a 
CHA PTE) Vi; 
ARGIOPE AND HER RIBBONED ORB. 
I. 
In the United States the genus Argiope is represented by two species 
whose large size and beautiful markings have drawn to them the attention 
of most familiars of our autumn fields. They are the Basket 
Argiope (A. cophinaria Walckenaer), and the Banded Argiope 
(A. argyraspis Walck.) These resemble each other closely in 
their habits and spinningwork, but some striking differences will appear. 
The Basket Argiope is the largest of our northern Orbweayers and is 
equaled in size by the genus Nephila alone, whose habitat is limited to the 
Gulf States and southern California. This species is widely distributed over 
the United States. I have examples extending from New England, through 
the Middle and Western States to Lincoln, Nebraska, the Rocky Mountains, 
and to the extreme southwestern point of our Pacific coast at San Diego, Cali- 
fornia. It is also distributed throughout the South, where Hentz saw it. 
Professor Wilder found it abundant on the seaboard of the Carolinas, and 
I collected specimens as far southwest as Austin, Texas. 
ie Cophinaria is, therefore, a veritable “continental,” and is able 
Distribu- +5 adapt herself to the climatic extremes lying between our northern 
tion and . : ‘ 
Habitat, ®24 southern borders without any apparent specific change. It is 
interesting to know that her habits remain uninfluenced by this 
distribution, as far as present information, variously collected, can determine. 
Her snare and cocoon everywhere bear the same characteristics, showing 
that the chief forms of her industry are unchanged by varying environ- 
ment. The specific name which Hentz gave this spider (riparia) indi- 
cates that he considered the banks of streams favorite places for her snares. 
Certainly, I have often found her in such localities, but there seems to be 
no special fondness therefor, as is shown by her wide distribution over the 
prairies and plains. She builds in low bushes, tufts of grass, clumps of 
weeds, and like positions, and is fond of low and moist locations, but fre- 
quents lawns and fields, and, indeed, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, is 
quite commonly known as “the large garden spider,” thus acquiring in 
America the popular title so long borne by the British cross spider, Epeira 
(96) 
Full Orbs. 
Argiope. 
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