146 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



the labium. In Lycosa the excavation is relatively long, usually 

 one-third the total length of the labium. In Pirata, in which the labium 

 is longer than wide, as in Lycosa, the notch is shorter than in either of the 

 two preceding genera, varying between one-fourth and one-fifth of the 

 length of labium, with the average toward the lesser limit. 



It is my opinion, however, that the clearest and most definite 

 characters for limiting the more important genera of Lycosidce are 

 presented in the structure of the copulatory organs, especially of the male, 

 although slight use has been made of them in such connection heretofore. 

 In a more extended paper, to appear later, I shall give a detailed treatment 

 of the structure and homologies of the reproductive organs in this family, 

 with application to the arrangement and classification of its American 

 members. In the present place are presented only a iew notes on the 

 structure of copulatory organs in the commoner genera Lycosa, Pardosa 

 and Pirata, although other genera might be used equally well so far as 

 concerns the validity of the points it is desired to make. 



Van Hasselt*, who uses the term " epigynum " as applying strictly 

 to the median piece or " process " of the female genital plate, attempts to 

 establish with respect to its structure and functions in the Aranax several 

 theses, the more essential of which are certainly not true for the Lycosidce. 

 Thus in no degree whatever in this family can the median body, when 

 such is present, have any mobility independent of the whole epigynum 

 " avec erection in longuer et flexibiltte laterale,^' and cannot be considered 

 " du mains fourtionellemetit comme analogue a r ovipositor de quelques 

 Lnsectes,'^ such as could be used in arranging eggs in a cocoon. The 

 median body here is simply a ridge-like elevation of the floor of the 

 depressed area of the plate. 



In most cases at or near its posterior end the median ridge is 

 extended transversely on each side to the marginal walls, which they meet 

 immediately behind the openings of the receptacula. The ridge thus 

 divides the epigynal depression into two furrows or channels, each of 

 which leads to the opening of the receptaculum of the corresponding side. 

 Posteriorly the free ventral edges or the septal elevation and its transverse 

 arras are produced out horizontally to a varying distance over the lateral 

 channels, the median piece thus being in effect grooved along its sides. 

 Sometimes these plate-like extensions are very wide, and may cover over 

 most of the epigynum behind, as is the case in Pardosa Californica, Keys. 



*Vid. " L'Epigyne des Araignees Femelles," Tids. v., Ent., Vol. 35 (iSgi-'gz), 

 pp. 87-121. I'ls. 7 9. 



