Superfamily Argiopoidea 



show through the skin. The tibia of the palpus of the male- 

 bears, on the outside, a very large apophysis, which varies in 

 size and length in different individuals (Fig. 641). 



Clubiona riparia (C. ri-pa'ri-a). — This species is easily 

 recognized by the markings of the abdomen (Fig. 642). There 

 is a dark, median, longitudinal stripe, which is narrowed behind 

 and is often broken into a series of spots on the hind half of the 

 abdomen. On each side of this median stripe there is a white 

 or yellow band, with irregular edges. The sides of the abdomen 

 are brown, and are crossed by oblique alternating, light and dark 

 bands of this colour. On the venter, a light median band extends 

 from the epigastric furrow to the spinnerets. 



This species makes an interesting provision for the protection 

 of its egg-sac. A leaf of a broad-leaved grass, which grows in 

 marshy places, is folded in the manner shown in Fig. 643. 

 The long three-sided chamber thus formed is lined with silk 

 and contains both the egg-sac and the spider that made it, thus 

 serving as a nursery for the spiderlings and a coffin for the parent. 

 Similar nests are made by folding the leaves of the cat-tail flag. 



Clubiona pallens (C. pal'lens).— - This is a well-marked 

 species, which can be distinguished from our other common 

 species by the markings of the abdomen (Fig. 644). On the basal 

 half of the abdomen there is a median band, which is distinct 

 in some individuals, and faintly indicated in others. Behind this 

 band, and extending to the tip of the abdomen, there is a series 

 of transverse, more or less arched, dark bars, some of which are 

 frequently broken, especially toward the tip of the abdomen, so as 

 to form a pair of spots. On each side of the abdomen there is a 

 series of oblique dark bands. The ground colour of the abdomen 

 is pale. 



Clubiona canadensis (C. can-a-den'sis). — This species meas- 

 ures about one fourth inch in length. The abdomen is yellowish 

 brown, with many light dots, thickly and evenly distributed 

 over the entire surface. In some individuals there is a series of 

 chevrons on the hind half of the abdomen composed of a series 

 of these dots (Fig. 645). A darker lanceolate band on the basal 

 half of the abdomen is usually faintly indicated. 



Clubiona obesa (C. o-be'sa). — The length of the body is 

 about one fourth inch. The entire body is pale and almost 

 without markings. On the basal half of the abdomen there 



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567 



