COLOR AND THE COLOR SENSE. 



A T*o*l OT)(~* 



Fig. 305 is drawn from a young Cophinuria just out of the shell, ami 

 Figs. 306 and 307 from the same a few days older. 



When the young Cophinarias have advanced in age a few days the fo- 

 lium upon the dorsum of the abdomen assumes a distinct shield shaped 

 outline resembling that which is common upon the adult forms 

 of Epeira insularis, sclopetaria, etc., the color of the same being 

 a darkish green, and the scalloped margins being surrounded by a white 

 band which extends quite around the fore part of the abdomen. The 

 sides also have a greenish band, the same color prevailing around the 

 spinnerets. The usual aspect of the abdomen is thus green in the centre 

 and lower part of the dorsum, and white along the fore part of the abdo- 

 men and the sides. The hairs are quite prominent both on the abdomen 

 and legs. The eyes have a darker hue, and little processes on either side 

 of the base of the abdomen distinctly appear. The abdomen is now in 

 general shape a miniature of the adult form. The legs are covered with 

 greenish bands closely placed. When separated from the mass of its fel- 

 low broodlings, a single spider will throw out 

 a thread from which it will hang down, sus- 

 pending itself by its dragline and weaving a 

 little foot basket, precisely in the manner of 

 the more matured spiders. Three longitudinal 

 bands appear upon the cephalothorax, one in 

 the median line and one on each side. The 

 youngling looks plump, as though well nour- 

 ished. 



The young of Epeira strix shortly after its advent from the cocoon 

 (April 14th) often presents a uniform glossy black appearance. After an- 

 other moult this appearance is somewhat changed, the legs have 

 black annul! around the joints, and the interspaces are of a yel- 

 lowish brown hue well covered with black spines. The folium 

 upon the abdomen is along its margins jet black, with a median cross like 

 figure of a dark yellowish brown. Bands of the same color surround the 

 scalloped margin along the sides. The cephalothorax has the same gen- 

 eral hue of glossy black. 



At the time of hatching, the young Gasteracanthas of Africa, accord- 

 ing to Dr. Vinson, are round and black, without the pointed spines pecul- 

 iar to the adult, and with a triangular white spot upon the abdomen. 

 These peculiarities are also characteristic of our California species. Among 

 those sent to me by Mrs. Eigenmann were a number of young in various 

 stages of growth. They are all quite black, and the spines are either lack- 

 ing or just beginning to push out slight angles upon the otherwise rounded 

 abdomen. (Compare with Plate IV., Volume II., Fig. 8.) 



The black color of these young Gasteracanthas is a singular variation 

 from the ordinary color of spiderlings, which is quite light, the colors 



FlG 305 Fic.soe. 



. 305. Y oun g Argiope 

 after leaving the shell. 



no. so?. 



FIGS, soe, 



307. Appearance after first moult. 



ra 



