 512) are indicated in the table given above. 



This is the most common species of Aranea about buildings 

 and other wooden structures; and it is sometimes exceedingly 



con 



titim 



Fig. SI3- 

 EPIGYNUM OF ARANEA FRONDOSA 



OF abundant on buildings that are 

 aranea sericata near water. It is rarely found on 



ma, median apophysis ta, terminal • r , 



apophysis con. conductor Plants away from houses. 



The web is a complete orb of 

 the same type as that of A. frondosa. The retreat is usually 

 a dense sheet of silk built across an angle of the supporting 

 structure. The adults are found at all seasons of the year; 

 hence individuals collected at any time will vary greatly in size. 



This species has been commonly known under the name 

 Epeira sclopetaria; but according to the accepted rules of nomen- 

 clature the specific name sericata must be used for it. Both names 

 were given by Clerk, but the one adopted here appears first 

 in his book. 



The popular name, the gray cross spider, was probably sug- 

 gested by the transverse gray patch of the abdomen. 



The Foliate Spider, Aranea frondosa (A. fron-do'sa).— -The 



487 



