Superfamily Argiopoidea 



are only a small part of those before me. The species is best 

 recognized by the form of the epigynum (Fig. 554). 



The forward projecting scape of the epigy- 

 num is wedge-shaped, broad at the base and 

 gradually narrowed to a point, which is curved 

 toward the body; it bears many transverse 

 wrinkles; at the base there is a black horse- 

 shoe-shaped sclerite, which varies somewhat in 

 form. 



The colours of this species are frequently 

 exceedingly protective; the spider closely resem- 

 bling the bark of the tree or other plant on 

 which it rests; and they act as if conscious 

 Fig 5S4 of this protection, running only a short dis- 



epigynum of tance when disturbed and then crouching down 

 anastera close to the bark. The webs are made in low 



bushes and are vertical. 

 This is the Epeira prompta of Hentz and the Epeira 

 parvula of Keyserling. 



Subfamily GASTERACANTHIN^E ( Gas-ter-a-can-thi'nae) 



The Spiny-bellied Spiders 



The striking appearance of most of the members of this 

 subfamily render them easily recognized, the abdomen being 

 armed with prominent spines. Another very striking feature, 

 and one that is distinctly characteristic, is that the spinnerets 

 are elevated on a very large projection and occupy a circular 

 space limited by a thick flange in the form of a tube or ring (Fig. 

 555). Only two genera are represented in our fauna; these can 

 be separated as follows: 



TABLE OF GENERA OF THE GASTERACANTHIN^E 



A. Cephalothorax of the female at least as wide as long. P. 512. 



Gasteracantha 

 AA. Cephalothorax longer than wide. P. 514. Micrathena 



Genus GASTERACANTHA (Gas-ter-a-can'tha) 



This genus differs from the closely allied Micrathena in 

 the form of the thorax, which is at least as wide as long in the 



512 



