THE CINIFLONID/E, OR CRIBELLATA 



219 



The male is half as large as the female, the abdomen smaller, 

 and the humps lower. 



The web (fig. 500) consists of four rays crossed by a dozen 

 or more threads. The point where the rays meet is attached 



Fig. 500. Webs of Hyptiotes in the top of a bush. Half the real size. 



to a thread which extends to the spider's roost, usually the end 

 of a twig. Here it holds on by the hind feet and draws the 

 thread tight with the fore feet. When an insect strikes the 

 web the spider lets go with the hind feet and is jerked for- 

 ward by the contraction of the web, and slides along toward its 



