1048 JOVENAL, BOMBAY yATUEAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXVIII. 
Members of the genus Cyrtophora are remarkable for the extreme complexity 
of their webs, which are probably more elaborate than those of any other spider 
Instead of all the radial strands extending outwards from the hub, with inter- 
spaces consequently much wider near the periphery than near the centre, addi- 
tional strands are inserted so as to produce a web of exceedingly tine and uni- 
form mesh. Nor is this aU, for these webs are supported in a horizontal position 
by an extensive irregular network with the help of which the centre of the circle is 
more or less greatly raised above the periphery, thus forming a sort of tent or 
dome. One or two species are very common all over India. Their webs are 
usually found in groups, the irregular supporting framework of which gives them 
a most untidy and unattractive appearance ; and it is only on closer examination 
that the exquisitely delicate structure of the circular web is seen. Slender 
Reduviid bugs, Eugubinus spp. feed on the eggs of this spider and are sometimes 
to be seen making their way about in its webs, which also seem very attractive 
to certain other species of spiders, mostly belonging to the genera Argyrodes 
and Uloborus. 
Severa* species of Cyclosa (fig. 6) are to be met with in aU parts of the country. 
The cephalic portion of the carapace is strongly elevated and separated from the 
lateral and posterior parts by a deep grove, while the abdomen is as a rule orna- 
mented by at least one pair of conical protuberances. The webs frequently 
have a Une of debris extending across one diameter (fig. 6 h), with a gap in 
the centre which is exactly filled by the spider. 
The immense genus Araneus (=Epeira) includes many common forms, 
■for the most part more or less nocturnal and having the same general form and 
colouration as the common European garden spider of the same genus. The 
colour is often variable, the structure of the vulva affording the safest means 
of identihcation. Another genus of Argiopidae, Gasteracantha by name, is re- 
markable for its hard integuments, drawn out on the sides of the abdomen into 
spines, often of fantastic appearance and sometimes of astounding length 
(fig- '<)■ 
The allied family Theridiidae contains curious genera resembling Gasteracantha, 
as well as a large number of other genera many of which resemble other Argyo- 
pidae in general appearance. But their webs are always irregular, never cir- 
cular. Some species live in a curled up dead leaf or even in a specially construc- 
ted shelter in the middle of the web. Several small forms, belonging to the 
genus Argyrodes, live in the webs of larger Argiopid spiders, where they are apt 
to be mistaken by inexperienced collectors for the mates of the rightful nwner 
of the web. 
The common Indian house spiders are most useful allies in our attempts to 
keep down cockroaches, mosquitoes and other noxious insects, and with one or 
two exceptions should always be welcomed and encomaged to stay. The 
exceptions are of course those which spin untidy-looking and dust-coUecting 
webs. One of these, Uloborus geniculatus, has already been mentioned. But a 
much more troublesome species is the long legged Artema atlanta (fig. 8) which 
loves to spin untidy cobwebs in any quiet corner of the house, and to rest there 
upside down with its eggs in its jaws. If it manages to remain till its eggs are 
hatched a colony wiU soon be estabhshed, for, like the majority of the family 
Pholcidae to w'hich it belongs, it is a spider with strong social instincts. 
The large house spider Heteropoda venatoria and its allies (farhily Clubionidae) 
on the contrary spin no webs, beyond neat biscuit-hke cocoons around their eggs. 
They sit flat upon the walls, usually hidden behind pictures and almirahs by 
day, coming out in search of prey at night. They are often seen in bathrooms 
and other such places and are um-easonably dreaded by many. In reality they 
are much to be encouraged. In the commonest species, H. venatoria, which is 
found throughout all tropical countries, the female and young are brown but 
full grown males are velvety grey and black ( fig. 9 ). Another common 
