ccxxii FAUNA HAWAIIENSIS 



The Aro-iopidae have lo genera, one of which, Erigone, contains only a single 

 foreign species, while two Microneta and Cnephalocotes also contain a single species, 

 each of which may prove to be foreign. Argiope contains a widely distributed species, 

 A. avara, with a peculiar endemic variety on Kauai, and is probably a comparatively 

 recent, natural immigrant. One species of Tetragnatka, T. mandibulata, which often 

 abounds in the sugar-cane fields, is introduced, the other species being endemic, as are 

 all the species of Cyclosa, excepting C. oculata and turbinaia, both foreign, and those of 

 Araneus excepting A. nauticus. The genera Priperia and Doryonychus are only 

 known from the islands. 



The Thomisidae are probably the most interesting and important group in the 

 Hawaiian spiders. Three of the genera, Proernus, Pagiopalus and Adrastidia, form 

 an endemic group ' Proerneae,' and the genus Mecaphesa, with three species known, is 

 also endemic. Of the other three genera, Misinnena, Diaea and Synaeuia, all the 

 species are peculiar to the islands and no foreign forms have been recognized in the 

 family, though I believe I have noticed an introduced Thomisid in recent years. 



The Lycosidae are represented by three genera, one of which, Syrolorna, is endemic, 

 as are all the species in the others. 



The Attidae are represented by a number of endemic species of Sanda/odes, a 

 genus pertaining to the Australian region, and several imported species of other genera, 

 which of recent years have been added to by fresh introductions not yet determined. 



The 8 1 species at present known only from the islands, represent 24 genera, seven 

 of these being themselves endemic, and it is worthy of note that the endemic species 

 contained in apodemic genera are generally highly peculiar forms, and that the endemic 

 genera are sometimes osculant forms, e.g. Syro/oma, which is a link between the Lyco- 

 sidae and certain Clubionidae, and the ' Proernus ' group of Thomisidae which forms a 

 link between these and the Clubionidae. 



How far the species are restricted in their range in the islands is at present 

 uncertain, owing to the imperfect way in which the spiders have been collected. All 

 those obtained by me were collected while in search of various kinds of insects. 

 Extreme variability is exhibited by Araneus emmae, some species of Misumena, and 

 Diaea msulana. The habits of the Hawaiian spiders have been very little studied, 

 though some of the species are very numerous in individuals. Those of the genus 

 Theridion are as abundant as any, spinning their webs usually low down in the vegeta- 

 tion (e.g. across the narrow overgrown tracks made by man or beast through fern), in 

 the cavities of hollow trees, or in hollows in cliffs, etc. Argiope avara is one of the most 

 abundant spiders, its strong webs being often conspicuous on the telephone wires, wire 

 fences, etc., as well as amongst vegetation. Its peculiar variety is restricted to and 

 abundant on Kauai. The endemic species of Tetragnatka are not usually common and 

 are mosdy obtained from branches of trees, being much sought after by the native 

 Passerine birds. The species of Synaema, Misumena and Pagiopalus sometimes 



