Araneides of the United States. 355 
the wing, but relinquished it immediately, apparently very 
much ashamed of having made such a blunder. This- proves 
. that the sight of spiders, though acute, is not unerring: 
Before leaping, this Attus always fixes a thread on the point 
from which it departs ; by this it is suspended in the air, if it 
miss its aim, and it is secure against falling far from its hunt- 
ing grounds. 
These spiders, and probably all other species, a day or two 
before they change their skin, make a tube of white silk, open 
at both ends ; there they remain motionless till the moulting 
time arrives, and, even some days after, are seen there still, 
Probably remaining in a secure place, for the purpose of re- 
gaining strength and activity. 
Habitat. Throughout the United States. 
15. ATTUS TRIPUNCTATUS. 
Plate XXI. Fig. 8. : 
Description. Black ; abdomen, with metallic reflections 
and white and orange-colored hairs, with a central spot and 
two short bands white, which are surrounded with deep black ; 
cheliceres brassy green ; feet, 4. 1. 5. 2. 
Observations. This is perhaps the most common Attus in 
the United States. It is usually found on dead trees, under 
the bark of Which it takes refuge, and also hibernates there, in 
tubes of strong white silk. The spots are often of an orange 
Color, instead of being white. 
Habitat. The United States. 
16. 'ATTUS MYSTACEUS. 
Plate XXI. Fig. 9. ^ 
Description. Gray ; varied with whitish. spots; cephalo- 
thorax with four tufts of bristles in the region of the eyes; 
feet, 4. 1.2. 3, 
This large and very distinct species is not 
