178 



IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE Vol. XXV, 191S 



abdomen is highly arched, and soniewliat conical behind. Above 

 it is marked by several irregular transverse bands. The leg-s 

 have the distal ends of the segments darkened giving them at 

 times a banded appearance. The general appearance of the fe- 

 male is grayish, although some specimens may be of a tawny or 

 broAmish hue. There is considerable variation in the abdominal 

 marking, hence it may be said to be variously mottled. 



The female is at all times complete master of the home. Not 

 only does the male assent to this condition, but he lives for much 

 of his life in great fear of his mate. If for any reason or for 

 no reason the ire of the female is aroused she assaults him vici- 

 ously. The one period that is most dangerous for the male is 



Fig. 31.— Mature female, X4. 



immediately after mating. The female, apparently reeogiiizing 

 his weakness at this time, seizes the opportunity to make her 

 assault, and it is only through cunning and discretion that the 

 male will make good his escape. 



That the female spins no cocoon and lays no eggs unless fer- 

 tilized by the male appears to be shown experimentally. An 

 immature female was confined in a cage on ]\Iay 31. This female 

 was kept until August 24, almost three months. She spun no 

 cocoon and was released. Another immature female was taken 

 on June 2. In captivity she reached maturity July 14, but did 

 not cocoon by August 24, when she was released. Another im- 

 mature female was cai)tured on June 2, and confined in a cage 



