SPIDERS
tof TheJJnlyersity of Kansas
N.atur_al-Hfstory Reservation
riid5||>^kefeller Experimenta
Tract
Ml^ COMR ZOOL.
Ubrarv
by
Henry S. Fitch
/
Spiders of The University of Kansas
Natural History Reservation
and Rockefeller Experimental Tract
BY
Henry S. Fitch
University of Kansas
Lawrence • Kansas
University of Kansas
Museum of Natural History
EDITOR: E. RAYMOND HALL
Miscellaneous Publication No. 33, pp. 1-202, 104 figs.
Published December 20, 1963
Lawrence • Kansas
PRINTED BY
JEAN M NEIBARGER. STATE PRINTER
TOPEKA. KANSAS
1963
29-8530
CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction 7
Acknowledgments 8
Methods 9
Scientific Names 10
Vernacular Names 10
SvTionymies 10
Identifications H
Ranges 11
Descriptions 12
Habitats 12
Morphology and Classification 13
Glossary of Technical Terms 14
Distribution 16
Economic Importance 18
Key to the Families of Spiders Occurring on the Reservation 19
Accounts of Families, Genera and Species 22
Family Atypidae 22
Genus Atypus 22
Family Ctenizidae 24
Genus Ummidia 24
Family Loxoscelidae 26
Genus Loxosceles 26
Family Pholcidae 28
Genus Pholciis 28
Genus Psilochorus 29
Genus Spennophom 30
Family Theridiidae 31
Genus Achaearanea 32
Genus Crustulina 34
Genus Enoplognatha 35
Genus Eurtjopis 36
Genus Latrodectus 36
Genus Steatoda 39
Genus Sphyrotitnts 41
Genus Theridion 42
Family Linyphiidae 43
Genus Centromerus 43
Genus Frontinella 44
Genus LepthypJiantes 45
Genus Linyphia 46
Genus Meioneta 47
Family Erigonidae 47
Genus Ceraticelus 49
Genus Ceratinella 49
Genus Cornicidaria 50
Genus Eperigone 50
Genus Erigone 51
(3)
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
PAGE
Genus Oiiganates 52
Genus Scijlaccus 53
Genus Sisiciis 53
Genus Souessoula 54
Genus Spirembolus 54
Genus Tapinoctjha 54
Family Argiopidae 55
Genus Acacesia 58
Genus Acantliepeira 59
Genus Aranciis 60
Genus Araniella 62
Genus Argiope 62
Genus Colphepeira 66
Genus Conaranea 67
Genus Cyclosa 68
Genus Eustala 68
Genus Gea 70
Genus Leucauge 71
Genus Mangora 72
Genus Metepeira 73
Genus Micrathena 74
Genus Mimognatha 78
Genus Neoscona 78
Genus Singa 81
Genus Tetragnatha 82
Genus Verrucosa 85
Family Mimetidae 86
Genus Mimctus 86
Family Agelenidae 87
Genus Agelenopsis 88
Genus Cicurina 92
Genus Coras 93
Genus Tegenaria 94
Family Pisauridae 95
Genus Dapanus 95
Genus Dolomedes 96
Genus Pelopatis 100
Family Lycosidae 101
Genus Arctosa 103
Genus Geohjcosa 104
Genus Lijcosa 105
Genus Pardosa 112
Genus Pirata 115
Genus Schizocosa 116
Family O.xyopidae 120
Genus Oxyopcs 120
Family Gnaphnsidae 122
Spiders 5
PAGE
Genus Callilcpis 123
Genus Dmssodes 1-3
Genus Diasstjllus 1-4
Genus IIapJ(xIi(is»us 126
Genus Ilcrptjllus 126
Genus Sergiohis 127
Genus Sosticiis 128
Genus Zclotcs 129
l'"amil> Clul)ionidae 129
Genus Castianeira 131
Genus Chimcantluum 135
Genus Clubiona 136
Genus Chtbionoides 137
Genus Meriola 137
Genus Micaria 138
Genus Fhrurotiiv.pus 139
Genus ScotincUa 140
Genus Trachelas 141
Family Anyphacnidae 142
Genus Amjphacna 142
Genus Aysha 143
Genus Widjila 144
Family Thomisidae 145
Genus Coriarachne 146
Genus Misumena 147
Genus Misumenoides 148
Genus Misiimcnops 149
Genus Oxyptila 150
Genus Philodiomiis 151
Genus Synema 154
Genus Tluinatus 155
Genus Tibellus 155
Genus Tmarus 156
Genus Xysticus 157
Family Salticidae 162
Genus Evarcho 165
Genus Gertschia 165
Genus Habrocestinn 166
Genus Habronattus 167
Genus Hentzia 169
Genus Icius 170
Genus Maevia 170
Genus Marphsu 1 ' 1
Genus Metacyrba 1 73
Genus Metapliidipptis 175
Genus Myrmarachne 176
Genus Faraphidippus 177
Genus Peckhumia 179
6 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
PAGE
Genus Phidippus 180
Genus Sassacus 187
Genus Thiodina 188
Genus Tutelina 189
Genus Zijgoballus 190
Family Dictynidae 191
Genus Dictyna 191
Family Uloboiidae 193
Genus Uloborus 193
Family Amaurobiidae 194
Genus Titanoeca 194
Discussion and Conclusions 195
Literature Cited 200
INTRODUCTION
Soon after field work was begun in 1948 on the newly established
University of Kansas Natural History Reservation, spiders attracted
special attention because of their conspicuousness and the abun-
dance of individuals and of species. Further field work emphasized
the important role of spiders in the area's ecology, and in 1952 I
imdertook a survey of the spider fauna.
On the Reservation, as in most terrestrial communities, spiders
are the dominant predators to such an extent that most instances
of predation witnessed by a casual observer involve them. The
true abundance of spiders is seldom suspected by the public.
Macfadyen (1957:131) after compiling information from various
sources, arrived at figures in the range of 175 to 650 per square
meter as typical of the population densities of spiders on and in
natural soils. Mites, nematode worms, and certain groups of
insects are more abundant, but most of these either average much
smaller, or are vegetarians or scavengers. In view of the fact that
all spiders are of the "consumer 2" class, or of higher trophic levels
( making their living entirely as predators ) , they are extraordinarily
numerous, and obviously are a highly successful group. In a study
of the five-lined skink {Eiimeces fasciatus), one of the most abun-
dant vertebrate predators of the Reservation, it was found that
spiders were a much more important component of the food than
was any other comparable group of animals. Furthermore, spiders
are important in the food of many other small vertebrate predators,
including lizards of several species, frogs (notably the cricket frog,
Acris crepitans), shrews, and birds such as the Carolina wren
( Thryothorus hidovicianus).
Completion of my survey of the spiders on the Reservation and
Rockefeller Tract has been long delayed because of my unfamiliarity
with the group and preoccupation with other field work. In 1960
and 1961 higher priority was devoted to the study of spiders, and
many of the species present were collected and identified for the
first time. For a few of the commoner species, a considerable
amount of ecological data has been accumulated, but for most
little or no such information was obtained.
In the early years of field work collecting was limited to the
590-acre Reservation in the northeastern corner of Douglas County,
but in 1957 field work was extended to include the newly acquired
160-acre Rockefeller Experimental Tract adjacent to the Reserva-
(7)
8 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
tion on the north in Jefferson County. Essentially, collecting and
observing was limited to the western half of the Reservation sec-
tion (exclusive of a SO-acre block of privately owned land in the
southwest corner) and to the southern half of the Rockefeller
Tract's quarter-section; the collection of 192 species thus represented
a continuous block of no more than 350 acres.
Previously little attention has been devoted to the spider fauna
of Kansas, or of nearby states, although lists, now much out of
date, have been published for Nebraska (Worley and Pickwell,
1931 ) and Oklahoma ( Banks, Newport and Bird, 1932). The spider
fauna of the United States is known mostly from studies made in
remote parts of the country, such as the northeastern states, the
southeastern states, and the West Coast. Studies in the central
states are therefore much needed.
The present study was undertaken primarily to attain a better
understanding of the ecology of the Reservation, by determining the
kinds of spiders present and their numbers, seasonal cycles, food
relationships, and natural enemies. The information obtained will
provide a basis for further ecological investigations on the same
area, and probably will have its greatest usefulness in this role.
However, it is hoped that the findings will be of some interest to
araneologists also, and will help to clarify problems concerning
the life histories and distributions of certain species.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To Dr. Willis J. Gertsch of the American Museum of Natural History,
special thanks are due for advice regarding nomenclatural problems, and for
providing authoritative identifications of many of the species. Without his
help this work would not have been completed. At various stages in the
course of my work other araneologists also identified many specimens. To
these authorities, Dr. Robert L. Gering, Mr. Wilton Ivie, Dr. Herbert W.
Levi, Dr. T. B. Kurata, and Dr. M. H. Muma, who gave unstintingly of their
time and effort to identify the specimens sent to them, I offer my most sincere
thanks.
In the summer of 1960 Mr. Allen Brady was employed as a research assist-
ant at the Reservation, and his work did much to forward the project. As
Director of the Kansas State Biological Survey, Dr. E. R. Hall kindly made
available funds needed for completion of certain phases of the project and
offered encouragement and assistance in other ways. Dr. A. Byron Leonard
gave me help and advice in photographing spiders. Several of my co-workers
on the Reservation assisted in collecting specimens and data; Ben E. Rowing,
Jr., A. Noel McFarland and Ellen Ordway deserve special mention. As a spe-
cial student project George W. Silovsky made a collection of 40 species of
spiders in the summer of 1959. Members of my family, especially my wife,
Spiders 9
\^ir,<,Mni;i R. Fitch and m>- son, Clu'ster W. Fitch, Hkewisc added many specimens
to the collections. My wife also helped by typing much of the manuscript, and
!)>■ keeping several kinds of spiders in captivit\- to obseiA'e their feeding and
reproduction. Dr. George W. Byers kindl\- made available^ for my study the
spiders in the Snow Entomological Collections. Dr. Robert E. Beer contrib-
uttnl many minute spiders from the Reservation obtained from Berlese funnels
in the course of collecting mites.
METHODS
Spiders were collected in the course of routine field work on the Reservation.
I often carried a pair of glass vials, one empty and open, the other corked
and half filled with alcohol. Spiders seen that were desired for the collection
were caught by causing them to drop into the open vial, or by setting this
vial over the spider and turning the vial as the spider tried to climb the side.
The spider was then shaken into the second vial, containing alcohol. Many
spiders were found when their webs in grass, trees or bushes, or on the ground
attracted notice of the observer. Others were found when they were un-
covered beneath rocks, logs, boards or strips of bark, often in the course of
search for small vertebrates or other animals. Wandering kinds including
many salticids, clubionids, gnaphosids and lycosids, were often seen nmning
on the ground surface or on vegetation.
For the kinds of spiders living in open situations, as among grasses and
weeds, sweeping vegetation with an insect net provided a particularly effec-
tive method of obtaining large numbers. Generally after a few dozen strokes
the net contained, along with numerous insects, many spiders of several species;
those desired were removed in vials and the remainder discarded. An almost
equally effective method that was used in woodland involved use of a large
enamel pan. Leaf litter was scooped up, placed in the pan, and shaken
thoroughh-, and then brushed out, or it was shaken on a coarse screen over
the pan. Usually many spiders, especially the more minute kinds, were
obtained from each sample.
Sprinkling the lawn, or other vegetation or soil near my residence was
found to be an effective method for flushing out spiders, as those concealed
in the soil or in low vegetation were disturbed by the water and many of
them would climb up the white cement-block wall of the house, where they
were easily seen and captured. Also, spiders were often found inside the
house, nmning on the floors or climbing on the walls or ceiling. The bathtub
and the kitchen sink were especially favored locations.
Often spiders were caught in traps of different kinds that were used primarily
to catch small vertebrates. Cylindrical traps of quarter-inch mesh wire screen,
with funnels at each end, caught many of the larger kinds of spiders, espe-
cially trap door spiders, purse web spiders and wolf spiders. Pitfalls made
of gallon cans sunk in the ground with their tops open and flush with the
ground surface, caught many of those kinds that are unable to climb smooth
vertical surfaces.
The photographs were nearly all taken of spiders freshly killed with ethyl
acetate. This usually caused them to die in a relaxed state. After killing,
the spider was posed in what was judged to be a lifelike position and photo-
graphed on a glass plate against a black background. A few photographs
10 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
were taken of specimens long preserved in alcohol, but ordinarily such speci-
mens were unsuitable for photographing because their legs were tightly folded
and could not be extended without breakage. The drawings were made
from preserved specimens; most of these had their legs contracted, and often
they were shrivelled and mutilated to some extent. In such instances they
were drawn not as they actually appeared, but as I judged they would have
appeared, freshly killed and relaxed, in a lifelike position. Some of the
drawings are composites based on more than one specimen. They are to be
regarded as sketches showing the general aspect of the kind of spider shown,
rather than being exact likenesses of individuals. Specimens of all species
figured are preserved in the collection maintained at the Reservation.
Scientific Names: Although no recent comprehensive check-list or catalog
has been published for the spider favma included in the area of my study, or
any nearby territory, I have found the works of Bonnet (1945), Comstock
(1948) and Kaston (1948, 1953) especially useful as an aid in determining
the correct scientific names to use. Even for some common and widely distrib-
uted species there is lack of unanimity among araneologists as to the correct
scientific names. This situation has arisen partly as a result of an important
publication by ChamberUn and Ivie (1944) in which it was shown that
many of the names then in use were antedated in early descriptions published
by Walckenaer (1837, 1841). The latter author based his descriptions on
manuscript drawings by John Abbot, an early collector and naturalist of the
Georgia region. Since no type material other than the drawings exists, and
since these drawings do not always show clearly the critical features that
are now used to separate closely related species, there is room for difFerence
of opinion in their interpretation. Dr. Willis J. Gertsch and Mr. Wilton Ivie
kindly checked my preliminary list of species, and have advised me concerning
needed emendations, which have been subsequently incorporated.
Vernacular Names: Most kinds of spiders are not sufficiently well known
to the general public to have common names that are widely used. Some of
the larger and more conspicuous spiders have numerous common names that
are used locally, for example, "garden spider," "writing spider," "golden
argiope" for Argiope aurantia. Conversely, the vernacular "house spider" is
used for many different species of several families that inhabit man-made
structures as commensals. It is perhaps unrealistic to suppose that vernacular
names will ever come into general use for many kinds of spiders. However,
these names probably have some usefulness, at least to those persons who
have an aversion for scientific names. For a large number of the species
here included, vernacular names have been used previously. I have used
such names where possible, but for other species I have coined names, either
as a free translation of the scientific name or to draw attention to some con-
spicuous feature of the spider itself or of its habits or habitat. For many of
the species included no vernacular names are used.
Synonymies: For each species a brief synonymy has been included. The
publications here cited include: that of the original description, that of the
earliest use of the currently accepted name, and the earliest published mention
of the species known to me based on material from Kansas. Actually, little
has been published regarding the spiders of Kansas, except for a series of short
papers by Theodore H. Scheffer (1904, 1905a, 1905b, 1906). Many American
Spiders 11
spiders were originally described in Fn>nch or German in several classic works
that have been the fonndation of modern araneology. In compiling these
s>'non>mies I have relied to a large extent on those previously published by
Bonnet (1945), Petrunkevitch (1911), Kaston (1948), Chambedin and Ivie
(1944), Gertsch (1934, 1939, 1953, 1958), and Levi (1955, 1957a, 1957b,
1959), in some instances without having myself seen the original descriptions.
Identifications: Specimens were referred to various araneologists for
authoritative identifications. Early collections, made in 1948 and 1949 were
checked by Dr. T. B. Kurata (TBK), of the Boyal Ontario Museum, Canada.
Dr. M. H. Muma (MHM) formerly of the University of Nebraska, identified
material collected in 1950. Dr. Robert L. Gering (RLG), formerly of Bethel
College, Ne\\^on, Kansas, identified material collected in 1952 and 1953.
Mr. Allen Brady (AB), graduate student in araneology at Harvard Univer-
sity, checked all material on hand at the Reservation in the summer of 1960;
Dr. Herbert W. Levi (HWL) of the Museum of Comparative Zoology,
Harvard University, identified all theridiids on hand in 1960. Dr. Willis J.
Gertsch (WJG) of the American Museum of Natural History identified much
material in 1960 and 1961, including an accumulated residue of problematical
specimens. Through Dr. Gertsch, several of the difficult erigonids (a group
shunned by most authorities), were forwarded to Mr. Wilton Ivie (WI) of
Furlong, Pennsylvania, who provided authoritative determinations for all of
them. Although lacking training in the field of arachnology, I have to the
best of my ability verified the specific determinations submitted by these several
authorities. In a few instances, where specific identities seemed clear cut
and unequivocal, the identifications were made only by myself (HSF). In
each species account under the heading "Identifications" the initials of one
or more of these identifiers are listed. In many instances a species was identi-
fied by two or more authorities. In most such instances different specimens
were submitted. The generic and specific names provided by the identifiers
were sometimes not the same as the names used here. However, when clear
cut synonyms were involved, no cognizance of the difference in names was
incorporated in the list. In some instances the earlier identifications proved
to be erroneous and were corrected by a later reviewer. In such cases only
the corrected identification is here noted.
Ranges: The present records from northeastern Kansas constitute sub-
stantial extensions of the known ranges of many species. Geographic ranges
can be stated with accuracy for relatively few species, since collecting over
the country as a whole has been spotty. Excellent range maps showing specific
localities of recorded occurrence have been published in a few recent revisions
for species of such genera as Achaearanea, Theridion, Enoplognatha, Latro-
dectus, Sfeatoda (Le\'i, 1955, 1957a, 1957b, 1959), Xijstictis, Oxijptila, Loxo-
sceles (Gertsch, 1953, 1958) but these are the exceptions. For other species
I have had to rely chiefly on the compilations of Bonnet (1945 and 1955)
or the more outdated work of Petrunkevitch (1911), and, of necessity, these
have been accepted rather uncritically. Therefore for most species my state-
ments of range are necessarily vague, as the records are obviously incomplete,
and merely indicate the regions where collecting activity has been relatively
concentrated. In many instances further collecting will show ranges to be
more extensive than was supposed. In other instances ranges of species as
12 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
known at present will prove to be composites each based upon two or more
closely related but distinct species.
Descriptions: In most instances specimens that were recently collected
(often not yet preserved) were used as a basis for descriptions. If many
specimens were available, an adult of typical size and appearance was chosen,
but for many of the less common species no more than one specimen or only
a few specimens were available, and that material might not have been
entirely typical. As the females are usually the larger and more conspicuous,
and often have the distinctive traits of the species best developed, they were
used as the basis for the description in the majority of instances. In species
having marked sexual dimorphism, a briefer description of the opposite sex
follows the main description. All descriptions are brief and non -technical.
They are intended merely to indicate the size, coloration, and general ap-
pearance of the spider, and a few diagnostic characters which will aid in
identification, especially if used in combination with the characters mentioned
in the keys and those in the accounts of genera. The measurements are all
recorded in millimeters. "Length" refers to the body. In some spiders it is
the sum of the lengths of abdomen and carapace, but in many others it is less
than the sum of those two parts because they overlap; the abdomen overhangs
the rear of the carapace. In still other spiders the length exceeds the sum of
the lengths of carapace and abdomen because there is included the stalk of
the pedicel connecting them, or the anteriorly projecting chelicerae, or the
posteriorly projecting spinnerets. The last measurement, that of "extended legs"
is one that has not been employed by araneologists, but is thought to be useful
in conveying an idea of the spider's size. In fact the layman, describing a
spider, most often indicates size in terms of the diameter encompassed by the
extended legs. The distance is usually that from the tip of the first leg to
that of the tip of the fourth leg on the opposite side when both legs are
extended full length and aligned with each other, or if one of the other legs
is markedly longer than the first or fourth, it is used instead, but in similar
fashion. In general, characters of the genitalia have been omitted from these
accounts. Although they are useful for diagnosing species, characters of the
genitalia are often difficult to observe, and ordinarily some familiarity with
the group involved is necessary for their characters to be employed effectively
in identifying species.
HABITATS
The habitats on the Reservation have been described in some
detail by Fitch (1952:8-22, 1958:82-85, 1960:119-120), Fitch and
McGregor (1956), Leonard and Goble (1952:1015-1016), Packard
(1956:11-13) and others. Tall-grass prairie and deciduous wood-
land constitute the two major subdivisions. Serai stages, as rep-
resented in old pastures, formerly cultivated fields, corrals, old rock
quarry, and artificial pond provide a spectrum of habitat grada-
tions. At any one place there are numerous microhabitats; there
is stratification at different levels, especially where there is tall
vegetation. In woodland for instance, there are certain burrow-
Spiders 13
ing spiders (AUjpus, Zeloies) that spend much of their time
undergromid; many others (MicurUi, Castuincria) are found chiefly
in leaf litter; others stay beneath rocks (Coras) or on rocks
[Habwccsiiim); some wander about on the surface of the ground
( Lycosa, Pirata ) , some make webs in low vegetation near ground
level {Man<i,ora sp., Micrathena sagittata), some live in bushes
(Amjphaena), or on tree trunks (PJnlodromus, Marpissa) or in
hollow logs (Steatoda); others li\'e on outer branches and twigs
(Tniariis), and still others are arboreal, stretching their webs high
in the foliage of a tree or between trees. In such a complex com-
munity there are many ecological niches and even closely related
kinds may not compete much with each other.
MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION
Thf spiders comprise an order, Araneae, within the phylum Arthropoda,
which inchides a great majority of the species of Hving animals, and of the
Class Arachnida, which includes also, the ticks, mites, scorpions, harvestmen
(daddy-long-legs) and other less familiar groups. The characteristic features
of the true spiders, distinguishing them from other arthropods and particularly
from other arachnids, are as follows: The head and thorax are fused into
one continuous piece, the cephalothorax, with a hard dorsal carapace; the
abdomen is saclike and at its anterior end is joined to the cephalothorax by a
slender pedicel. There is usually no trace of segmentation externally; there
are typically four pairs of eyes in t\\'o rows, but one or more pairs may be
lost, and the rows may be so curved that the original alignment is obscured.
The first pair of appendages are the chelicerae, jawlike organs, each with two
segments, a stout basal portion housing a poison gland or at least the anterior
end of it, and a distal portion, the hollow poison fang. The fang folds inward,
like the blade of pocketknife, into a groove in the large basal segment of the
chelicera. In many spiders both the promargin and the retromargin of this
groove are armed with spiny tubercles, called teeth. The second pair of
appendages are the pedipalps; these have six segments, of which the most
distal is (in the male) expanded and specialized for the storing of sperm,
and as an intromittent organ for copulation. The external genitalia of the
female are on the ventral aspect of the abdomen.
The basal segment of each pedipalp forms the endite, an enlarged flattened
platelike structure developed as an accessory mouth part. The pedipalps
have sensory, grasping, and crushing functions. There are four pairs of legs
attached to the cephalothorax, each leg with seven segments. Placed terminalh
or subterminally on the abdomen are two to four pairs of short appendages,
the spinnerets, from which silk of the web originates, in part, but there may be
also a sieve-like plate anterior to the spinnerets, from which there issues silk
of a different type from that which the spinnerets give forth.
Since the early part of the last century araneologists have striven to con-
stmct a natural classification of the spiders. An early classification based
on type of web constructed, and upon superficial external resemblances has
been greatly altered and revised, but as yet complete agreement has not been
14 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
reached concerning the divisions into higher categories and the characters
that define them. Petrunkevitch (1933, 1952) has emphasized the significance
of characters of internal morphology, which are less readily altered by chang-
ing environmental factors in the course of their evolution, and are less liable
to show resemblances that are due to convergence and to obscure true rela-
tionships. Such chaiacters are the number and arrangement of cardiac ostia,
of book lungs and of tracheae and spiracles. External characters commonly
used in defining groups of family rank or above are: the mode of articulation
of the chelicerae; the arrangement of the eye rows; the presence or absence of
a cribellum (seivelike spinning plate producing a special type of silk) and
calamistRim ( row of curved spines on the terminal segments of the last pair
of legs, used in directing the silk from the cribellum ) ; the number of terminal
claws on the tarsus; the presence of a brush of stifi^ hairs, or scopula, on the
tarsus; the presence of trichobothria ( sensory hairs ) ; and the external genitalia.
The type of web, the type of cocoon in which the eggs are enclosed, and
the treatment accorded it by the female, the type of courtship and the position
assumed in mating also afford important characters that serve in classification.
Characters that are useful chiefly at the generic and specific level are: relative
sizes of eyes and the details of their arrangement; relative lengths of the legs
and of their separate segments; bodily proportions; and structure of genitalia.
The genitalia in almost every instance show differences between closely
related species, but the differences often are slight and cannot be clearly
explained without resort to figures. Often special treatment is necessary to
reveal characters of the genitalia; the male palpus may need to be expanded
and the female epigynum may need to be cleared. The characters of the
genitalia have been given so much emphasis that immature specimens often
cannot be identified, and even adult specimens need to be partly dissected
in order to obtain the information needed. For identification in ecological
studies this is a serious disadvantage. It would seem that characters of the
genitalia have been overemphasized, since in every instance species are
recognizably different in other respects, especially when seen alive. In the
present report references to structures of the genitalia have been kept to a
minimum, and an attempt has been made to substitute insofar as possible,
other characters more readily observed and recognized. It is hoped that as
a result the report will be more useful to those workers who have had little
previous experience with spiders.
In the following accounts the key to the families, and the separate keys
to the species of various families are, to a large extent, based upon keys pub-
lished by Kaston (1948, 1953) and represent simplified versions of these.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
Abdomen. — The more posterior of the two major subdivisions of the body.
Anal tubercle. — Tubercle on which the anal orifice is situated.
Apophysis. — A process heavier than a spine.
Boss. — A smooth prominence on the lateral angle of the base of the chelicera.
Bristle. — A long slender extension of the cuticle.
Calamistrum. — A series of curved bristles on the dorsal surface of the metatarsus
of the fourth leg in some spiders.
Carapace. — The dorsal wall of the cephalothorax.
Cardiac area. — A dorsal area on the abdomen, overlying the heart.
Spiders 15
Carina. — A keel, as occurring on the clypeus or chelicerae of certain spiders.
Cephalothorax. — The combined head and thorax; the more anterior of the two
main divisions of the body.
Cer\ical grooxc. — A groove separating the cephaUc and thoracic parts of the
cephalothorax.
Chehcerae. — The first pair of appendages, serving as jaws.
Clypeus. — The part of the cephalothorax situated between the anterior row of
eyes and the edge of the carapace.
Colulus. — A short median appendage immediately anterior to the spinnerets in
some spiders.
Coxa. — The proximal or first segment of a leg or pedipalp.
Cribellum. — A platelike spinning organ anterior to the spinnerets in some
spiders.
Cymbium. — A concavity on the tarsus of the male palp, expanded to house the
copulatory organ.
Dionychous. — Having two claws at the tip of each tarsus (Fig. 5a).
Dorsal furrow. — A median groove or furrow on the carapace, often pigmented.
Ecribellate. — Lacking a cribellum.
Embolus. — A slender attenuate extension of the male genitalia through which
sperm pass to the female in copulation.
Endite. — A platelike lateral mouthpart formed by an extension of the basal
segment of a pedipalp; the maxilla.
Epigastric furrow. — A transverse groove on the ventral aspect of the abdomen.
Epigynum. — The sclerotized external genitalia of the female, on the midventral
surface of the abdomen.
Fang. — The distal segment of the chelicera, developed for piercing the body
of the prey and conducting venom into it.
Femur. — The third segment of a leg or pedipalp; it is longer than the first two
segments combined, and longer than the fourth segment.
Folium. — A leaflike dark marking on the dorsum of the abdomen.
Labium. — A flattened midventral mouthpart, lying between the endites of the
pedipalps.
Lamella. — A triangular plate on the promargin of the cheliceral fang furrow.
Lamina. — A flattened platelike structure such as occurs on the margins of the
cheliceral fang furrows in some spiders.
Lorum. — The plates on the dorsal side of the pedicel.
Median ocular area. — The area enclosed by the median eyes of the anterior and
posterior rows.
Metatarsus. — The sixth (counting from the base outward) or next to last seg-
ment of a leg.
Ocular quadrangle. — Area enclosed by the eyes.
Orb. — A web consisting of circular strands and radii, in one plane.
Palp. — The pedipalp, exclusive of its basal segment.
Paracymbium. — An accessory branch of the cymbium arising from the proximal
part of the cymbium in some spiders.
Pars pendula. — A membranous structure of the male genitaha, containing the
ejaculatory duct, and mostly lying within a groove of the embolus.
Patella. — The fourth, or middle, segment of a leg.
Pedicel. — The slender stalk connecting the abdomen and cephalothorax.
Pedipalp. — The second pair of appendages (behind the chelicerae but anterior
to the legs) serving a tactile function and also housing the genitalia of
the male.
Procurved. — Referring to a row of eyes in which the lateral pair are placed
farther anteriorly than the median pair.
16 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Rastellum. — A series of spurs or teeth forming a rakelike organ that is used for
digging.
Recurved. — Referring to a row of eyes in which the lateral pair is farther pos-
terior than the medial pair.
Scopula. — A brush of stiff hairs on the underside of the tarsus and metatarsus.
Scutum. — A sclerotized plate on the abdomen.
Spinneret. — One of several short appendages near the posterior end of the
abdomen ( Fig. 3 ) .
Spiracle. — An opening of the ti^achea on the ventral surface of the abdomen.
Spur. — A heavy, spinelike cuticular process.
Stabilimentum. — A heavy band of silk in the webs of some spiders.
Sternum. — The central area on the ventral surface surrounded by the legs.
Stridulating organs. — A heavily sclerotized area with numerous parallel ridges.
Sustentaculum. — A heavy curved spine on the ventral surface of the tarsus of
the fourth leg.
Tarsus. — The distal segment of a leg or palp.
Thorax. — The portion of the cephalothorax posterior to the head region.
Tibia. — The fifth segment of a leg or pedipalp.
Trichobothrium. — A fine, hairlike structure extending at right angles from the
siu"face of a leg, and based in a socket.
Trionychous. — Having three claws at the tip of the tarsus (Fig. 5b).
Trochanter. — The second segment of a leg or pedipalp.
Truncus. — The hard portion of the embolus.
Tubercle. — A low, rounded process.
Venter. — Underside of the abdomen.
DISTRIBUTION
Geographic ranges of spiders are in general poorly known. Col-
lecting has been spotty and large areas of the United States have
not been sampled at all for their spider faunas. In many instances
closely related kinds have not yet been distinguished. Spiders are
an ancient group. The fossil record is understandably poor for
such small and delicate terrestrial animals; but the Oligocene Baltic
ambers contain spiders of genera still living ( Petiamkevitch, 1946).
It is therefore not surprising that some species, having survived
great changes in climate, have discontinuous ranges with relict
distributions. However, the original ranges of certain species of
spiders are now greatly altered and in many instances extended,
as a result of man's activities. Artificial, unintentional, and usually
unrecorded introductions into new areas have long been occurring,
and in recent years the rate has been greatly accelerated. An
egg sac on a nursery plant, a piece of lumber, a shipping crate or
an article of household furnitin-e may be transported hundreds or
thousands of miles by rail, plane or ship, and may give rise to a
new colony at a locality remote from the former range of the
species. Even without man's aid individual spiders may cover
Spiders
17
95
Fig. 1. Map showing extent of the Deciduous Forest Formation in eastern
North America. Many species of spiders have geographic ranges that corre-
spond more or less with this biotic formation. Arrow shows location of The
Uni\ersit>- of Kansas Natural History Reservation and the Rockefeller E.xperi-
mental Tract.
enormous distances in their natural dispersal by "ballooning." This
occurs in the young of many species, and in the adults of some of the
smaller kinds. The spider climbs to an elevated perch and spins
a long strand of "gossamer" which trails in the wind. Eventually
the spider casts off from its perch, and with the still attached strand
of gossamer acting as a parachute, it floats to a new spot, or, if it
18 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
liappens to be caught by rising air currents, it may be carried far
above the ground, and may drift for a long time. For an animal
that is able to cover long distances so easily, air-borne, geographic
range does not have the same significance as for earth-bound
terrestrial animals which must travel on foot, and individually, are
unable to cross such barriers as rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, or
deserts.
Judging from scattered records, many species of spiders occur
throughout much of North America wherever their habitat is
present. Other species are widely distributed, both in the Americas
and in Eurasia. Nevertheless significant patterns of distribution
emerge when geographic ranges are studied in detail. Many
species of spiders have been recorded chiefly or entirely within the
Eastern United States in an area that under original conditions
was dominated by deciduous forests. This Deciduous Forest
Formation (Braun, 1950) or "Oak-Wild Turkey Biome" (Shelford,
1945), extended from the Gulf of Mexico to northern New Eng-
land and the Great Lakes, and from the Atlantic Ocean west into
the eastern parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas (see Fig. 1).
Many species of plants and animals are limited to this biotic forma-
tion, and are more or less coextensive with it. This statement
probably applies to spiders, especially to those that are forest
dwellers. Therefore, I have in some instances defined ranges in
terms of the Deciduous Forest Formation for the sake of brevity,
even when records are few, provided the records are sufficiently
scattered to suggest occurrence throughout the length and breadth
of the Deciduous Forest Formation. The area of my study is near
the western edge of the original forests, although a narrow band
of forest extended some 80 miles farther west along the flood plain
of the Kansas River.
In the statements of range made herein, "The United States"
refers to the geographically continuous area of the 48 states existing
before 1960 — exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
All spiders are predators, and they destroy other animal life in
enormous quantity. Among our local kinds some of the largest
may, rarely, prey upon small vertebrates such as newly metamor-
phosed amphibians, or the hatchlings of small lizards or snakes.
However, by and large, other arthropods, especially insects, make
up the food. Spiders are potential predators on nearly all kinds
Spiders 19
of insects. In some instances the prey is several times the bulk
of the spider itself, although more typically the victim is smaller
than the spider that catches it. Because, at any given time, there
are spiders on almost every square foot, constantly seeking out and
destroying insect prey during the warm part of the year, their
effect on insect populations is important. Without them, outbreaks
of insect pests \\ ould certainly be both more frequent and more
severe. Most spiders are not specialized in their feeding to the
degree that they must depend on one or a few kinds of insects,
l3ut on the contrar\' they take various kinds, somewhat in propor-
tion to their abundance and availability, over a fairly wide size
range. Grasshoppers, katydids, flies, moths, leafhoppers, cater-
pillars and ants all are groups abundant in species and individuals,
which constitute major food sources for various kinds of spiders.
In both forest and prairie these groups include some of the more
important herbi\'ores which in part determine the aspect of the
biotic community. On croplands where spiders are abundant, they
are usuall\' preying to a large extent on agricultural pests.
On the negati\'e side of the ledger, spiders are themselves pests
where they make x^ebs on or within buildings, or where the danger-
ously venomous kinds, such as the black widow and brown spider,
constitute a hazard to humans. On occasion, pest control com-
panies are called upon to deal with these kinds of spiders on private
premises, with resultant expense and inconvenience, and some-
times without wholly satisfactory results. Both species infhct bites.
The bites rarely result in death, but may cause severe pain and/or
prolonged illness.
Key to the Families of Spiders Occurring on the Reservation
1. Chelicerae paraxial — projecting anteriorly, with fangs articulating in
a plane more or less parallel to median plane of body ( "tarantulas" ) 2
1'. Chelicerae diaxial — projecting downward from anterior end of body,
with fangs articulating in a more or less transverse plane.
( typical spiders ) 3
2. Chelicerae each bearing a rastellum; thoracic groove transverse and
procur\ed; "trap-door spiders" living in tubular burrows lined with
web and capped with hinged stopper Ctenizidae, p. 24
2'. Chelicerae lacking a rastellum; thoracic groove a deep transverse pit;
"purse-web spiders" hving in tubular webs that are partly below
ground and partly above Atypidae, p. 22
3. Cribellum and calamistrum present 4
3'. Cribellum and calamistrum absent 6
4. Eves all light; tarsi with a dorsal row of trichobothria.
Amaurobiidae, p. 194
20
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
4'. Eyes all dark, or if some are light, the anterior medians at least are
dark 5
5. Eyes homogeneous, all dark, both rows recursed . . Uloboridae, p. 193
5'. Eyes heterogeneous, anterior medians dark, the remainder light; an-
terior row straight Dictynidae, p. 191
6. Eyes six, all white, in three diads (Fig. 8) Loxoscelidae, p. 26
6'. Eyes normally eight (rarely only six, in two triads) 7
7. Spiracle lacking; labium broader than long; legs extremely long and
threadlike as in a harvestman; anterior median eyes minute or absent,
remaining six eyes in two triads Pholcidae, p. 28
7'. Spiracle present; labium longer than broad; legs usually not extremely
long nor threadlike; eyes eight, not arranged in triads 8
8. Tracheal spiracle placed far forward — at least one-third of distance
from spinnerets to anterior end of abdomen (Fig. 2a).
Anyphaenidae, p. 142
Fig. 2. Ventral aspects of abdomens of Aysha
firacilis (an anyphaenid) and Castianeira de-
scripta ( a clubionid ) showing difference in
position of tracheal spiracle. Both are fe-
males; anterior ends are uppennost; X 5.
8'. Trachael spiracle placed far back on abdomen, adjacent to spinnerets
(Fig. 2b) 9
9. Eyes in tliree distinct rows, namely a front row of four, directed an-
teriorly, with the median pair greatly enlarged; a second row of two
relatively small eyes on the dorsal surface of the carapace, and a third
row consisting of two eyes of intermediate size farther posteriorly on
top of the carapace Salticidae, p.
9'. Eyes not arranged as described above 10
10. Metatarsi and tibiae of first two pairs of legs with prolateral row of
long spines, and with row of shorter spines in intervening spacer;
these shorter spines gradually increase in length from proximal to
distal part of the segment, and are curved near their ends.
Mimetidae, p.
10'. Metatarsi and tibiae lacking arrangement of spines described above. 11
1()2
8f.
FiG. 3. Ventral aspects of abdomens of (a)
HcrpijUits vasifer ( a gnaphosid ) and (h) Mi-
caria longipes (a clubionid), showing anterior
spinnerets well separated in the fonner, and
nearly contiguous in the latter. Both are
females, anterior ends are uppennost; approxi-
mately X 7.
11. First two pairs of legs large and powerful, laterigrade; body flattened
in a horizontal plane Thomisidae, p. 145
Spiders
21
ir. Legs normal (prograde); body not especially flattened 12
12. Two claws and a claw-tuft borne on each tarsus (Fig. 5a) 13
12'. Three claws borne on each tarsus; claw tufts absent (Fig. 5b) .... 14
13. Anterior spinnerets well separated; eyes heterogeneous, only the an-
terior median pair dark (Fig. 3a) Gnaphosidae, p.
13'. Anterior spinnerets contiguous or nearly so, eyes homogeneous (Fig.
3b) Clubionidae, p.
14. Clypeus high; anterior median e>es relatively small, the remaining six
eyes arranged to form a uniform hexagonal pattern; legs with promi-
nent spines projecting; abdomen pointed behind (Figs. 4a and 52).
O.xyopidae, p.
122
129
120
Fig. 4. Faces of adult females of (a) Oxyopes scalaris
(an o.xyopid) and {h) Lijcosa gulosa (a lycosid), show-
ing high clypeus in the fomier, and relatively large pos-
terior median eyes in the latter; both from anterior view,
approximately X 5.
14'. Clypeus relatively 1on\'; eyes not in a hexagonal pattern; legs lacking
projecting spines, abdomen not noticeably pointed behind (Fig.
4b) 15
15. Tarsus of fourth leg bearing a comb-like series of si.x to ten serrated
bristles ( Fig. 5c) Theridiidae, p. 31
-i-<~^--.rv--
Fig. 5. Tarsi of fourth left legs from lateral views of
adult females of («) Aysha gracilis (an anyphaenid)
X 30; (/;) Dapanus minis (a pisaurid) X 10; and (c)
Latrodcctiis ciiracavicnsis (a theridiid) X 10, showing
two-clawed condition and claw-tufts in Aysha, three-
clawed condition and lack of claw-tufts in Dapanus, and
series of serrated bristles in Latrodecttis.
"■"^S^^^ssis^^^
15'. Tarsus of fourth leg lacking serrated bristles (Figs. 5a and 5b) . 16
16. Tarsi bearing trichobothria 17
16'. Tarsi lacking trichobothria 19
17. Tarsi each with a single row of trichobothria; trochanters not notched.
Agelenidae, p. 87
17'. Tarsi each with two rows of trichobothria; trochanters each bearing
a cur\ed notch on distal edge of ventral side 18
18. Posterior median eyes much larger than others, and far ahead of pos-
terior laterals (Fig. 4b) Lycosidae, p. 101
18'. Posterior median eyes enlarged little or none and only a little ahead
of posterior laterals Pisauridae, p. 95
19. Clypeus lower than height of median ocular area; eyes homogeneous.
Argiopidae, p. 55
19'. Clypeus higher than height of median ocular area; eyes hetero-
geneous 20
22 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
20. Tibia of fourth leg bearing two dorsal spines or bristles; small to
medium-sized spiders, usually more than 2 mm. in length.
Linyphiidae, p. 43
20'. Tibia of fourth leg bearing a single dorsal spine or none; minute
spiders usually less than 2 mm. in length Erigonidae, p. -J?
ACCOUNTS OF FAMILIES, GENERA AND SPECIES
Family Atypidae Bertkau
Purse-web Spiders
These medium-sized spiders are orthognathous. The chelicerae are parax-
ial, much enlarged and projecting forward horizontally from the body, the
fangs are articulated so as to move in a plane almost parallel to the median
plane of the body. The body is robust; the legs are relatively short and power-
ful. There are eight eyes of which only tlie anterior median are diurnal. There
are three pairs of spinnerets; the anal tubercle is situated well above the
posterior pair. The "purse web" consists of a silken tube in which the spider
lives, and which extends several inches underground at one end, and several
inches up a tree trunk or similar object at the other end. The spider obtains
its prey by rushing to the point of disturbance when any insect comes in
contact witli the tube, and biting tlnough it to seize the victim. When sub-
dued, the prey is pulled inside through a slit in the tube.
Genus Atypus Latreille
The labium is fused to the sternum with no trace of a suture; the sternum
bears four pairs of sigillae — impressed clear areas — of which the fourth pair
is much the largest. The hind spinnerets are three- or four-jointed, much
larger than the others. The genus occurs in Europe as well as in North
America.
Atypus niger Emerton
Black Purse-web Spider
Atypus niger Emerton, 1913, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., vol. 32, p. 259.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Male, length 11, carapace 4.0, abdomen 5.0 (chelicerae pro-
trude 2.0 at anterior end of body), extended legs 29. Resembles next species
but slightly smaller and differently colored; body black; legs chocolate brown.
Habitat and Habits. — All spiders of this kind that were seen were
near woodland edge, chiefly near the Reservation headquarters, and
at the old rock wall at the south edge of the former quarry site. At
this latter location several were caught in pitfall traps. Several old
tubular webs attached to the rocks at the base of tliis wall may have
been made by these spiders, but only wandering adult males were
seen. Throughout much of its extensive range the species is known
only from such wandering adult males according to Dr. W. J.
Spiders
23
Gertsch. The purse webs and especially the adult females, are
rarely found b\ collectors.
Atypus sp.
Red-legged Purse-web Spider
Identification. — \\'JG.
Range. — This species, still unnamed, is known from eastern Texas as well
as from northeastern Kansas, according to Dr. W. J. Gertsch.
Description. — Male, length 13, cephalothorax 4.0, abdomen 5.0, chelicerae
protrude 2.S at anterior end of bod>, extended legs 30. Black on body, coxae,
trochanters, and proximal two-thirds
of femora; distal ends of femora,
patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi
carmine; cephalic area raised and
prominent, thoracic area depressed
and flattened; one-third of distance
from posterior end of the carapace
to anterior end is large pit-like de-
pression, wider than long; two
shallower depressions along cervical
groove on each side; surface of the
carapace roughened; legs subequal,
moderately short; abdomen oval, with
sparse pale pubescence (see Fig. 6).
Habitat and Habits.— With
one exception these large,
brightly colored spiders have
been observed only in late May
and June, and were adult males.
All were wandering individuals,
which presumably had left their
webs in search of mates. All
but one were within 100 feet of the Reservation headquarters, or
on the road between there and the enti'ance gate. The remaining
one was in a sumac thicket on the north edge of the Reservation.
When a purse web spider was confined in a jar, open on top,
in the laboratory, a jumping spider (Pliidippits variegatiis) that
had been climbing on the window sill, approached, climbed down
the vertical side of the jar, and pounced upon the other, quickly
killing it, although the two were of similar size. The superiority
of the jumping spider in acuity of senses, rapidity of movement,
and climbing ability was striking and emphasized the unfitness of
Atypus for life in the open. Mortalit\' must be extremely high in
Fig. 6. Atypus sp., female X I/2.
24 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
the adult males when tliey desert their tubular shelters and wander
in exposed situations.
In July, 1961, a purse web oceupied by an adult female was
found in dense woods of oak, hickory, elm and ash on the upper
slope of a north facing hillside. The tube was approximately
nine inches long, and the greater part of its length was under-
ground. The female differed from males in her markedly larger
size, chunkier build, paler coloration, and lack of red on the legs.
She was kept alive for several weeks in a large glass jar filled to
a depth of six inches with damp soil, and in this she soon excavated
a nearly vertical burrow lined with the tubular web, projecting
perhaps three inches above the surface of the soil.
Family Ctenizidae Thorell
Trap-door Spiders
These medium -large spiders are orthognatlious — l^elonging to the group ot
relatively primitixe and often giant-sized spiders which, in the United States,
are popularly known as tarantulas. The chelicerae are paraxial, enlarged and
projecting forward horizontally from the body, the fangs articulated so as to
move in a plane almost parallel to the median plane of the body, and there
is a well-developed rastelkun. Trap-door spiders are dark colored or black,
having smooth shiny legs. There is a prominent, strongly recurved transverse
thoracic groove. These spiders live in tul>ular burrows that are lined with
silk. The trap door capping the burrow is liinged on one side by silk strands,
and has incorporated material from the soil surface, causing it to be well
camouflaged. Except for the adult males in the breeding season, trap-door
spiders rarely leave their burrows.
Genus Ummidia Thorell
Trap-door spiders of this genus have a deep depression on the basal part
of the upper surface of the tibia of the third leg and a narrow membranous
area on each side of the depression. Members of the genus are found in
southern Europe, North Africa and the United States.
Ummidia sp.
Kansas Trap-door Spider
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Known only from the University of Kansas Natural History Reser-
vation.
Description. — Male, length 10.7, carapace 4.7, abdomen 4.2, chelicerae
project anteriorly from carapace 1.8, extended legs 33. Carapace flattened,
but with ocular area raised, dark brown, almost black, its surface of coarse
granular texture; first row of eyes markedly procurved, with four eyes, black,
subequal, and uniformly spaced; eyes of posterior row slightly smaller, placed
Spiders
25
in luaiK straisilit line, with incdials wliite, separated by nearl\ three times
their own diameters, but ahnost in eontaet with Literals, whieh are direeted
posterolaterally; chelieerae coated with short, reddish hairs distally, dark brown,
slightK paler than earapace; slightly rugose;
abdomen dark graxish brown, less bulky
than cephalotliorax, its surface showing fine
wrinkles and sparse hairs; legs reddish
brown; glabrous, with sparse hairs ventrally
and with numerous short hairs and spines
on metatarsi and tarsi (see Fig. 7).
Female, lengtii 20, abdomen 11. Cara-
pace glabrous, shin\ , dark amber, abdomen
dark gra\' with fine pale pubescence, and
with integument slightly wrinkled and ru-
gose; cephalic region and chelieerae black;
sternum amber; legs relatively short with
metatarsi and tarsi thick and powerful,
studded with short spines; legs shiny like
carapace, with whitish integument notice-
able at joints.
Fig. 7. Umtnidia sp., male,
X3.
Habitat and Habits. — No burrows
of trap-door spiders have been found
on the Reserxation. On July 1, 1952,
two adult males were caught in pitfall traps at stations 200 yards
apart. Another was caught on July 4. A fourth was uncovered be-
neath a flat rock, at a hilltop limestone ledge on July 9. All were
in woodland edge situations. One site was in a large rock pile near
a pond. Another was at the base of an old rock wall near an
abandoned quarry. The finding of four adult males away from
their burrows in early July suggests that this time of year is the
breeding season. Males perhaps wander in search of mates at
night and seek any available shelter to hide by day. The one
female seen in 13 years of field work was caught in a wire funnel
trap in a bottomland field of brome grass, in May, 1960. Before
being preserved this spider was kept alive till October, in a pint
jar two-thirds full of soil. She excavated a trap-door burrow, and
kept out of sight underground. Moths and other insects were
offered frequently. The spider would emerge from her burrow to
seize them only under cover of darkness. An insect captured would
be kept in the burrow for several days, then its discarded remains
would be cast out. The trap door capping this spider's burrow
blended so well with the surrounding soil that it might have been
overlooked, and it is obvious that a population of these spiders
might remain undetected, even if they were fairly abundant.
26 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Family Loxoscelidae Gertsch
Venomous Six-eyed Spiders
These are medium-sized, dionychous spiders. There are sLx pearly white
eyes in three diads, the median diad a httle in advance of the two lateral
diads. The chelicerae are fused at their bases; the labium is fused with the
sternum. The body is somewhat depressed. There is a conspicuous longi-
tudinal thoracic furrow. The legs are slender, long, and tapered. The colora-
tion is predominantly pale, light brown, yellowish or whitish. These spiders
spend much time in the silken sacs that they spin. Also, they construct
weak irregular webs forming a sheet over the surface of objects where they
stay, but they seem to wander extensively and catch their prey by stalking.
Only in recent years has tlie capacity of these spiders to inflict a dangerously
venomous bite been recognized.
Genus Loxosceles Heineken and Lowe
The members of this genus are medium-sized, pale yellowish brown spiders
that lack conspicuous markings. The body is flattened, in correlation with
the secretive habits and the tendency to hide in cracks or crevices. The
spiders are of somewhat gregarious habits, and are found in caves, beneath
rocks, in piles of boards or debris, in decaying logs, or in or about buildings.
The genus is represented in Europe, Africa, North America and South America.
Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch and Mulaik
Brown Spider
Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch and Mulaik, 1940, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,
vol. 77, p. 317.
Identifications. — AB, WJG.
Range. — South-central United States; northwestern Alabama, Mississippi,
western Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, the eastern half of Texas,
eastern and central Oklahoma, and eastern Kansas.
Description. — Male, length 9.7, carapace 4.2, abdomen 5.0, chelicerae project
.5 anterior to carapace, extended legs 55. Pale yellowish brown, slightly
darker on abdomen because of dense pubescence of grayish hairs; legs slightly
darker than body, especially on their distal segments and have heavy pubescence
of gray hairs; chelicerae and palps chestnut; cephalic portion of carapace
darker than remainder, and has dense, short, anteriorly directed hairs; similar
but sparser hairs on remainder of carapace, especially on margins; thoracic
groove dark brown. Differences between se.xes slight; male averages slightly
smaller than female, witli carapace relatively broad, abdomen narrow, and
legs relatively long (see Fig. 8).
Habitat and habits. — Brown spiders were first noticed in the
autumn of 1956 in the recently abandoned farmhouse on the Rocke-
feller Experimental Tract, then newly acquired by the University.
Spiders
27
Probal)l\- the colon)- had been long established there. In 1957
the spiders were abundant about board piles, trash, and sheds, as
well as in the buildings themselves. Subsequently, as natural
x'egetation was restored, the eolony dwindled, and individuals could
no longer be found out of doors, but were still numerous in the
house and a large shed. By day they
ordinarilv remained under cover, but
their sloughs and untidy webs were
conspicuous on the walls and ceiling.
If a shelter such as a board, or piece
of loose wallpaper were raised, sev-
eral might be exposed, and would
scuttle for shelter. The brown spider
is furtive in its movements, and, to
a large extent, nocturnal. Its flat-
tened body form permits it to squeeze
into narrow cracks and crevices for
shelter. In the dark it hunts prey
actively in the open. In spring in
several years numerous individuals
have been found near together mostly
in piles of boards, and each spider
was enclosed in a cocoonlike web.
Before the last decade, the brown spider seems to have been
imknown in Douglas and Jefferson counties where my study was
made, and it may have invaded this area from elsewhere perhaps
gradually extending its range from farther south. Locally it is
strictly a household commensal. Its food consists of the common
insects that are household pests. Nevertheless, its presence cannot
be considered desirable. In the late nineteen fifties the species
received much notoriety in the Lawrence area as a result of several
bites sustained by local residents. Because of its unusually virulent
venom and aggressive disposition, its presence in dwellings entails
some danger. Bites are inflicted when a spider, in its hiding place,
between the sheets of a bed, or in the folds of clothing, is disturbed
by a person using them. The bite is painful, and the wound does
not readily heal, but characteristically develops into an ulcer that
remains open for months, with sloughing of tissue and systemic
effects of varying severity. The brown spider may be abundant
in the household and yet escape the attention of the human oc-
FiG. 8. Loxosceles reclusa, im
mature female, X 3.
28 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
cupants because of its moderate size, dull color, and lurking and
nocturnal habits.
Young of nearly all sizes and adults were found to be present
simultaneously, indicating that there is no well-defined breeding
season such as occurs in most other kinds of spiders.
Family Pholcidae Koch
Cellar Spiders
These small or medium-sized ecribellate trionychous spiders have weak
chelicerae fused at their bases and lacking bosses. The promargin of the fang
furrow forms a toothlike structure which opposes the fang to form a kind of
chela. There are eight eyes, light except for tliose of the anterior median pair;
the anterior median eyes may be lacking. The other three pairs of eyes are
arranged in two triads. The labium is wide, and fused to the sternum. The
bodies are small and delicate, the legs thread-like and exceedingly elongate,
giving the spider the superficial appearance of a harvestman. There are one
or two trichobothria on the tibia, one on the metatarsus and none on the
tarsus. The webs are sheetlike or irregular. The egg mass is held together by
a few enclosing strands of web, and is carried about by the female, held in her
chelicerae.
Key to the Species of the Family Pholcidae of the Reservation
1. Eyes six in two triads, tlie anterior medians missing.
SpermopJiora meridionalis, p. 30
1'. Eyes eight, the anterior medians relatively small and close together,
the remainder clustered in two triads 2
2. Size larger (body length more than 5 mm.); abdomen somewhat
elongate ( twice as long as wide and twice as long as carapace ) .
Pholcus sp., p. 28
2'. Size smaller (body length less than 4mm.); abdomen globose.
Psilochorus piilhdiis, p. 30
Genus Pholcus Walckenaer
The median ocular area is much broader than long. There are eight eyes;
the anterior medians which are relatively small, are closer to each other than
to the anterior laterals. The abdomen is moderately elongate. The carapace
is widened, broader tlian long. These are relatively large cellar spiders. The
genus is cosmopolitan.
Pholcus sp.
Long-bodied Cellar Spider
Idcntificaliou. — HSF.
Description. — Female, length 4.0, carapace 1.3, abdomen 2.3, extended legs
62. Carapace nearly circular, brownish yellow, with central dark leaflike area;
Spiders
29
cephalic area raised, prominent; abdomen several times larger than cephalo-
thorax, somewhat flattened, oval from dorsal view, wider behind, pale brown,
with pubescence of same color; legs rem;irkabl> slendi-r, tapered and elongate.
The sexes are similar; the male is only slightly smaller. Because of the
stiltlike legs, the .spider is much like a harvestman in appearance, and could
readily be mistaken for one by an uninitiated observer (see Fig. 9).
Habitat and Habits. — This species was long confused by me with
the common commensal cellar spider, Phokus j)]iaIan<^ioicl('s, bnt
the latter is larger and is usually asso-
ciated with buildings, whereas the pres-
ent species has been found by me only
in the interstices of old rock walls. In
the eighteen-seventies rock walls had
been built bisecting the Reservation
section from east to west and from north
to south. At the time of my study onl\'
remnants of the walls remained. The
spiders were found at only two places
nearly half a mile apart, both on upper
slopes in woodland. On various occa-
sions when large boulders in or near the
bottom layers of the walls were turned,
the spiders were found clinging to tliem,
and were never found in webs. If the
latter were present at all they were prob-
ably destroyed in moving the boulders.
One colony was first noted in 1950 and
was still present in 1960. On July 25.
1960, three adult females were collected, each carrying an egg sac.
In October 1960 no adults could be found but young between two
and three millimeters in length were moderately common. Some
of the spiders, when disturbed, made rapid bouncing movements
while clinging to the surface of the rock.
Genus Psilochorus Simon
The abdomen is peculiarly humped — much shortened ventrally and elon-
gated dorsally — of oval appearance, but with the spinnerets only a little
behind the sternum and pedicel. There are eight eyes in two rows. The
posterior row is slightly procurved, with the median eyes shghtly the larger,
and exceeding the anterior laterals in size. The ocular area of the carapace is
prominently elevated. The genus is cliiefl\ neotropical, but occurs in Ja\a
and Australia, as well as in tlie Americas.
Fig. 9. Pholcus sp., female,
X 10.
30 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Psilochorus pullulus ( Hentz )
Humped Cellar Spider
Theridion pitlliilum Hentz, 1850, Tour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6, p. 280-
282; pi. 10, fig. 5.
PsilocJwws pullulus; Simon, 1893, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 1,
p. 482, figs. 474-475.
Identifications. — AB, WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States from Maryland south to Georgia and west
to Nebraska, Colorado and Arizona, and southward to Argentina.
Description. — Female, length 3.5, carapace 1.3, abdomen 2.2, extended
legs 27. Carapace flattened, nearly circular, but wider posteriorly, pale
yellowish brown; cephalic region prominently raised, cervical groove deep and
prominent, in form of wide V, continued in midline to posterior part of
carapace where considerably widened; area of groove dark brown, constrasting
with pale color of remainder of carapace; abdomen approaches spherical shape
but slightly longer than broad, yellowish gray with vaguely defined dark
markings — broadly V-shaped on anterior end with apex of V at pedicel and
fours pairs of large, irregular dorsal spots extending in row for length of
abdomen; legs of the same yellowish-brown color as carapace but have numer-
ous dark hairs.
Habitat and Habits. — These small spiders were abmidant in the
\icinity of old abandoned buildings on the Rockefeller Tract but
were not found elsewhere. They were never found indoors but
usually were seen when boards, stones or trash near the buildings
were turned. Often they were associated with Loxosceles. They
were never in webs, and when exposed would usually run rapidly to
find a hiding place on the ground, but sometimes would "freeze."
Crouching motionless they were likely to be overlooked. Five years
after abandonment of the buildings, both Psilochorus and Loxosceles
were still present in the area, but both had become less numerous,
presumably as a result of successional changes, with rank vegetation
shading formerly open areas where the spiders lived.
Genus Spermophora Hentz
In spiders of this genus the abdomen is globose. There arc only six eyes
( in the absence of the anterior medians ) ; eyes form two triads on the dorsal
side of the carapace near its anterior end. These are the smallest cellar spiders.
The genus occurs in North America, South America, Europe, southern Asia
and Africa.
Spermophora meridionalis Hentz
Six-eyed Cellar Spider
Spermophora meridionalis Hentz, 1841, Amer. Jour. Sci., vol. 41, p. 117.
Identification.— -AB.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Spiders 31
Description. — Female, length 1.8, carapace .7, abdomen 1.0, extended legs
21. Carapace nearly circular, pale yellowish brown, darker near its center;
cephalic region only slightly raised, cervical groove not prominent; eyes in
pair of triads with intervening space appro.ximating diameter of triad; several
fine, anteriorly directed hairs behind ocular region and on clypeus; legs
yellowish brown, slightly paler than carapace; legs long and slender, as in
other pholcids, giving spider a harvestman-like appearance; abdomen pale
grayish brown, almost spherical. Male somewhat smaller than female with
narrower abdomen and relatively long legs.
Habitat and Habits. — In June 1959 several of these spiders, in-
cluding females with egg sacs, were found on the underside of a
storm-door, of the cellar at the Rockefeller Tract. None \\'as found
else\\here.
Family Theridiidae Sundevall
Comb-footed Spiders
Size ranges from small to medium-large in these ecribellate trionychous
spiders. There are eight eyes in two more or less parallel rows, the anterior
median pair dark, the others light. The clypeus is relatively high. The legs
are relative!}' long and curved, and have no spines on the tibiae and metatarsi.
Trichobothria are arranged in two rows on each tibia. The chelicera has no
boss, but a weakly developed scopula may be present. The abdomen is large
and swollen, overhanging the carapace. Most comb-footed spiders catch their
prey in webs, consisting of dense sheets and viscid strands. These spiders
easily overcome relatively large prey which becomes entangled in the web.
The family includes one of the two known dangerously venomous spiders in
Kansas — the notorious black widow.
The males of some theridiids possess well developed stridulating organs
consisting of a roughened area of sclerotized tubercles on the front of the
abdomen, and a corresponding area of striae on the rear of the carapace. By
movements of the abdomen, these two roughened areas can be brought in
contact and rubbed together, producing a faint grinding sound that functions
in courtship.
Key to the Species of the Family Theridiidae of the Reservation
1. Carapace and sternum having many small crescentic tubercles and
adjacent pits; body shorter than 3 mm Cnistulina altera, p. 35
r. Carapace and sternum lacking crescentic tubercles; size variable,
body usually longer than 3 mm 2
2. Abdomen slightly elongated and pointed behind; fourth leg longer
than first Eunjopis limhata, p. .36
2'. Abdomen globose; first leg longer than fourth 3
3. Posterior and anterior lateral eyes on each side well separated, wdth
the intervening space at least equal to their diameters.
Latrodectus curacaviensis, p. 37
3'. Posterior and anterior lateral eyes on each side separated by a space
of less than half the diameter of one eye 4
32 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
4. Median ocular area narrower in front than behind.
EnopIognatJia marmorata, \). 35
4'. Median ocular area narrower behind than in front, or its sides paral-
lel 5
5. Anterior and posterior lateral eyes separated; legs not annulate .6
5'. Lateral eyes on each side contiguous; legs annulate 7
6. Larger (most adults more than 5 mm. long); anchor-shaped white
mark on anterior part of abdomen Steatoda horealis, p. 40
6'. Smaller (usually less than 5 mm. in length); a pair of white spots
dorsally on abdomen near its middle Steatoda americana, p. 39
7. Anterior median eyes not larger than posterior medians.
Steatoda triangidosa, p. 41
7'. Anterior median eyes larger than posterior medians 8
8. First leg less than twice length of body; abdomen not mottled .... 10
8'. First leg more than twice length of body; abdomen having a mottled
pattern with no distinct folium { Achaearanea) 9
9. Adults usually more than A]!, mm. long. Achaearanea tepidariomm, p. 33
9'. Usually less than iVi mm. long Achaearanea porteri, p. 32
10. Length less than 2 mm.; no folium Sphijrotinus imparatus, p. 41
10'. Length 2 mm. or more; distinct folium 11
11. Length usually more than 2. .5 mm. ( (^ ) or 3 mm. ( 9 ): male's cara-
pace and legs orange Theridion murarium, p. 42
ir. Length less than 2.-5 mm. ( c^ ) or 3 mm. ( 9 ); male's carapace yel-
lowish or ivory Theriodimi differetis, p. 42
Genus Achaearanea Strand
The members of this genus are small to large theridiids that have the an-
terior eye row slightly procurved, the posterior row straight or slightly recurved,
the eyes subequal, the median ocular area appro.ximately square, the legs
medium long, with spines and usually many hairs. Females have the first
legs longest, fourth next in length, and third shortest, while in males the order
is the same e.vcept that the second leg is usually longer than the fourth. These
are web-spinning spiders. The web is an irregular network of threads and
usually is in a sheltered place. The genus is cosmopolitan, but there are few-
species in the Old World, many in Mexico, Central America and South America.
Achaearanea porteri ( Banks )
Porter's Spider
Theridium porteri Banks, 1896, in Blatchlev, Ann. Rept. Indiana Geol. Surv.,
vol. 21, p. 203.
Achaearanea porteri; Levi, 1955, Amer. Mus. Novit., No. 1718, p. 30.
Identification. — HWL.
Range. — Eastern United States, except New England; south to Bahama
Islands, Mexico and Panama.
Description. — Female, length 3.5, carapace 1.8, abdomen 2.3, extended legs
19.5. Carapace yellowish brown, slightly darker oji cephalic portion; sternum
Spiders
33
yellowish brown; ahdoinen cicaiu colored, heavily mottled with black, having
sparse covering of long brown hairs; legs ivory, annulated with pale brown;
male nnicli like female in appearance, but only about two-thirds of her length,
and with less distinct anniilations on legs.
Achaearanea tepidariorum (C. L. Koch)
House Spider
Theridhim tepidaiionim C. L. Koch, 1841, Die Arachnidcn, \ol. 8, p. 75,
figs. 646-648.
TJicridion tepidariorum; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr.
Coll.), vol. 30, p. 15.
Achaearanea tepidariorum; Levi, 1955, Anier. Mus. Novit., No. 1718, p. 32.
ldentiixcation.—?<LG, AB, HWL.
Range. — Cosmopolitan as a connnensal associated with man-made structures.
Description. — Female, length 8.7, carapace 3.0, abdomen 5.5, extended legs
36. Carapace glabrous, light chocolate; abdomen cream or pale tan marked
with brown and with series of dark chevrons pos-
teriorly; legs tan or cream with darker brown mark-
ings at distal end of each segment (see Fig. 10).
Male slightly smaller with longer legs; carapace
tan with thoracic groove more dusky; abdomen much
less swollen; legs orange or light reddish brown with
no dark markings but becoming slightly darker
distallv.
Fig. 10. Achaearanea
tepidariorum, female,
X 2.
Habitat and Habits. — This house spider
is closely confined to an edificarian habitat;
on the Reserv^ation the species has been
found only in the immediate vicinity of tlie
four buildings at the headquarters. It seems
to require situations that are sheltered from
the weather; it has been especially abundant
in the garage and in the screen porch of the
residence, where insect prey is numerous.
Typical sites for a web are: on the ceiling at
one corner of a room; at an upper corner of a window; or beneath
the seat of a chair. The prey consists chiefly of flying insects, of a
great variety of kinds, including some that are relatively large and
powerful. The insect blunders into the web and becomes entangled.
The spider backs toward the struggling prey, and keeping well out
of reach, enswathes it with sticky strands, which are guided by the
hind legs. After the prey is sufficiently immobilized, the spider ap-
proaches cautiously and delivers a paralyzing bite. Beneath one
web I recorded discarded remains of: seven spider wasps (one
Sceliphron, si.x Trypo.xylon, eight flies (si.x calliphorids, two tab-
2—8530
34 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
anids ) ; two beetles ( staphylinid and lampyrid ) , and one cockroach,
all larger than the spider itself. The large harvestman, Lciohunum,
was a common prey. Leafhoppers, attracted to the buildings by
lights at night, were caught in the webs in great numbers, and per-
haps made up the greater part of the food for spiders that had their
webs under the eaves.
A male and female often share the same web for long periods.
Neighboring females often lived in webs only a few inches apart,
under the eaves or on the ceiling of the porch, where the spiders
were most common, but each kept to its own web, and they were
highly incompatible. On one occasion, in cleaning the laboratory,
I swept down many webs, and collected the live spiders, mostly
adult females, in a pint jar. Immediately fighting began. There
was frenzied activity as each spun a small web and defended it
against trespassers, at the same time attempting to entangle its
nearest neighbor, by looping strands about it with the rear legs.
From time to time one too closely crowded would turn and deliver
a quick bite at the joint of its opponent's leg. The bitten spiders
were remarkably susceptible to the venom, soon became unsteady
in their movements and lapsed into sluggishness or quiescence,
whereupon they were enswathed and fed upon by their rivals.
After a period of hours only one remained alive.
These house spiders may survive for a year or more after attain-
ment of maturity, hence adults are found at all seasons. Kaston
(1948:103) stated that each egg sac contains from 100 to more
than 400 eggs, and he mentioned that one female produced 17 egg
sacs, and another produced 14, with a total of 3766 eggs. For sev-
eral days after hatching, the young remain clustered in the mother's
web.
The assassin spider, Mimctus ptiritaniis is one of the natural
enemies, and, on the Reservation, has been found only on the
wall of the house where the house spiders are numerous. Jumping
spiders, including Phidippus varieg^atiis and Metacyrba unchita have
also been observed preying upon house spiders, which are highly
vulnerable when their webs are broken or removed.
Genus Crustulina Menge
In the small and delicate theridiids of this genus the sternum is broadly
truncate behind. The ceplialothorax is roughened with tubercular elevations
which are distinctly crescent-shaped on the carapace, and each elevation has
a small pit beside it. The base of the abdomen has a horny ring around the
insertion of the pedicel. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Spiders 35
Ciiistulina altera Gertsch and Archer
Crescent Spider
Ciu.sluliiia altera Gt-rtscli and Archer, 1942, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1171,
p. 1, fi.sj. 9.
Identificcitions.—AB, HWL, WJG.
Ranfic. — Eastern United States; seemingly co-extensive witli tlie Deciduous
Forest Formation.
Dcsciii)tioit. — Male, length 2.0, carapace 1.1, abdomen 1.2, extended legs
6.7. Carapace reddish brown, witli numerous dark, crescentic tubercles scat-
tered o\er surface; ocular region raised; eyes large; first row recurved, second
nearh' straight; sternum and chelicerae have crescentic tubercles similar to
those on carapace but smaller; abdomen slightly less bulky than cephalothorax;
gray, with several white spots mid-dorsalK' and on each side, and vdth coarse
reticulations of black. Legs pale >'ellowish brown. The sexes are similar in
size and appearance.
Habitat and Habits. — According to Le\i (1957:374) this spider
is found under logs and stones, and often in leaf litter in dry woods.
Kaston (1948:74) stated that the males overwinter as adults, and
that the egg sacs contain only about five eggs.
Genus Enoplognatha Pavesi
The chelicerae are robust, with the retromargins toothed. Both rows of
eyes are straight. The anterior and posterior lateral eyes are contiguous. The
anterior medians are smaller than the anterior laterals. The median ocular
area is narrower in front than behind. The abdomen is spherical or sUghtly
flattened and bears a distinct folimii dorsally. In the male the carapace
bears a stridulating area on each side of the pedicel. Most of the species
occur in North America and Eurasia, but there are a few in South America
and Africa.
Enoplognatha marniorata ( Hentz )
Marbled Comb-foot
Thcridion mannoratum Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6,
p. 273; pi. 9, Bg. 3.
EnoplognatJia marmomtci; Simon, 1894, Nat. Hist. Araignees, vol. 1(3), p.
.578.
Identifications. — AB, HWL.
Range. — Most of United States and southern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 4.5, carapace 1.8, abdomen 2.5, extended legs
16. Carapace light chocolate, darker on margins; abdomen globose, several
times bulk of cephalothorax, having white band in front dorsally; dorsum gray,
marbled with black and flecked with white; xenter mostly chocolate, with
scattered white spots; legs amber with dark annulations at distal end of each
segment. The sexes are similar in appearance but the male is slightly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — Kaston (1948:77) stated that this species
36
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
was to be found under rock ledges, boards, stones or leaves, or in
bushes near the ground; that it overwinters in the penultimate or
earlier instars; and that the eggs, produced in May, varied from 37
to 179 in ten different sacs.
Genus Euryopis Menge
The medium-small theridiids of this genus are of aberrant habits and ap-
pearance, as they do not make webs but stalk their prey on the ground or
on vegetation, and arc somewhat like crab spiders in appearance. The abdomen
is pointed behind. The anterior median eyes are much wider and farther
apart than are the posterior medians. The lateral eyes on each side are nearly
contigvious. The sternum is narrowly truncate behind. The colors are dark
with silvery markings. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Euryopis Hmbata ( Walckenaer )
Epeiia limhata Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 81.
TJicridion funebre Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6, p. 277.
Identification. — HWL.
Range. — Southern Canada, most of United States (not northeastern part),
and south into Baja California.
Description. — Male, length 3.2, carapace 1.3, abdomen 1.8, extended legs
10.6. Carapace whitish shaded with
dark pigment anteriorly and margin-
ally; abdomen white heavily shaded
with gray and having conspicpous sil-
very V-shaped marking beginning lat-
erally about halfway back from an-
terior end and continuing to point
niid-dorsally just anterior to spinnerets;
faint silvery marking on each side
near base of abdomen; legs white with
gray annulations. The sexes are simi-
lar in appearance but the female aver-
ages slightly larger. (See Fig. 11.)
Habitat and Habits. — Kaston
( 1948:97) stated that in Connec-
ticut this spider is found in leaves
and moss on the ground, winters
in the penultimate or earlier
stages, and feeds upon ants.
Only one, an adult male, was found in the course of my study.
Fig. 11. Euryopis- limhata, male, X 7.
Genus Latrodectus Walckenaer
The black widows are relatively large theridiids, but the males are much
smaller than the females. The anterior and posterior lateral e>es are well
Spiders
37
soparati'd, tlu' intervening space nsnall> I'xceeding the diameter of either eye.
The retroniargiu of the cheUcera is unarmed. The sternum is pointed belaind
and narrowly produced between the coxae of the foiuth pair of legs. The
first leg is longer than the fourth. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Latrodectiis curacaviensis (Miiller)
Northern Black Widow
Arunca cunicuvicnsia Miiller, 1776, Des Ritters Carl \'on Linne voUstiindigen
Natursystems, Suppl. Vol., p. 242.
Latrodectiis mactans. Schefler, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 1.5.
Latrodectus curacaviensis; Levi, 1959, Trans. Anier. Micr. Soc, vol. 78 (1);
p. 38.
Identification . — HWL.
Range. — Southern Canada southward to southern Argentina, but seemingly
absent from large areas of Mexico, Central America and the Antilles; more
common in the temperate regions of North and South America than in the
Tropics.
Description. — Female, length 10.6, carapace 4.6, abdomen 6.6, extended
legs 49. Carapace glabrous, dark chestnut, with darker shading in cephalic
region and along margins making it nearly black; legs black with chestnut
tinge; dorsum black with white and yellow basal band with white and yellow
lateral dashes on the sides (extending laterally from the xicinity of the
anterior spot) and xvnth conspicuous red spots;
posterior spot having stripe thinly connected
to it and extending posteroventrally to spin-
nerets. (See Fig. 12.) Venter black with
"liourglass" marking divided into separate an-
terior and posterior spots; male only about
half length of female; his abdomen relatively
much less bulk>', streaked with white — reten-
tion of ju\enal pattern — but lacks red spots.
Habitat and Habits. — This more col-
orful species, long confused with the
common black widow, L. mactans, is
seemingly the only member of its genus
occurring on the Reservation. Wliere
the two are sympatric elsewhere, habi-
tat differences have been noted. L.
curacaviensis occurs several hundred
miles farther north than does mactans
( known from Kansas only in the south-
ern part), and curacaviensis has a less
\irulent venom. In most instances of recorded bites the two species
have not been distinguished. If such sorting were possible, the
records might reveal a somewhat higher incidence of mortality than
Fig. 12. Latrodectus cura-
caviensis, female, X 2.
38 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
previously recognized for bites of mactans, and little or no mortality
from bites of curacavicmis. However, mactans is more domestic
in habits and probably is the usual culprit when persons are bitten.
On the Reservation L. curacavicnsis is primarily a woodland
spider, and has a definite preference for rocky places. The web
consists of a broad, more or less horizontal sheet, many irregular
vertical strands and a funnel leading down into a retreat which,
typically, is under a flat rock. In some instances the web extends
as much as five feet above ground level, but in other instances ex-
tends up only a few inches, and is relatively small and inconspicu-
ous. The web is remarkably tough, and by this means may readily
be distinguished from the webs of any other local spiders. The web
must afford substantial protection against certain small predators
such as lizards. At an alarm, the spider runs back into its retreat
and huddles with its legs drawn up.
From year to year the numbers of these spiders on the Reserva-
tion fluctuated widely. In 1960, intensive field work disclosed onl\'
a single individual, whereas in 1952, 1953, 1954, and 1955, the spe-
cies was abundant. In late June, 1955, the population was esti-
mated to be approximately 100 per acre in the more xeric type of
woodland judging from the spacing of the webs.
Although rocks provided the favorite retreats, the spiders often
had their webs away from such substantial shelters and depended
upon thick leaf litter for hiding places. On a few occasions the
webs were noted in tall grass near the edge of the woods. Those
summers when black widows were abundant were unusually dry.
Humid weather may be a limiting factor. On two occasions after
periods of heavy summer rains, small adult females were found dead
in their webs, coated with a dull white layer of mold, and they may
have died prematurely from disease or parasitism.
Several times black widows, all but two immature, were found
in the mud nests of the wasp, Sceliphron, or were found lying para-
lyzed in the garage or on the concrete stoop of the laboratory, where
they had been dropped by the wasps.
On many occasions young of these spiders were found in die nest
boxes attached to the traps that were used to catch small mammals,
especially when these traps were in woodland. Both adult and im-
mature spiders were noted in every month from May through Sep-
tember. In October, 1957, a penultimate female was found in a
decaying log, where probably it would have hibernated, as it was
Spiders 39
not associated with a web. On June 28, 1961, an adult male was
found clinging to the underside of a leaf, not associated with a web.
Genus Steatoda Sundevall
The stiiiuiin is pointi'd hclHiul and produced between the coxae of the
fourth pair of legs. The median ocular area is slightly wider in front than
l)ehind. The anterior median eyes arc the largest, much larger than the an-
terior laterals. The anterior row of eyes is procurved. The carapace lacks a
trans\erse furrow. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Steatoda americana ( Emerton )
Twin-spotted Comb-foot
Asageiui amcrkdua Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6,
p. 23, pi. 4, fig. 6.
Steatoda americana; J^evi, 1957, Bull. \[us. Comp. Zool., vol. 117(3), p.
400, figs. 66-69.
Identifications. — AB, HWL.
Range. — Most of United States, but not recorded from the northern parts
of the Great Plains or Rocky Mountains, nor from California or Nevada; also
recorded in Mexico in Sonora and Hidalgo.
Description. — Female, length 4.0, cephalothorax 2.0, abdomen 2.5, extended
legs 10.5. Carapace dark chestnut, legs paler chestnut, abdomen oval, slate-
colored with pale pubescence; o\erlaps posterior edge of cephalothorax and is
several times its bulk; cephalothorax somewhat depressed; carapace roughened,
with minute pits; legs moderately short, stocky and covered with fine hairs
like those on abdomen.
Tlie sexes are much alike in size and appearance, but the males are slighth
smaller. Some individuals seen were relati\ely small, and lacked white spots
on abdomen or had only faint spots — grounds for questioning whether all
material pertains to single species.
Habitat and Habits. — This is an abundant species, but because
of its small size and secretive habits it ordinarily escapes attention.
On various occasions, when the lawn at the Reservation headquarters
was watered, these spiders, along with various other species, were
found crawling on the wall of the building, having been flushed from
their hiding places. On other occasions they have been sifted from
leaf litter in oak-hickory woodland. On July 4, 1952, July 4, 1953,
and July 17, 1954, mud cells of the wasp ScelipJiron removed from
buildings at the headquarters, and opened, were found to be
crammed with these spiders. Kaston (1948:74) also has noted the
affinit\- of SceIi))liroii for this spider. He stated that the spiders at-
tain maturity in spring and have eggs in July; there were 22. 27. and
33 eggs, respectively, in three different sacs.
40 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Steatoda borealis (Hentz)
Boreal Comb-foot
Tlieridion horcaJe Hentz, 1850, jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6, p. 274,
pi. 9, fig. 4.
Steatoda horealis; Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., \ol. 6,
p. 19, pi. 4, fig. 1.
Steatoda borealis; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 14.
Identifications. — AB, HWL.
Range. — Tliroughout approximately the northern half of the United States.
Description. — Male, length 6.6, carapace 2.5, abdomen 3.6, extended legs 26.
Carapace dull chestnut, its surface of granular texture; abdomen globose, many
times larger than cephalothorax, plumbeous, having gray pubescence and white
anchor-shaped marking, arms of anchor bordering dorsum on its anterior edge
with break in mid-dorsal mark that is shank of anchor; legs pale chestnut with
gray pubescence and faint gray annulations; first row of eyes recurved, second
row approximately straight (see fig. 13).
Sexes much alike in appearance; female averages slightly larger.
Habitat and Habits. — This spider is uncommon, and of secretive
habits. Most of those found were in dense woods. Typical situa-
tions were beneath massive boulders, or in cavities on the under-
sides of decaying logs. Others were found about buildings at the
Fig. 13. Steatoda borealis, penultimate male, X 2%.
Fig. 14. Steatoda triangidosa, female, X 2%.
Reservation headquarters, several were in a pile of old boards be-
side the garage. All were in stringy, formless webs. Several times
in early spring those of a pair were found together in the same web.
On several occasions individuals were found in the house, alwavs
Spiders 41
in well -concealed situations — in a closet, behind the books on a
bookcase, or in air vents beneath the floor. Kaston ( 1948:85) stated
that in Connecticut eggs are laid in Jul\-, and he recorded sacs with
37, 47, 76 and 95 eggs.
Steatoda triangulosa (Walckenaer)
Triangulate Comb-foot
Aranca triangulosa \\'alckenaer, 1802, Faune Parisienne, vol. 2, p. 207.
Steatoda triangulosa; Thorell, 1873, Remarks on synonyms of European
spickTS, p. 505.
Teutana triangulosa; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 15.
Identifications.— HW'UW'jG.
Range. — North Africa, Europe, and Asia; Canada; the United States, chief!)'
in the eastern half, and in Colorado.
Description. — Female, length 5.6, carapace 1.8, abdomen 3.7, extended legs
22. Carapace yellowish bro\\Ti, with H-shaped marking of faint pigmentation
in thoracic and cervical grooves; abdomen pubescent, pale gray, on each side
of dorsum series of approximately five black blotches, mostly contacting those
adjacent and not entirely distinct; area around blotches has large, closely
spaced flecks of white; legs yellowish brown, paler than carapace, with gray
pubescence and faint gray annulations (see Fig. 14). Male sHghtly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — Few individuals have been found on the
Reservation, and all were associated with edificarian habitats. In
the summer of 1960 se\ eral were found, associated with Lo.xosceles
rcclusa and Thcridion tcpidarionim, in closets and crannies of the
farmhouse on the Rockefeller Tract, then unoccupied by humans
for nearly four years. In the late winter of 1961 several half-grown
individuals were foimd in air-vents beneath the floor of my resi-
dence. The species is reported to feed upon ants.
Genus Sphyrotinus
Spiders of this genus are minute, orange colored, and resemble various
species of the closely related Theridion, but the legs are markedly shorter in
Sphyrotinus. The eyes of the anterior row are in a straight line, and are equal
and equidistant. Those of the posterior row are also in a straight line, the
median separated b\' its radius and a little more from the lateral. The height
of the clypeus is three diameters of an anterior eye. The femur of the male
palp has a dorsal series of long spines, and the patella is subglobular. The
genus is North American.
Sphyrotinus iniparatus Bishop and Crosby
Theridion iniparatum Bishop and Crosby, 1926, Jour. Elislia Mitchell Sci.
Soc, vol. 41, p. 182.
S))}itjrotinus unirnaculatus; Levi, Le\'i and Kaspar, 1958, Trans. Wisconsin
Acad. Sci. Arts and Letters, vol. 47, p. 45.
42 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation.
De.scription. — Male, length 1.4, carapace .6, abdomen, .9, extended legs 5.2.
Carapace flattened, approximately as broad as long, orange, with black in
ocular area; abdomen oval, grayish orange; legs of approximately equal length,
orange, paler than carapace.
Female like male in most respects, but with legs relatively shorter.
Habitat and Habits. — This minute .spider has been found in leaf
htter of deciduous forest.
Genus Theridion Walckenaer
Size medium-small to small (one to five millimeters in length); carapace
usually slightly longer than wide; anterior eye row straight or procurved, pos-
terior row straight; eyes usually subequal; colulus absent; genus cosmopolitan.
Theridion murarium Enierton
Wall Spider
Theridion mumriuni Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6,
p. 11, pi. 1, fig. 5.
TJieridion murarium; SchelFer, 1905, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 19,
p. 192.
Identification. — HWL.
Range. — Southern Canada, entire United States, and much of Mexico.
Description. — Female, length 3.8, carapace 1.5, abdomen 2.3, extended legs
17. Carapace ivory, with dark margins and with dark middorsal band, broad
anteriorly and tapering posteriorly; abdomen having narrow, elongate, pale
brown folium middorsally, bordered laterally by dark area heavily mottled
with brown and black; sides cream-colored; legs ivory, with irregular dark
annulations and spots, and with dark hairs. Sexes much alike except that
male averages smaller.
Theridion difFerens Enierton
Theridion differens Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6,
p. 9.
Theridion differens; Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 127.
Identifications. — WJG.
Range. — Most of United States except for desert regions of the southwest,
northward into the southern provinces of Canada.
Description. — Male, length 2.3, carapace 1.1, abdomen 1.2, extended legs
14.4. Carapace dull orange; sternum orange; abdomen having gray middorsal
band with scalloped edges, bordered by white, dark brown on sides, gray
ventrally and ventrolaterally; eyes of posterior row almost equidistant in
spacing.
Male averages slightly smaller than female and slightK- darker.
Habitat and Habits. — Only one specimen has been collected in
the study area. Levi (1957:33-34) stated that the species can be
Spiders 43
collected on grass, low bushes and small trees. The web includes
an irregular spreading network of lines, and a tentlike shelter not
much larger than the spider itself. Kaston (1948:104) counted 38,
39, and 40 eggs in three different sacs.
Family Linyphiidae Blackwall
Sheet-web Weavers
Tliese are mostly small ecnbellate and trionychous spiders. The eight
heterogeneous eyes are arranged in two rows. The clypeus is relatively high.
The ehelicerae have a seopula hut no boss, and are moderately powerful.
The lateral surfaees are often provided with lateral striae as a stridulating
organ. The margins of the fang furrow are oblique and amied with teeth.
The labium is free. There are no triehobothria on the femora and tibiae. The
legs are long and thin and provided with fine spines. These are chiefly wood-
land spiders which depend upon their sheet webs, usually in trees or in low
vegetation, for the capture of their prey.
Key to the Species of the Fa>hly Linyphhdae on the Reservation
1. Length more than 3 mm Linyphia marginata, p. -JO
r. Length less than 3 mm 2
2. Abdomen having middorsal broad black band.
Frontinella pijramitela, p. -44
2'. Abdomen not having middorsal broad black band 3
3. Abdomen unifonn, plumbeous Centromerus latidens, p. 43
3'. Abdomen having conspicuous markings 4
4. Abdomen ha\ing broad, whitish, transverse dorsal band.
Meioneta micarui, p. 47
4'. Abdomen lacking broad, whitish, transverse dorsal band .5
5. Abdomen having three pairs of fairly distinct dark blotches.
Lepthijphantes sahulosa, p. 45
5'. Abdomen lacking distinct dark blotches. Lcpthijphantcs appalachia, p. 45
Genus Centromerus Dahl
Tlie metatarsus of the fourth leg lacks a trichobothrium. The ehelicerae
have three or four teeth on the promargin. The male lacks a mastiodon. The
cymbium is not angulate.
Centromerus latidens (Emerton)
Microiieta latidens Emerton 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6, p. 76.
Centromerus hiidem; Kaston 1948, Spiders of Connecticut, p. 136.
Identification. — WI.
Description.— Female, length 2.0, carapace 1.0, abdomen 1.5, e.xtended legs
8.0. Carapace greenish brown, narrowly rimmed with black; abdomen much
broader than carapace and overhiuiging its posterior half, somewhat pointed
anteriorly, plumbeous; legs pale yellowish lirown.
Habitat and habits. — Two adult females were sifted from oak-
hickory leaf litter on February 28, 1962.
44
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist,
Genus Frontinella Cambridge
The iibdoinen has a broad middorsal longitudinal l)lack band, and is relatively
narrow anteriorly and coarsely serrate along its lateral margins posteriorly.
The sides of the median ocular area are almost parallel; the anterior median
eyes are approximately eciual in size to the posterior medians. The proniMgin
of the cheliceral fang furrow has four to six teeth and the retromargin has
three to five. The genus is North American, with many species occurring in
Mexico and Central America.
Frontinella pyramitela (Walckenaer)
Bowl and Doily Spider
Linypliia pyramitela Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes
Apteres, vol. 2, p. 261.
Linypliia communis; Schelfer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.)
vol. 30, p. 8.
Frontinella pyramitela; Chamberlin and I\ie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah, Biol.
Ser., vol. 8 (5), p. 81.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Entire United States, noitli into southeastern Canada, south to
Costa Rica.
Description. — Female, length 3.8, carapace 1.3, abdomen 1.8, extended legs
14.8. Carapace chocolate colored;
broad median chocolate stripe on ab-
domen, with white area on each side
extending downward on posterior half;
\enter mostly chocolate; legs pale
cream with faint greenish tinge.
Male averages smaller; carapace and
legs yellowish brown or tan; abdo-
men dull white, brownish at posterior
end; venter chocolate. (See Fig. 15.)
Habitat and Habits. — Tliis is
one of the most abundant spi-
ders of the Reservation, and oc-
curs in a variety of habitat con-
ditions. Its characteristic "bowl
and doily" webs are made in
weeds or bushes, usually within
a few feet of the ground. Habi-
tats at the edge of woodland are
favored but the species is also
abundant in woodland. It is
less common in open situations.
Coralberry ( Symphoricarpos or-
biciilatiis) bushes provide favor-
FiG. 15.
Frontinella pyramitela, fe-
male, X 9.
ite sites; fleabane (Erigeron pliiladelphicus) and sweet clover
Spiders
45
{Mcliloltis aJha) are much used. This spider matures in late spring,
and the memhers of a pair often are found together sharing the web.
Leaflioppers make up a major portion of the food.
Tlie ballooning habit is espeeialK' charaeteristic of the young
bowl and doily spider, which, because of its small size, may cover
great distances in this manner. There are records of it being found
as much as 1000 feet above tlie ground.
Genus Lepthyphantes Menge
The members of this genus resemble those of Linyphia but are more slender
and have thinner legs. The anterior median eyes are smaller than the anterior
laterals, and are about twice as far from the
latter as from each other. The posterior
row of eyes is recurved, with the posterior
medians as large as the posterior laterals or
larger. The many species of this genus are
primarih' holarctic in distrilnition but a few
reach the tropics in both the Old World and
the New World, and others occur on remote
oceanic islands, even including New Zea-
land. Man>- of the species are cavernicolous.
Lepthyphantes appalachia
Chamberlin and Ivie
Bathyphantes sabulosus; Banks, 1892,
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 4.5.
Lcpthyvhantes appalachia Chamberlin
and 'Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. 8 (5), p. 81.
Idcn tification . — WJ G .
Range. — Eastern United States from Con-
necticut to Florida and west to Utah.
Description. — Female, length 2.2, cara-
pace 1.0, abdomen 1.6, extended legs 9.7.
Carapace brown, clouded with dark pigment
except in cephalic region; abdomen oval,
dark gray, faintly blotched with yellowish
gray, and having small white flecks; legs Yig
yellowish brown; eyes large, rimmed with
black, anterior row directed forward, an-
terior and posterior laterals in contact, posterior medians much larger than
anterior medians, oblique, extended anteriorly; venter slat>- gra>', unmarked
(see Fig. 16).
Lepthypliantes sabulosa (Keyserling)
Linyphia sabulosa Ke\serling, 1886, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Theridiidae,
vol. 2, p. 70.
Lepthyphantes sabulosa Zorsch, 1937, American Midland Nat., vol. 18. p.
890.
16. Lepthyphantes appal-
achia, female, X 13.
46 University of Kansas Fuels., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Idcntificutiun. — W'l.
Description. — Female, length 2.6, carapace 1.0, abdomen 1.8, extended legs
12.5. Carapace amber, dark along margins; abdomen gray with scalelike
white flecks, and with three pairs of large black blotches; each blotch some-
what wider than long and tending to merge with adjacent blotches; legs amber,
paler than carapace; venter black, epigynum amber brown.
Hobitat and Habits: — The only specimen obtained, an adult fe-
male, was sifted from oak-hickory leaf litter of a north slope on
February 28, 1962.
Genus Linyphia Latreille
The abdomen is marked with a contrasting pattern, and is high at the
posterior end. The median ocular area is narrower in front than behind; the
anterior median eyes are smaller than the posterior medians. The epigynum
lacks a scape. The genus is cosmopolitan in distribution.
Linyphia marginata C. L. Koch
Filmy Dome Spider
Linyphia inar<iimitu C. L. Koch, 1834, Ilerr. Schaef. Deutsch. Ins., vol. 127,
p. 21.
Lim/phia marginata; Scheff^er, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 8.
Identifications.— MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Europe, Asia, southern Canada, and most of the United States.
Description. — Female, length 4.0, carapace 1.8, abdomen 2.3, extended legs
24. Carapace dark grayisli brown with conspicuous white marginal stripes;
abdomen with wide median dark brown ( almost black ) stripe having scalloped
edges and enclosing series of six pairs of light spots; dark middorsal area flanked
by whitish areas on each side, each of which has three stripelike extensions
ventrally; venter black with white markings along lateral edges; abdomen
broader posteriorly than anteriorly; legs dull yellow, tinged with green.
Male averages slightly smaller; carapace amber, with dark gray areas laterally;
abdomen more slender and more nearly cylindrical than in female, gray on
dorsum, white on sides; legs yellow.
Habitat and Habits. — The filmv dome spider is one of the most
abundant kinds on the Reservation, and is conspicuous at all sea-
sons. Even in midwinter, on unseasonably warm days, individuals
may be seen in their webs carrying on normal activities. Although
the species occurs in edge habitats, and rarely in open situations
away from trees, it is most characteristic of woodland. The webs
are abundant along rock clefts and old stone walls, under the edges
of logs and in low, dense vegetation such as bushes of coralberry
(Stjniphoricarpos) or goosebeny (Ribes). At any season indi-
viduals are often found in pairs in the webs; seemingly the members
of a pair share the web amicably. Often three or more of the spiders
Spiders 47
have been seen in tlic same web; nsnally the excess individnals were
males. Of prey seen in the webs, leafhoppers were in the majority,
but various small (iipttMX)us insects also were well represented, and
several halietid bees ha\e been noted. These spiders have often
been noticed in copulation, especialh in July and August, but also
in all months from April to September inclusive. At any disturbance,
such a pair \\'Ould separate, but within a few minutes they would
approach each other and resume mating. In several instances the
female of a pair in a web appeared to be immature. In one such
instance observed on Jul\- 3, 1955, the male, which was larger, kept
approaching the female, and occasionally lunging at her, while she
a\'oided each ad\'ance b\- darting away out of reach.
Genus Meioneta Hull
The legs are elongate and slender, their metatarsi each bearing a triclio-
hothrimn on the first, second and third pairs but not on the fourth. The
chehcerae of the male often lia\<.' mastidia — small denticles on their anterior
faces. The c\nibiiun is usualh' angular and often has one or more horns. The
epig>num is protuberant, with a broad median lobe bounded laterally by oval
or crescentic areas.
Meioneta micaria ( Emerton )
Batluiphantcs micarid Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol.
6," p. 71.
Erigone zonaria; Keyserling, 1886, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Theridiidae, II
p. 196, pi. 18, fig. 256.
Identification — \\"I.
Description. — Nhile, length 1.8, carapace .8, abdomen 1.0, extended legs
7. .5. Carapace >ellowish brown, darkening toward edges; abdomen elliptical,
\\ ith broad transverse wliitish band, concave behind, and occupying somewhat
more than middle one-tliird, posterior part plumbeous, anterior part browni,
darker mcdialh"; legs yellowish brown.
Habitat and Habits. — The single specimen recorded was an adult
male sifted from leaf litter.
Family ERiGONmAE Gerhardt
Dwarf Spiders
The characters separating this famih- from the closely related Linyphiidae
are somewhat arbitrary. All tlie erigonids are small, rarely as much as three
millimeters in length, and typically between one millimeter and two millimeters.
In many genera the heads of the males are curiously modified, bearing horns,
lobes, or humps, or having grooves or pits. The tibia of the fourth leg has
a single dosal spine or none in the erigonids whe~eas in the linyphiids there
are usually two sucli spines. Both in number of species and in number of
individuals, the erigonids are probably the most abundant group of spiders.
48 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Unlike most other spiders, many of them ean be found as adults at any season.
Many kinds inhabit leaf litter.
Key to the Species of the Family Erigonidae of the Reservation
1. Color predominantly coppery or orange; body flattened, with large
dorsal abdominal scutum 2
1'. Color not predominantly coppery or orange; bod>- not notably flat-
tened; no abdominal scutum 4
2. Cheliceral fang having a double curve, convex and then concave.
Ceratinella hrunnea, p. 50
2'. Cheliceral fang having a single curve 3
3. Length less than 1.2 mm.; posterior lateral angles of epigastric scutum
narrowly united and amount of soft integument enclosed is about as
long as sclerotized portion behind it in male Ceraticelus tninutiis, p. 49
3'. Length more than L2 mm.; posterior lateral angles of epigastric scu-
tum broadly united, enclosed soft integument much shorter than the
length of the joined sclerotized portion in male.
Ceraticelus micropaJpis, p. 49
4. Length 1.9 mm. or less 7
4'. Length 2.0 mm. or more 5
5. Cephalic pits present in male Tapinocyba sp., p. 54
5'. No cephalic pits present in male 6
6. Dark triangular mark anterior to lateral eyes on each side; no horn-
like protuberance of cephalic region Spirembolus sp., p. 54
6'. No dark triangular mark anterior to lateral eyes on each side; horn-
like i^rotuberance of cephalic region present in male.
Cornicttlaria indirecta, p. 59
7. Length less than 1.2 nun Sisiciis pcnifusi ferns, p. 53
7'. Length more than 1.2 mm. 8
8. Cephalic region in male protruding in hornlike extension, with cavities
opening in each side of its base Oripanates rosiratus, p. 52
8'. Cephalic region not protruding in hornlike extension, lacking cavaties
in both sexes 9
9. Tibia of male palpus bearing long process on dorsomesal angle.
Scylaceus pallidus, p. 53
9'. Tibia of male palpus lacking long process on dorsomesal angle . 10
10. Anterior row of eyes strongly recurved; posterior median e>'es more
widely separated from each other than from posterior laterals.
Souessoula parva, p. 54
10'. Anterior row of eyes slightly recurved; posterior row of eyes not more
widely separated from each other than from posterior laterals 11
11. Patella of male palp bearing terminal ventral process; tip of tibia
excavated dorsally, forming a pit to receive patellar process; abdomen
unicolor; epigynum not trilobate 12
ir. Patella of male palp lacking process and tibia lacking dorsal excava-
tion; abdomen having faint dark dorsal transverse marks; eioigynum
trilobate Eperigone maculata, p. 51
12. Anterior part of carapace dark brown Erigone praecursa, p. 51
12'. Anterior part of carapace pale yellowish brown.
Erigoiie autumimlis, p. 51
Spiders 49
Genus Ceraticelus Simon
The members of this genus are minute spiders, predominantly yellowish-
orange, but usually having the ocular area dark colored or black. The median
ocular area is usually longer than broad. The cephalothorax and abdomen
are both short and broadh- oval. The genus is holarctic in distribution.
Ceraticelus micropalpis (Emerton)
Ceratinella micropalpis Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., \ol.
36, pi. 8, figs. 5-5b.
Ceraticelus micropalpis; Simon, 1884, Les Arachnides de France, Tome 5,
p. 596.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Recorded chiefly from the northeastern part ot the United States.
Description. — Female, length 1.3, carapace .6, abdomen .8, extended legs
3.1. Carapace and abdomen copper>' brown, unmarked except for two pairs
of small black spots on anterior half of abdomen, those of second pair more
widely separated than first; abdomen flattened, ahnost round when viewed from
above, much more bulky than cephalothorax, eyes relatively large, rimmed
with black; legs yellowish brown, with many short, pale hairs.
Nhde similar in most respects; slightly smaller.
Ceraticelus minutus ( Emerton )
Minute Spider
Ceratinella miniita Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., \ol. 6,
p. 36, pi. 7, figs. 4, 4b.
Ceraticelus minutus; Crosbv and Bishop, 1925, New York State Mus. Bull,
no. 264, p. 34, pi. 8, figs. '72-78.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Northeastern United States and adjacent Canada, south to Virginia,
west to Wisconsin, Missouri and Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 1.1, carapace .5, abdomen .6, extended legs
2.5. Carapace and abdominal scuta orange brown; intervening areas of soft
integument on abdomen yellowish gray; inframammillary scutum encircles spin-
nerets; legs pale yellowish brown.
Habitat and Habits. — Kaston (1948:154) recorded this small
spider from under leaves and from a peat bog in Connecticut. Levi,
Levi and Kaspar (1958:46) recorded it from herbs and leaf litter
in Wisconsin. On the Reservation it was also obtained from leaf
litter.
Genus Ceratinella Emerton
Members of this genus resemble those of Ceraticelus in most respects, but
differ in that the cheUceral fang has a double curve, first concave and then
convex. The genus is holarctic in distribution.
50
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Ceratinella brunnea Emerton
Ceratinello brunnea Emerton 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., \ol. 6,
p. 36, pi. 8, figs. 3-3b.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Southern Canada; Labrador; eastern United States; Antilles.
Description. — Female, length 1.3, carapace .6, abdomen .9, extended legs
3.5. Carapace dark reddish brown; abdomen slaty, its dorsal surface slightly
rugose; its bulk much greater than that of
cephalothorax, and its width almost twice
that of carapace. Anterior row of eyes
slightly recurved and posterior row sHghtly
procurved; median ocular area longer than
wide, and wider posteriorly than anteriorly;
legs pale reddish yellow set with abundant
short hairs (see Fig. 17).
Habitat and Habits. — Of the vari-
ous small spiders that live in leaf
litter, this species seems to be one
of the most abundant. It has been
collected by sifting, in each month
of summer, and has been found
cliiefly in oak-hickory woodland.
Fig. 17. Ceratinella brunnea,
male, X 20.
Genus Cornicularia Menge
Males have a hornlike protuberance bearing stiflE hairs or bristles, between
the eyes. The tibia of the male palpus has a long apophysis either single or
double, with a deep rounded emargination on the lateral side. The cephalo-
thorax is somewhat elongated. The epigynum is wide, with the openings on
either side of a broad median lobe.
Cornicularia indirecta (Cambridge)
Erigone indirecta Cambridge 1874, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, p. 440.
Cornicularia indirecta Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6,
p. 41.
Identification. — WI.
Description. — Male, length 2.5, carapace 1.25, abdomen 1.25, extended legs
6.0. Carapace chestnut, having short, inconspicuous hornlike protuberance
in interocular region; palps dark gray; abdomen plumbeous; legs pale orange.
Habitat and Habits. — The only specimen found was an adult male
sifted from oak-hickory leaf litter on February 28, 1962.
Genus Eperigone Crosby and Bishop
Members of this genus resemble those of Erigone in most respects, but lack
the ventral process on the male patella, and denticles on the chelicerae and
Spiders 51
margins ot tlie taiapace are less developed. The epig\iuiiii is trilobate. The
known nitinbers of this genus are eonfined to the United States and Mexico.
Epeiigone maculata ( Banks )
Ti)icticiis niaculatus Banks 1892, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 44,
p. 41, pi. 4, fig. 23.
Kpcrifionc inaciilala: Cr()sl)\- and Bishop, 1928, New York State Mns. linll.,
\()1. 278, p. 54.
lilentificatiou. — \\ I.
Range. — United States; perhaps confined to northeastern one-fonrlli of
country.
Description. — Female, length, 1.4, carapace .8, abdomen .8, extended legs
3.7. Carapace and legs amber, legs paler, and sparsely haired; abdomen about
as large as cephalothorax, bluntb' pointed behind, widest near its middle, gray
with exceedingh' faint pattern of darker transverse and middorsal markings;
anterior row of e>es recur\ed, having eyes directed forward; posterior row
nearly straight.
Habitat and Habits. — Like the other erigonids collected, this
minute spider was obtained from leaf htter by sifting. Kaston
(1948:194) mentioned ballooning by this species in autumn.
Genus Erigone Audouin
In males of tliis genus the patella of the palp is provided with a terminal
ventral process, and the tip of the tibia is deeply excavated to form a deep pit.
The chelicerae have a lateral row of teeth, and sometimes additional teeth.
Usually there are teetli on the margins of the carapace. The many species
of this genus mostly confonn to a holarctic distribution pattern, but some reach
the tropics in South America, Africa and Asia.
Erigone praecursa Chamberlin and Ivie
Erigone praecursa Chamberlin and Ivie, 1939, Studies of North American
Spiders of the Famih- Micryphantidae. Siebente Internat. Kongr. Ent.,
Berlin, vol. 1, p. 58.
Identification . — WI .
Range. — Known from Nebraska and Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 1.6, carapace .8, abdomen .7, extended legs
4.2. Carapace pale brown, darker in cephalic region, eyes black; abdomen
grayish brown; legs pale amber sparsely haired.
Erigone autumnalis Emerton
Ballooning Spider
Erigone autumnalis Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6,
p. 58, pi. 17, figs. 8-8c.
Identification. — Wl.
Range. — Northern United States.
Description. — Male, length 1.5, carapace .8, abdomen .7, extended legs 4.1.
Carapace orange-brown, suffused with gray posteriorly, abdomen gray, almost
52 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
roimd; legs pale brownish yellow, pedipalps darker, grayish, chelicerae project-
ing prominently beyond anterior end of carapace (see Fig. 18).
Fig. 18. Erigone autumnalis, male, X 19.
Habitat and Habits. — Kaston (1945:192) mentioned occurrence
of this species in leaf litter, and its habit of ballooning.
Genus Origanates Crosby and Bishop
In the male the dorsal surface of the head bears a hornlike extension project-
ing forward and upward, and having the posterior median eyes on its upper
surface. There are cavities in the head, with a pair of large, oval openings at
the posterior base of the "horn." The palpal tibia is aniied with a long dorsal
apophysis. The embolus is styliform, making one turn around the tip of the
bulb, and there is a large oblique tooth at its base. The genus is North
American.
Origanates rostratus (Emerton)
Unicorn Spider
Lophocarenwn rostratum Emerton, 1882, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci.,
vol. 6, p. 49, pi. 14, figs. 1 and le.
Origanates rostratus; Crosby and Bishop, 1933, Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer. vol.
26, p. 154, figs. 181-185.
Identification. — WI.
Range. — Northeastern United States.
Descriptioti. — Male, length 1.6, carapace .8, abdomen .8, extended legs 5.6.
Carapace chocolate brown, with paler, shield shaped area in center, and with
dark transverse streak at base of raised cephalic portion; openings of cephalic
cavities immediately behind posterior lateral eyes on each side, slitlike when
viewed from above; legs yellowish brown; abdomen slaty gray finely mottled
with brownish yellow (see Fig. 19).
Spiders
53
Fig. 19. Origanates rostratus, male,
X20.
Ilahilat and Habits. — In the win-
ter of 1961-1962 several aclnlt males
were obtained From leaf litter, from
beneath thickets of dogwood and
blackberr\-, and from oak-hickory
forest.
Genus Scyhiceus Bishop
and Crosby
Characters of the male genitalia have
bten used to separate this genus from
its near relati\es. The tibia of the male
palpus has a long process on the dorso-
mesal angle. The embolic division has
an elongate "tail-piece." The ejaculatory
duct opens in the mesal branch of the
embolus.
Scylaceus pallidus ( Emerton )
Tmeticits pallidus Emerton 1882,
Trans. Connecticvit Acad. Sci., vol.
6, p. 58.
Scylaceus pallidus Bishop and Crosby
1938, Jour. New York Ent. Soc,
vol. 46, p. 91.
Identification. — WI.
Description. — Male, length 1.5, carapace .7, abdomen .8, extended legs 3.7.
Carapace grayish yellow, oval; abdomen pale gray; legs pale yellow.
Habitat and habits. — Seven adults of this minute spider were col-
lected in February and March 1962; one was in a Berlese sample
from an old quarrv^, others were sifted from leaf litter from a black-
berry tliicket and from oak-liickory woodland.
Genus Sisicus Bishop and Crosby
In the minute spiders of this genus the body is approximately one millimeter
long. The genus is distinguished by characters of the male genitalia. The
tibia of the male's palp is produced into a rounded lobe. The tail-piece of
the embolic division of the palp is broad, flat and rounded. The embolus is
long and slender, coiled, with an extraordinarily elongate median apophysis.
The genus is known from northeastern North America and northwestern
Europe.
Sisicus penifusiferus Bishop and Crosby
Sisicus penifusiferus Bishop and Crosby, 1938, Jour. New York Ent. Soc,
vol. 46, p. 61.
Identification. — WI .
Range. — Northeastern states (New York, Maine, Ontario) west to Wisconsin
and Kansas.
54 University of Kansas Fuels., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Description. — Female, length, .9, carapace .5, abdomen .4, extended legs
2.3. Carapace pale yellowish amber; legs of almost same color, but slightly-
paler; abdomen oval, yellowish gray; first row of eyes slightly recur\ ed, medians
in contact with each other, laterals slightly larger and only slightly separated
from medians; posterior row straight, medians larger than laterals; all eyes
relati\ely large and crowded close together, directed upward.
Genus Souessoula Crosby and Bishop
This genus is closely related to Tnicticus, from which it is distinguished by
characters of the genitalia. It is known from the eastern and northern parts of
North America.
Souessoula parva Banks
Tmcticus parvus Banks, 1899, Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, \ol. 4, pp. 189
and 192.
Souesoula parva; Crosby and Bishop, 1936, Fetschrift zum 60 Geburstage
von Professor Dr. Embrik Strand, \ol. 2, p. 62.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Nhile, length 1.4, carapace .7, abdomen .7, extended legs 4.1.
Carapace somewhat flattened, bluntly pear-shaped, amber, slightly clouded
with black; abdomen slaty with pale hairs; legs pale amber, nearly equal in
length, with abundant short hairs; anterior row of eyes strongly recurved, di-
rected fonvard, posterior row nearly straight, with medians more widely sepa-
rated from each other than from laterals.
Genus Spirembolus Chainl)eilin
The head is elevated and conical, but with no extreme modifications; the
clypeus is four or five eye diameters in height; the palpal femur is relatively
long; the palpal tibia bears a long, slender curved process which has a small
hook at the tip; the embolus is spiral shaped, the spiral increasing in diameter
distally; the epigymuu has a trans\erse piece behind.
Spirembolus sp.
Identification. — WJG.
Description. — Female, length 2.2, carapace .9, abdomen 1.3, extended legs
3.7. Carapace tan, dusky along margins; eyes of anterior row directed forward;
anterior lateral and posterior lateral eye in contact on each side, with small tri-
angular black area immediately anterior to their contact; legs pale yellowish
brown; dorsum of abdomen oval, olive, with exceedingly fine, dark reticulations,
having four narrow, pale brown chevrons on posterior three-fifths; \enter pale,
uniform olive (epigymuu amber), bordered with irregular pale streak on each
side.
Genus Tapinocyba Simon
Males have cephalic pits. In the male, the short, stout embolus arises di-
rectly from a thin, flat, oval tail-piece. The genus is holarctic.
Tapinocyba sp.
Identification. — WI.
Description. — Female, length 2.0, carapace .8, abdomen 1.4, extended legs
Spiders
55
4.2. Ciu'apacc imilonii light (.iR'sliuit hiowu, ahtlomen pale, uniform yellowish
gray, several times more bulky tlian cephalothorax, legs pale brownish gray,
intcnncdiate in color hotwern carapace and abdomen.
Family Argiopidae Simon
T>T3ical Orb Weavers
Size ranges irom small lo large in these ecribcllate, trion>xhous spiders.
There are eight homogeneous eyes, arranged in two rows. The chelicerae have
scopulae and a boss (sometimes rudimentary). The legs are strongly curved.
The abdomen is much enlarged and swollen, sometimes of irregular shape,
with its anterior end overlapping the carai^ace. For tlie capture of their prey
these spiders construct the highly specialized vertical orb web, consisting
basicalK- of man\- concentric rings and a series of radii. Characteristically,
the spider hangs head down in the center of the web. In its web tlie spider
is gi-accful and quick, and it easily o\ercomes relatively large prey tliat becomes
entangled in its strands, but on the groimd some are slow and clumsy.
Fjg. 20. S/ngrt pratcnsis, female, X 3.
Fig. 21. Micrathcna tnitrata, female, X o.
Fig. 22. Colphepeira catawba, female, X 3.
Fig. 23. Mangora ornafa, female, X 3.
Fig. 24. Acanthepcira stellafa, female, X
Fig. 25. Verrucosa arcnata, female, X -■
56 University of Kansas Fuels., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Key to the Species of the Faauly Argiopidae of the Reservation
1. Femora bearing trichobothria; chelicera large and powerful, lacking
a well defined boss 2
1'. Femora lacking trichobothria; chelicera of normal proportions; bearing
a boss 5
2. Smaller (less than 3 mm. in length); tracheal spiracle about one-
fourth distance from spinnerets to epigastric furrow.
Mimognatha foxi, p. 78
2'. Larger (more than 3 mm. in length); tracheal spiracle immediately in
front of spinnerets 3
3. Body form not elongate; anterior and posterior lateral eyes contiguous;
a red spot on middle of venter Leucauge venusta, p. 71
3'. Body form elongate; lateral eyes not contiguous; no red spot on middle
of venter 4
4. Larger (usually more than 7 mm.); chelicerae markedly elongate,
almost as long as carapace (females), or longer than carapace
( males ) ; anterior eye row curved more strongly than posterior.
Tetragnatha elongata, p. 83
4'. Smaller (usually less than 7 mm.), chelicerae markedly shorter than
carapace; anterior and posterior eye rows equally curved, approxi-
mately parallel Tetragnatha laboriosa, p. 84
5. Abdomen drawn out posteriorly into an elongate caudal tubercle.
Cyclosa caroli, p. 68
5.' No elongate caudal tubercle 6
6. Spinnerets on a tuberclelike elevation, surrounded by a thick, sclero-
tized ring; abdomen of irregular shape, bearing sharp spines in
females ( Micrathena ) 7
6'. Spinnerets not surrounded by a sclerotized ring; abdomen of more
normal shape and not spiny (except in Acanthepeira, in wliich the
spines are blunt) 9
7. Abdomen of female arrowhead-shaped, the posterior pair of spines
enlarged and fonning widely spread lateral barbs; abdomen of male
widest at caudal end Micrathena sagittata, p. 77
7'. Abdomen of female not arrowhead-shaped, abdomen of male not
widest at caudal end 8
8. Abdomen of female having five pairs of spiny tubercles; abdomen of
male three times as long as wide; widest at middle.
Micrathena gracilis, p. 75
8'. Abdomen of female having only two pairs of spiny tubercles, both
posteriorly situated, one below the other on each side; abdomen of
male less than tliree times as long as wide; widest a little behind
middle Micrathena mitrata, p. 76
9. Abdomen starlike — with blunt cone-shaped protuberances extending
anteriorly, posteriorly, and (several) on each side.
Acanthepeira stellata, p. 59
9'. Abdomen lacking protuberances as above 10
10. Abdomen subtriangular 11
10'. Abdomen globose or ovate 12
11. Length more than 5 mm.; abdomen hard and glossy dorsally, white,
pale pink or yellow Verrucosa arenata, p. 85
Spiders 57
ir. Lt'iigth U'ss than 5 mm.; alxlomeii soft and dnll colored dorsally,
mottled with gray Colphepeira catawaba, p. 60
12. Abdomen brown or gray, with a conspicuous darker dorsal folium,
sliarpK- defined, and scalloped along its edges, lighter mediad to its
edge 13
12'. Abdomen not bearing distinctive folium as described above 1.5
13. Folium enclosing a similar but smaller dark-edged marking.
Acacesia hamata, p. 58
13'. Folium not enclosing a smaller dark-edged marking 14
14. Length more than 4.5 mm Eustala anastera, p. (19
14'. Length less than 4.5 mm Eustala cepina, p. 70
15. Posterior row of eyes strongly procurved 16
15'. Posterior row of eyes straight or recurved 18
16. Eyes of anterior row uniformly spaced Gea heptagon, p. 70
16'. Median eyes of anterior row nearer together than they are to anterior
laterals 17
17. Abdomen having irregular broad dorsal longitudinal black band, hav-
ing lateral extensions which may connect with black marks on sides.
Argiope aurantia, p. 63
17'. Abdomen in female having series of transverse black bands, most of
them discontinuous; abdomen in male, white except for small black
spots posteriorly Argiope trifasciata, p. 65
18. Tibia of third leg bearing on its prolateral surface a double series of
thin feather>' hairs (Mangora) 19
18'. Tibia of third leg bearing no feathery hairs 21
19. Abdomen bearing a pair of parallel black lines on its posterior half;
carapace has a thin middorsal black hne; femora of first and second
legs each have ventral black line Mangora gihberosa, p. 72
19'. Black lines lacking on abdomen, carapace and femora 20
20. Abdomen pale colored, without markings, except for three pairs of
black dots near its posterior end Mangora ornuta, p. 72
20'. Abdomen pale colored with a dark brown middorsal stripe, narrow an-
teriorly, irregular along edges, and enclosing whitish spots.
Mangora placida, p. 78
21. Venter having a median white band; combined length of tarsi and
metatarsi exceed combined length of patella and tibia in all legs of
both sexes; lateral eyes not on tubercles . . Metepeira labyrinthea, p. 73
21'. Venter lacking white median band; combined length of tarsi and meta-
tarsi exceeded by combined length of patella and tibia on most legs
of most specimens; lateral eyes on tubercles 22
22. Thoracic groove longitudinal 23
22'. Thoracic groove transverse 25
23. Abdomen having a middorsal longitudinal brown band bordered by
yellowish bands Neoscona pratensis, p. 81
23'. Abdomen lacking longitudinal bands 24
24. Larger (length usually more than 8 mm.) and darker; scape of epigy-
num longer and more slender Neoscona benjamina, p. 79
24'. Smaller (length usually less than 8 mm.) and paler; scape of epigv-
num shorter and more robust Neoscona arabesca, p. 79
25. Smaller, less than 9 mm. in body length 26
25'. Larger, more than 9 mm. in body length 29
58 University of Kansas Publs,, Mus. Nat. Hist.
26. Aljdomen with green and white longitudinal bands.
Conaranea juniperi, p. 67
26'. Abdomen without green and white longitudinal bands 27
27. Abdomen whitish, with three pairs of black dots on posterior part.
Araniella displicata, p. <)2
27'. Abdomen yellow with black marks 28
28. Abdomen having pair of dark longitudinal dorsal bands.
Singa pratensis, p. 81
28'. Abdomen having transverse dark band posteriorly . . Singa truncata, p. 82
29. Abdomen grayish brown with darker markings, and with a pair of
low humplikc protuberances on anterior part of dorsum.
Aranetis solitarius, p. 61
29'. Abdomen orange yellow with darker markings, lacking protuberances.
Aranetis marmoreus, p. 60
Genus Acacesia Simon
In the medimn-sized orb-\vea\ers of this genus the abdomen is elongate oval
to rhomboidal with a characteristic pattern. Tlie predominant color is dark
gray or brown. The order of length of the legs is 1, 2, 4, 3. The legs bear few
spines. The posterior row of eyes is strongly recurved, and the median ocular
area is but little wider in front than behind. The anterior median eyes are
larger than the anterior laterals. The median ocular area and the clypeus are
vertical. The ceplialothorax is highest in front at the posterior median eyes.
Members of this genus are confined to North America and South America.
Acacesia hamata ( Hentz )
Bifoliate Orbweaver
Epeira hamata Hentz, 1847, Jom-. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 474,
pi. 31, fig. 10.
Acacesia hamata; Kaston, 1948, Spiders of Connecticut, p. 235, pi. 33, fig.
705, pi. 34, figs. 725, 726.
Acacesia foliata; Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., \o\. 20, p. 125.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, AB.
Range. — Widely distributed in North America, but found chiefly in the
Deciduous Forest Formation of the eastern United States; occurs southward
through Central America and into South America.
Description. — Female, length 6.3, carapace 2.8, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
31.5. Carapace darkest anteriorh'; median ocular area light orange followed in
the cephalic region by yellow that fades to cream in thoracic region; anterior
median and posterior median eyes on raised tubercles; body glabrous; abdomen
distinctly marked with thin black lines forming elongate V beginning at base
of abdomen and converging to point mid-way of abdomen; on each side of
dorsum another undulating black line begins at base and extends toward mid-
line as it continues posteriorly, these two lines ending caudad of anal tubercle;
background color of abdomen duty cream, shaded with olive green; anterior
mecHan and posterior median eyes on raised prominence directed foi-ward and
posterior median eyes in front of anterior median eyes; legs pale yellow, darker
terminally, with only few scattered spines, and with faint annulations on those
of first and second pair (see Fig. 26).
Spiders
59
Male, length 4.0. Ciirapuce leinoii sluKlctl with ,ma\ at rear ot cephalic
region and at thoracic groove; abdomen darker tliati in tenuile with character-
istic markings same as in female; these markings
enclose dark gra\', almost black areas, and nar-
ro\\l\' margined 1)>' white; large, stout spine on
\'entral surface of tibia of second leg; spine ap-
pro.ximati'ly halt length of tibia.
Hahitdi and Hahiis. — This slender, hiiig-
legi2;ecl orbweaver is relatively uncommon,
and was seen chiefly in late summer, usu-
ally in grassland \\ ith some shrubby growth,
or at woodland edge. The spiders were
nexer seen in orb webs, but characteristi-
cally, were on a twig or weed stem, with
the legs drawn up tightl)- against the bod\
in a manner that rendered them remarkabK
inconspicuous. When touched, such a
spider would drop from its perch on a
strand of web, and would run rapidly to
find shelter. Kaston ( 1948:235 ) stated that
in Connecticut spiders of this species at-
tain maturity in late June and Juh .
Fic. 26. Acacesia hamata,
female, X 3.
Genus Acanthepeira Marx
In the medium-large, grass-lixing spiders of this genus the abdomen has
blunt spiny tubercles around its entire margin. The cephalic region is elevated,
and set oflF by a well marked cer\ical groo\e. The anterior row of eyes is
strongly procurved, and the anterior median eyes are twice as far as the
anterior lateral eyes from the clypeal margin. The clypeus is relatively high
(about equalling the height of the median ocular area). The genus is North
American.
Acanthepeira stellata (Walckenaer)
Star-bellied Orbweaver
Epeira stellata Walckenaer, 1805, Tableau Aran., p. 65, pi. 54.
Araneus stellatus: SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.)
vol. 30, p. 9.
ldentijications.—\\n\{, RLG.
Range. — Seemingly occurs throughout most of the United States (records
ehiefl\- from the eastern half of die country), and southward at least to Panama;
southeastern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 11.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 8.0, extended legs
31. Carapace dark reddish brown with black along sides of thoracic regions,
entire carapace clothed with light colored dowiry hairs; cephalic region
quadrangular in outline and raised prominently above thoracic region; dark
60 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
three-pronged mark pointing anteriorh on cephalic portion; legs ringed with
brown and yellow, brown i^redoniinating; abdomen heavily spined in following
manner: single median dorsal spine at base of abdomen; pair of double spines
on each side near basal region; three pairs of spines along lateral dorsal region;
large median dorsal spine at posterior end; three subterminal spines beneath
prominent median dorsal spine at posterior end; dorsum of abdomen brown with
spines accented by lighter cream colors; venter unifonnly brown. Male only
slightly more than half length of female. ( See Fig. 24. )
Habitat and Habits. — These large spiny orbweavers were found
in open sunny situations where there was rank herbaceous vegeta-
tion. They were most common in bhiestem prairie but also were
found occasionally in meadows of brome grass, and even in weedy
fields in an early stage of succession. No adult males were found.
Only a few adult females were seen each year, in late July, August
and September. In autumn the young were common in bluestem
prairie, and usually several could be obtained in a few minutes of
sweeping.
The webs are low, usually within four feet of the ground, and at-
tached to slender stalks and leaves. The spider hangs, head down,
in the hub of the web; at any disturbance it drops into the ground
litter and, remaining motionless, with legs drawn up, is difficult to
see.
The prey consists of medium-sized insects, especially immature
grasshoppers. On July 4, 1955, a half -grown Acanthepeira was
found with other spiders in the nest of a mud dauber ( Sceliphron ) .
Although this is a fairly large spider, the young may be air borne,
and may drift for long distances on floating strands of gossamer.
One was obtained 1000 feet above the earth at Tallulah, Louisana,
on December 13, 1930 (Crosby and Bishop, 1936:47).
Genus Araneus Clerck
Tlie members of this genus aie medium-sized or large orbweavers that have
the median ocular area wider in front than behind, not much longer than wide,
and the posterior eyes are not larger than the anterior medians. The lateral
eyes on each side are contiguous or nearly so and widely removed from the
median eyes. Tlie clypeus is narrower than the median ocular area. The ab-
domen may be ovate or may have humps or prominences in an anterolateral
position. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Araneus marmoreus Clerck
Marbled Orbweaver
Araneus marmoreus Clerck, 1757, Aranei Suecici, p. 29, pi. 7, fig. 3.
Araneus conspicellatus; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist ( Kansas State Agr.
Coll.) vol. 30, p. 9.
Spiders 61
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — This large spider has a holarctic distribution, and is found through-
out the United States.
Description. — Female, length 12.5, carapace 6.5, abdomen 6.5, extended
legs 45. Carapace light orange, darkest in cephalic region and along margins;
femora and patellae orange, other segments lighter similar to lightest parts of
carapace; distal end of tibiae, metatarsi, and tarsi ringed with dark brown or
black; dorsum of abdomen yellow marked with black, wide central band having
scalloped edges with lateral points of scallops darkened; band narrows and
darkened lateral regions fuse just in front of spinnerets; venter has Uirge dark
central spot flanked by two yellow half-moon-shaped marks, pale pubescence
on both carapace and abdomen; legs armed with many spines and bristles,
especially on their distal segments. Male about t\vo-thirds length of female;
ha\ing all leg segments yellow basally and dark distally.
Habitat aiid Habits. — This large, brightly colored orbweaver is
only moderately common on the Reserv^ation. Its young, like those
of Neoscona benjamina are favorite prey of the common mud-
dauber wasps. In dozens of samples from the wasps' nests, the ratio
is estimated to have been at least 20 to one in favor of Neoscona —
perhaps providing a rough index to the relative abundance of the
two kinds.
Marbled orbweavers have been found cliiefly in woodland or
woodland edge. Adults have been found only in September and
October, and all were females. The webs are usually three to ten
feet above the ground. Where an upper corner of the web is at-
tached to a twig, tlie spider has a retreat, a cone-shaped shelter of
leaves woven together, open on the underside. By day it spends
most of its time huddled with legs drawn up, in this retreat, where
it is not likely to be noticed. The prey consists of the larger kinds
of flying insects that are present in the spider's habitat; cicadas,
kat\'did5 and large beetles, especially have been noticed in the webs.
Araneus solitarius (Emerton)
Solitary Orbweaver
Epeira solitaria Emerton, 1884, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6, p. 299.
Araneus solitarius; Bryant, 1908, Occas. Papers Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 7,
p. 54.
Identifications. — MHM, AB.
Range. — Tliroughout the United States and southern Canada, north to
Alaska.
Description. — Female, length 20, carapace 8.0, abdomen 14, extended legs
60. Carapace mostly dark brown, almost black with reddish markings in
cephalic region at rear of ocular quadrangle; reddish hawthorn-leaf-shaped
•nark in center of carapace; fan-shaped lighter mark immediately behind
62 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
cephalic pit; legs orange, ringed heavily with black; two large tubercles,
"shoulder humps" at base of abdomen on dorsal surface; faint median basal
black mark extends to region of two tubercles and faintly outlined black folium
on dorsum; abdomen otherwise uniformly brown; sternum black with central
orange stripe, latter two segments of which resemble arrow with arrow head
pointed forward. Male not foimd; approximately two-thirds length of female
according to measurements listed by Kaston (1948).
Habitat and Habits. — This large orbweaver is rare on the Reserva-
tion; only four individuals have been found in 13 years of field work.
All were adult females and were in dense woods having climax
species of oaks and hickory. The spiders themselves were incon-
spicuous, clinging to bark of tree trunks at the sides of their webs,
and were discovered only after careful search when their webs had
been noticed. All were found in June, whereas Kaston (1948:251)
stated that in Connecticut maturity is attained in August and Sep-
tember.
Genus Araniella Chamberlin and Ivie
The spiders of tliis genus are small and delicate, pale colored orbweavers.
The median ocular area is as wide behind as in front, and the posterior median
eyes are slightly larger than the anterior medians. The dorsum has a series
of paired dark spots along the i^osterior edge. The abdomen is ovate. The
genus is cosmopolitan.
Araniella displicata ( Hentz )
White-bodied Orbweaver
Epeira displicata Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 476,
pi. 31, fig. 17.
Arariciis displicatiis: Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 125.
Araniella displicata; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1942, Bull. Univ. Utah, Biol. Ser,.
vol. 7(1), p. 76.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Throughout tlie United States.
Description. — Female, length 5.8, carapace 2.6, abdomen 3.5, extended legs
16. Carapace and legs amber, with black spines on legs; abdomen cream
colored dorsally, with pair of prominent pits near middle, each about one-third
of distance from mid-line to lateral margin; two pairs of dark dots, one behind
each pit and one ahead, and separated from them by distance approximating
that between pits themselves; three more pairs of prominent black dots on
posterior part of abdomen, near its lateral margin; ventral surface of abdomen
dark lirown. Male resembles female in most respects but slightly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — The few individuals seen on the Reserva-
tion were obtained by sweeping brome grass and saplings near the
headquarters in early June.
Genus Argiope Audouin
The abdomen is oval, overhanging the carapace anteriorly and overhanging
the spinnerets posteriorly. The cephalothorax is relatively flat, covered with
Spiders
63
silvei> wliiti' hairs. All ot the eight eyes are dark. Both rows of eyes are pro-
curved, but the cur\ ature is much greater in the posterior row. The males are
much smaller than the females. The legs of tlie first pair are the largest. The
genus i.s eosniopolitan.
Fig. 27. Argiope trifasckiia, female, X I/2.
Fig. 28. Argiope aunintia, female, X IJ2.
Argiope aurantia Lucas
l^lack and Yellow Garden Spider
Argyopc aunnitia Lucas, 1833, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, vol. 2, p. 86, pi. 5,
fig. 1.
Argiope aurantia; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 11.
ldentijicati(ms.~Th\:., MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Most of the United States, and southward into the Neotropical
Region ( Costa Rica ) .
Description. — Female, length 18, carapace 6.0, abdomen 12, extended legs
54. Carapace silvery white; thin central gray stripe and three pairs of darker
marks radiating from cephalic pit through which median line extends; eye
64 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
region marked with black; anterior legs almost entirely black with yellow
annulations; remainder of legs have femora yellow-orange with distal part
black, and remaining leg segments black with yellow annulations; dorsum black
and yellow; broad median area of black with three pairs of yellow spots, lateral
areas yellow with bands of black crossing from ventral direction and connecting
with broad median black stripe; two humps tipped with white at base of
abdomen; venter black, marbled with yellow; pair of stripes extending from
lateral areas of scape backward to about middle of abdomen enclosing series
of paired yellow spots on field of black (see Fig. 27).
Male one-fourth to one-third length of female, carapace with broad median
area of pale yellow or cream color bounded on each side by submarginal brown
bands, narrow marginal cream colored bands beginning behind cephalic region
and extending to posterior end of carapace, longitudinal thoracic groove ac-
cented with brown, abdomen with broad central scalloped band of rusty orange
outlined with brown along part of its length, bounded on each side near latero-
dorsal surface of abdomen by bands of white that show heavy opaque pigmenta-
tion, near base of abdomen white bands cover two prominent tubercles, sternum
dark brown with median band of white.
Habitat and Habits. — This garden spider occurs chiefly in grass-
land, especially where grass is tall, and where there are tall herbace-
ous plants or shrubs. The spider hangs head down in the hub of
its large orb web, which is supported by stiff stems of grass or
weeds. From time to time this species has been found in thickets
and in open woodland, usually near its edge. It is more tolerant of
shade than is A. trifasciata, but less tolerant of exposed situations
with sparse vegetation.
In 1949 the spiders were remarkably abundant in an old field
dominated by giant ragweed and sunflower, and in the fall of 1948,
they were even more numerous in a Typlia marsh at the edge of a
small pond. In both years the spiders were near peak abundance;
several webs might be found within a square yard. In the follow-
ing period of years there was drastic and progressive reduction in
numbers; in late summer of 1952 it was estimated that the popula-
tion amounted to less than one per cent of the numbers present at
the same season in 1949, and in 1953 and 1954 there were even
fewer. In 1955 the spiders were again moderately abundant, but
in 1956 the numbers reached their lowest level; only about a dozen
were seen in a month of field work in late summer at the time when
they are usually most conspicuous. Although the course of plant
succession doubtless affected habitat conditions to the benefit or
detriment of the local population at different times, there was no
evident reason for the great changes in numbers that were observed
from year to year. In the different years when populations were
low, weather conditions varied from drought to rainfall somewhat
above average.
Spiders 65
Prey of the garden spider consists chiefly of the larger kinds of
jumping or flying insects that occur in its habitat. Cicadas ( Tihiccn
pruinosa) and June beetles {Phy]Iopha<ia sp. ) liave often been no-
ticed in the webs, but grasshoppers are probably the staple food —
especialK- the common red-legged grasshopper (MeJonophis fcmur-
nibruni). Rarely, small vertebrates such as young garter snakes
become entangled in the web and are eaten. An adult female
garden spider that was under obser\ ation for a month in July and
August, 1954, had its web among elm saplings direct!)' in front of
a nest of paper wasps (Polistes cf. canadensis). There were almost
always some of the wasps enshrouded in the web or discarded
beneath it, and they seemed to provide most of the food of this
indi\idual. However, the wasps seen leaving or approaching their
nest adroitly avoided the web.
The mud dauber, Scelipliron, is one of the chief natiu-al enemies
of the garden spider. Young of both A. aiirantia and A. trifasciata,
stimg and paralyzed, are used in great numbers to provision the
cells in which the wasp leaves its eggs.
The female garden spider produces her egg sac, with from 400
to 1200 eggs, in late August or September. The sac is finnly an-
chored to weedy vegetation near the web. The spiderlings emerge
from the eggs in autumn, but overwinter in the sac and leave it
in April or May. Their growth is rapid in the spring and early
summer. Some females mature in early July but most are later;
there is much variation in time of maturity from year to year, as
well as between individuals. Even before attainment of maturity
the male and female may be closely associated, in adjoining webs,
the male's relatively small and simple. In its seasonal schedule,
locally. A. aurantia is two to three weeks ahead of A. trifasciata.
Argiope trifasciata (Forskal)
Banded Garden Spider
Aranea trifasciata Forskal, 1775, Descr. Animal. Hauniae, p. 86.
Argiope trifasciata; Thorell, 1873, Remarks on synonyms of European spi-
ders, part 4, Upsala, p. 519.
Argiope trifasciata; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 11.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, RLG.
Range. — Cosmopolitan in warmer regions throughout the world.
Description. — Female, length 21, carapace 7.0, abdomen 16, extended legs
63. Body color predominantly whitish dorsally, carapace suffused with gray;
12 transverse black bands on abdomen, some broken, others narrowed in
dorsolateral area; abdomen increasingly suffused with yellow on posterior half;
3—8530
66 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
on posterior tliird, four longitudinal black lines form grid with transverse
bands; legs amber with black annuli; first pair of legs have black femora; palps
amber; xentnun black, with bright yellow longitudinal area niid-ventrally on
sternmn, and parallel strif)es of same color on abdomen, each broken near its
l^osterior end; three pairs of white dots on black mid-ventral area of ab-
domen ( see Fig. 28 ) .
Series of transverse grooves on posterior part of abdomen, corresponding in
position with black bands, and giving abdomen appearance of being segmented;
abdomen ovate, overhanging carapace.
Male one-fourth to one-fifth or female's lengtli, with abdomen relatively
much less bulky and almost entirely white dorsally.
Habitat and Habits. — This common large orbweaver is confined to
grassland habitats and was seen in greatest numbers in bluestem
prairie. It is common also in meadows dominated by the intro-
duced brome grass. On the average, the webs are a little lower
than those of the black and yellow garden spider, and are in more
open situations — attached to leaves or stems of grasses. Through
the spring and early summer all the spiders are young and are still
small and inconspicuous. In July they are subject to heavy preda-
tion by the black and yellow mud-dauber (SceJiphron coementar-
iuai). In the latter half of August the more advanced young attain
sexual maturity, but some are as much as a month beliind others in
the same location. In late August and September a male and female
are often seen together in the same web. The much more bulky
females are shy, and will drop from the web to the ground at any
disturbance, whereas the relatively inconspicuous males usually re-
main in the web. Usually in September the large egg cocoon is at-
tached by tough strands of web in the top of a weed or bush. Even
before the advent of cold weather many adults die, and most of
those remaining die at the time of the first frost. A few survive sev-
eral periods of freezing before they finally succumb.
Genus Colphepeira Archer
The abdomen is expanded from the base to the caudal portion, with pos-
terolateral lobes, the surface having numerous raised points; males are markedly
smaller than females; leg formula 1, 2, 4, 3, the first leg of male notably
elongated; spines on legs distal patellar, distal, and prolateral tibial. The
genus is North American.
Colphepeira catawba ( Banks )
Catawba Orbweaver
Epeira catawba Banks, 1911, Proc, Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 63, p.
450.
Colphepeira catatvba; Archer, 1941, Alabama Mus. Nat. Hist., Mus. Paper
no. 18, pp. 5-6, 13-14, pi. 1, figs. 3-4, pi. 2, figs. 1-3.
Idejitification. — WJG.
Spiders
67
Range. — SoutlirasttTii I'nilcd Stales; the present reeorcl eoiistitutes a sub-
stantial extension ot tlie known range westward and northward.
Description. — -I'eniale, length 4.0, carapace 1.5, ahdonx-n 2.5, extended legs
7.0. Carapace dark brown, almost black, faintly mottled with yellowisli near
posterior end and lateral margins; abdomen many times bulk ot carapace,
bulging, rongbh' triangular, widened posteriorK ; three prominent horny tu-
bercles at each posterolateral corner of abdomen; dorsally abdom(>n dull yel-
low, mottled with gray, which predominates posteriorly; anterior lateral and
po.sterior lateral eyes almost in contact but relatively far removed from median
eyes; anterior row of eyes recurved (from dorsal \iew); ocular quadrangle
slightly longer than wide and slighth wider anteriorly than posteriorly; anterior
median eyes largest (see Fig. 22).
Habitat and Habits. — The only specimen obtained wa.s an adult
female found in early September, 1961, in a small web in a cavity on
the underside of a decaying log in oak-hickory woodland.
Genus Conaranea Archer
The members of this genus are medium-small orbweavers in which the ab-
domen is subtriangular to widely ovate, with or wathout a prominent cone on
each shoulder. There is at least one spine on the cephalic region. The cara-
pace is pilose, the abdomen is not pilose dorsally. There are no ventral femoral
spines. The genus occurs in temperate Eurasia, from western Europe to Japan,
and in ^^'estem North America, south as far as Mexico.
Conaranea juniperi ( Emerton )
Juniper Spider
Epcira juniperi Emerton, 1884, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 4, p. 313,
pi. 24, fig. 6, pi. 36, figs. 14-16.
Conepeira juniperi; Archer, 1951, Amer. Mus. Novit. no. 1502, p. 25.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New
York, New Jersey, and Georgia, and probably
west through the Deciduous Forest Formation as
indicated by the present record from Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 5.6, carapace
2.3, abdomen 3.2, extended legs 16.1. Carapace
and legs ivory yellow, with heavy dark spines
conspicuous on the tibiae and metatarsi; abdo-
men much bulkier than ccphalothorax, almost
round seen from above, mostly white, but with
faint greenish markings, and with long white
hairs (see Fig. 29).
Male two-thirds to three-fourths length of
female.
Habitat and Habit.s. — The only speci-
men recorded from the Reservation was
an adult female found in the mud nest of ^'^- ,f,;. tenXx"4.'""'"
68 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
a wasp (SceUphron) on July 28, 1960. Kaston (1948:261) noted
that the species is rare in Connecticut and has been found chiefly
on coniferous trees.
Genus Cyclosa Menge
In the medium-small woodland orbwcavers of this genus the ccphalothorax
has a well-defined U-shaped cervical groove and the cephalic region is elevated.
Both rows of eyes are recurved, especially the anterior one. The median
ocular area is widest anteriorly and is longer than wide. The eyes are some-
what elevated on tubercular prominences, especially in the males. The abdo-
men has a conical taillike protuberance in females, but this is scarcely devel-
oped in the males. The order of length of the legs is 1, 2, 4, 3. The genus
is cosmopolitan.
Cyclosa caroli ( Hentz )
Caudate Orbweaver
Epeira caroli Hentz, 1850, Tour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., \()1. (i, p. 24, pi. 3,
fig. 15.
Cyclosa caroli; Mar.x, 1890, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 12, p. 548.
Identifications. — M H M , AB .
Range. — Much of tlie United States, southward to the Antilles and Guiana.
Description. — Male, length 6.5, carapace 2.8, abdomen 3.7, extended legs
14. Entire cephalothorax and legs (except for yellow-amber proximal halves of
femora) dark amber, abdomen mottled with white
and gray, darker ventrally, eyes unusually prominent,
raised on low pedicels; abdomen relatively small (for
orbweaver), its posterior third produced into fingerlike
projection.
Female larger by about one-third, with taillike
projection of abdomen (see Fig. 30).
Habitat and Habits —This Httle orbweaver
hves in forests. The web is usually within a
few feet of the ground, and is peculiar in that
the spider collects debris such as leaf frag-
ments, twigs, and remains of prey, in a mass
from the hub of the web to the lower edge.
When at rest, the spider clinging to this mass
^^ro/j fema'/e x'^2 ^"' ^^ effectively concealed. On one occasion
when a spider was disturbed in its web, it
climbed to a nearby twig and clung with its legs drawn up, effec-
tively mimicking a leaf bud. Mature individuals have been found
only in spring and early summer. In late April and May this is one
of the most conspicuous kinds of spiders on the Reservation.
Genus Eustala Simon
Members of this genus are medium-sized; the coloration is dark and the
abdomen is roughly triangular as seen from above. The posterior row of
Spiders
69
eyes is slightly pr()ciir\ecl. The scape of the epigynuin is directed forward.
The genus is best represented in the American Tropics, but occurs northward
throughout the United States.
Eustala anastera (Walckenaer)
Huinp-backed Orbweaver
Epcira anastera Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
tome II, p. 33.
Eustala anastera; Simon, 1893, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, \o\. 1, part
4, pp. 766, 789, 795.
Araneus eustahts: SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 9.
Identifications.— MHM, RLG, AB, WJG.
Range. — Throughout the United States and southeastern Canada, south to
Brazil and the Galapagos Islands.
Description. — Female, length 9, carapace 3.5, abdomen 5.5, extended legs
32.5. Carapace light brownish orange with gray pubescence; legs with co.xae
and basal part of femora light orange; distal portion of femora black, remainder
of leg segments orange with black annulations; abdomen broadly triangular
in outline with distinct caudal tubercle; pair of black lines forming foliated
pattern on dorsum and enclosing white pig-
mented area; white areas more prominent outside
black folium; venter marked by median white
oblong spot enclosed by two broad black rec-
tangles (see Fig. 31).
Male approximately three-fourths the length
of female; carapace dark olive drab with simi-
larly colored legs and definite abdominal pat-
tern; basal portion of abdomen has two iDromi-
nent white areas on each side enclosed by foliated
pattern; annulations on legs not so distinct as in
female.
Habitat and Habits. — These orbweavers
are common, living chiefly in woodland
and edge habitat. Their webs are usu-
ally from two feet to eight feet above
the ground and are relatively small and
inconspicuous as compared with those of
some other orbweavers. The adult spi-
ders have often been found in the mud
nests of the wasp, Tryjwxylon politum, along with larger numbers
of similarly sized Neoscona benjamina, about one-fourth grown.
Kaston (1948: 2^33 ) stated that in Connecticut the species winters
in the penultimate instar and matures in April. On the Reservation
adults have been found in June, July and August.
Fig. 31. Eustala anastera,
female, X 3.
70
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Eustala cepina ( Walckenaer )
Little Hump-backed Orbweaver
Epcira cepina Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 37.
Eustala cepina; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah, vol. 35(9),
p. 103.
Identification . — W J G .
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 4.0, carapace 1.9, abdomen 2.8, extended legs
16.8. Carapace dull yellow, increasingly clouded with gray anteriorly, but
with white area in V of cervical groove and with only a few short hairs; abdo-
men mainly white — white flecks separated by narrow dark areas in reticulate
pattern; legs whitish basally, dark on distal parts of femora, and on tibiae,
annulated with light and dark on metatarsi and tarsi.
Habitat and Habits. — An adult female was found stored in the
nest of a mud-dauber wasp, with other spiders, on August 12, 1960.
No others were seen.
Genus Gea Koch
Members of this genus resemble spiders of the genus Argiope in most
respects, but are, on the average, much smaller, and have the four eyes of the
anterior row almost unifonnly sj^aced, whereas in Argiope the median eyes
are much nearer to each other than to tlie laterals. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Gea heptagon (Hentz)
Ground Orbweaver
Epcira heptagon Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc.
Nat. Hist, vol. 6, p. 20, pi. 3, figs. 5 and 6.
Gea heptagon; Marx, 1890, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus.,
vol 12, p. 541.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States from Maryland and
Wisconsin south through Mexico and Central America
into Brazil.
Description. — Female, length 5.2, carapace 2.6, ab-
domen 3.6, extended legs 17.5. Eyes relatively large
and prominent; both laterals protrude on conspicuous
tubercle; cephalothorax flattened, relatively wide be-
hind; pair of humeral tubercles on anterior part
of abdomen, wide blunt cones which barely reach
edge of abdomen as seen in outline from above; farther
posteriorly, on sides of abdomen, two pairs of lower
and less conspicuous protuberances; carapace yellow,
with i^oorly defined red markings in cephalic region, and with clouding or
stippling of black marks laterally in thoracic region; abdomen yellowish and
whitish on its anterior one-fourth and chocolate colored on its posterior one-
fourth, somewhat intermediate in between, but with numerous silvery white
flecks over its dorsal surface, bright red flecks and streaks superimposed on
Fig. 32. Gea hepta-
gon, female, X 6.
Spiders
71
these, especialK on anterior part ot alxloinen; three pairs ot e>'elike dark mark-
ings, bordered by paler areas, Hnearly arranged, ahiiost etiually spaced; those
of first pair on humeral tubereles; legs pale yellow, wdth dull red annulations
a\eraging somewhat wider than interspaces (see Fig. 32).
HaJ)it(if and Habits. — The ()iil\- specimen found was an adult fe-
male that was in a small orb web in brome grass, two inches from
the ground, near the edge of woodland on August 28, 1960.
Genus Leucauge \Miite
Members of this genus are medium-small, delicate woodland orbweavers in
which there are iridescent colors, with green, silver-white, and bronze. The
femora of the fonrth pair of legs have a double fringe of long hairs on the
prolateral surface of the basal half. The chelicerae have a rudimentary boss.
The genus is cosmopolitan.
Leucauge venusta ( VValckenaer )
Orchard Spider
Epeira icnusta \\'alckenaer. 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 90.
Leucauge venusta ; Cambridge, 1903, Biol. Centr. Amer., vol. 2, p. 441, pi.
42, figs. 1, 2.
Argyrocpeira hortorum; Scheffer, 1904, IndustriaHst (Kansas State Agr.
Coll.), vol. 30, p. 11.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Asia, North America, Central and Sonth America; United States
chiefly within the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Female, length 6.8, carapace 2.0, abdomen 4.8, extended legs
34. Carapace pale yellow or cream with thin median dark line beginning in
back of posterior median eyes and continuing
to posterior edge; pair of dark thin stripes along
lateral edges of carapace; background of abdomen
silvery; dark central stripe running length of ab-
domen and having side branches extending later-
ally that tend to turn and run posteriorly along
sides; orange metallic or bronze stripes on side
of abdomen; venter silvery white with yellow
and bronze metallic markings; coxae and femora
pale yellow, more distal segments darker (see Fig.
33).
Habitat and Habits-. — This species is
characteristic of woodland, usually where
the leaf canopy is heavy and the soil is
damp. The webs are of the orb type, and
arc usually situated among dense low vege-
tation such as green dragon, lopseed, or
pellitory, where they are partly concealed ;ind inconspicuous. The
Fig. 33. Leucauge venu-
sta, female, X 2.
72 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
spiders are shy, and at any disturbance they drop from their webs
into the ground litter. Prey of tlie orchard spider includes a variety
of small low-flying insects, especially leaf hoppers. The species is
most in evidence during June and July.
Genus Mangora Cambridge
Spiders of this genus are medium-small, woodland orbweavers in which the
posterior median eyes are larger than the laterals, the median ocular area is
narrower in front than behind, the anterior row of eyes is recurved and the
posterior row straight or procurved. There is a prominent longitudinal tho-
racic furrow. The tibia of the third leg has on its prolateral surface two
oblique rows of long thin feathery hairs set in large sockets. The genus is
cosmopolitan but mainly neotropical.
Mangora gibberosa ( Hentz )
Lined Orbweaver
Epeira gibberosa Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. .5, p. 457,
pi. 31, fig. 20.
Mangora gibberosa; Simon, 1895, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 1,
p. 793.
Araneus gibberostis; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 10.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, chiefly in the Deciduous Forest Formation,
and southward into Mexico.
Description. — Female, length 4.7, carapace 1.9, abdomen 2.8, extended legs
18.5. Carapace pale cream colored with thin median black line beginning in
back of posterior eye row and extending just beyond thoracic furrow; legs
pale yellow or cream with many prominent black spines; longitudinal midventral
black lines on femora of first and second legs; abdomen oblong, marbled with
white; pair of black lines on the posterior half of dorsum and series of black
lines running laterally and .slanting posteriorly.
Male three-fourths of female's length or slightly less; lacks lateral lines on
abdomen.
Mangora ornata ( Walckenaer )
Green-legged Orbweaver
Theridion ornattnn Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insects Ap-
teres, tome II, p. 229.
Mangora ornata; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5): 105.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Deciduous Forest Formation of the eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length .5.0, carapace 2.3, abdomen 3.2, e.xtended legs
20. Carapace pale yellow or cream colored without darker markings; abdomen
oblong-ovoid, cream colored impregnated with white; series of black trans-
verse bars on dorsum near posterior end; venter with white pigmentation
reduced; legs pale green with many stout black spines (see Fig. 23).
Spiders 73
Male iiscnil)les female and is three-louiths of her length or slightly more.
Habitat and Habits. — In late summer this small orbweaver is one
of the most numerous spiders in some woodland habitats. It has
been found only in deep shade, and was exceptionally abundant
along the rocky bed of a small intermittent stream. The small webs
were usualK' within a few inches of the ground, and often were
situated where they were sheltered from above, by dense brush or
b\- an overhanging log or stump.
Mangora placida (Hentz)
Tuft-legged Orbweaver
Epcira phicida Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 475; pi.
31, fig. 12.
Mangora placida; Simon, 1875, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 1,
p. 786.
Mangora placida; SchelFer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 125.
Identijication.s.—WnM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, south into the Neotropical Region.
Description. — Female, length 3.5, carapace 1.5, abdomen 2.3, extended legs
15. Carapace pale \ellow or cream colored with distinct dusky median stripe
beginning in eye region and not quite reaching posterior edge; dusky marks
along lateral margins of thoracic region; dorsum of abdomen has broad brov^'n
median stripe extending from base to spinnerets and surrounded by heavily
pigmented white areas on each side; brown stripe scalloped along its edges
and has series of five transverse black bars beginning midway of abdomen;
venter brown; legs pale yellow or cream colored.
Male two-thirds to three-fourths of female's length, having only indistinct
median line on carapace; black bars across median brown stripe on abdomen
reduced to series of black paired dots.
Habitat and Habits. — These spiders mature earlier in the season
than do M. ornata and M. gibberosa; they are found commonly in
woodland and edge during May.
Genus Metepeira Cambridge
The abdomen is oval, with a median white band ventrally. In each leg
the combined length of the metatarsus and tarsus exceeds that of the tibia
and patella. The genus occurs in both North and South America.
Metepeira labyrinthea ( Hentz )
Labyrinth Orbweaver
Epcira lal)i/rinthra Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 471,
pi. 31, fig. 3.
Metepeira lahnrinthea; Cambridge, F. 1903, Biol. Centr. Amer. Zool., vol. 2,
pp. 457-458.
Araneus lahi/rintlieit-i; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 9.
74
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Raniic. — Most of the United States, soutliward throu.yh tlie Neotropical
Region to Argentina.
Description. — Female, length 5.3, carapace 2.3, abdomen 3.3, extended legs
18.4. Carapace brown; folium of abdomen mainly white anteriorly but with
enclosed dark marks; folium tapering and be-
coming dark posteriorly, having large white
area on anterior part dorsally; folium enclosing
anteriorly and margined with bright red areas;
red marks not distinct but suffusing into sur-
rounding areas; legs faintly annulate, with al-
ternate pale brown and dark brown; venter hav-
ing narrow longitudinal whitish bar, bordered
on either side by broader l)lack area; sternum
dark brown with longitudinal yellow mid-
ventral mark (see Fig. 34). Male three-fourths
of female's length or a little more with darker
carapace and with greater contrast between
dark and light areas of legs; on first and second
legs distal two-thirds of tibiae and all of patel-
lae chocolate colored contrasting with whitish
areas more proximally and distally.
Ha])it(it and Habits: These small orb-
weavers are locally common in certain
situations of open woodland or wood-
land edge. The webs are usually from
three to eight feet above the ground. Osage orange trees, which
have many of the lower branches dead and bare, provide favorite
sites for the webs in thorny clusters of twigs. The spiders seem
to be somewhat gregarious, and many may live in the same tree,
sometimes with their ^^'ebs only a few inches apart. The web is
highly characteristic; besides the orb, it consists of a "labyrinth"
of threads in many directions. Males have been sifted from leaf
litter. Kaston (1948:227) stated that after attainment of maturity
the male makes no orb web. The same author recorded five
cocoons with 47 to 63 eggs ( average 55 ) and stated that a single
female produces five or si.x such sacs.
Genus Micrathena Sundevall
The cuticle is hard and glossy, the abdomen bearing conical tubercles that
terminate in spiny points. The carapace and the sternum are longer than
wide. There is a distinct cei^vical groove. There is a sclerotized ring around
the base of the spinnerets separating them from the remainder of the abdomen.
The legs are relatively slender; their order of length is 4, 1, 2, 3. They bear
short spines and bristles. The spinnerets are placed well forward from the
posterior end of the abdomen. The males are much smaller than the females,
and less spiny. The genus is predominantly neotropical.
Fig. 34. Metepeim labij-
rinthea, female, X 4.
Spiders
75
Miciathena gracilis ( W'akkcnaer)
Spiny-bcllicd Orbweaver
Epeira gracilis Walckcnaer, 1806, Nat. Hist. Araneides, pi. 3, fig. 5.
Micrathcna gwcilis; Simon 1<S95. Histnirc Natnrrllc dos Araij!;nr(>s, \()1. 1,
pp. cS51. 8.57-859.
Micrathcna gracilis; Schefler, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 11.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation, and
southward into the Neotropical Region as far as Brazil.
Description. — Female, length 11. .5, carapace 3.3, abdomen 7.5, extended
legs 15. Carapace gloss\' black, finely granulated, with margins translucent
\ellow; two faint light markings of tear drop shape on each side of carapace
near its posterior edge; legs glossy black with
distal segments somewhat lighter, brownish; joints
yellow on underside; abdomen white with ten
spines tipped w ith black; scattered black spots also
present; two anterior dorsal spines; two lateral
dorsal spines; paired spines on each side at the
posterior end of abdomen; and one pair of sub-
terminal spines on the venter; venter marbled with
yellow and black; epigastric plates shiny choco-
late brown ( see Fig. 35 ) . Male, length 5.0,
carapace 1..5, abdomen 3.5, extended legs 7.5.
Carapace pale yellow to amber colored in cephalic
region with thoracic portion dark brown or gray;
dorsum generally entirely white without spines.
Male differs radically from female in size and
appearance; abdomen flattened, squared at pos-
terior end forming elongate rectangle twice length
of carapace; legs amber colored with reddi.sh
brown shading.
Fig. 35. Micratliena gra-
cilis, female, X 4.
Habitat and Habits. — Thks small orb-
weaver is typical of a forest habitat. The
\^'ebs are complex and delicate \\\\\\ many
concentric circles and radii, obviously adapted for catching rela-
tively small prey. Leafhoppers have been noticed in greatest
abundance in the webs, which are usually from three to seven
feet off the ground. In spring and early summer the spiders are
all young, and are so small that they ordinarily escape notice. In
different years adults have first been noted as early as June 25
(1955), or as late as July 14 (1954). In late July, August, and
early September the adult females are much in evidence; their
webs, stretching across every open space are a continual annoyance
because a person brushes into one at almost every step. Tlie
76 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
males are relatively small and have seldom been noticed. During
September the population undergoes progressive reduction. Sur-
viving individuals are mostly slow and sluggish, and appear spent
and emaciated, having laid their eggs. With the first heavy frost
most of the survivors disappear but a few linger on into late
October.
Micrathena mitrata (Hentz)
Mitred Orb weaver
Epeira mitrata Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6, p. 22, pi. 3,
fig. 11.
Micratliena rediwiana: Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 11.
Micrathena mitrata; Cambridge, 1904, Biol. Centr. Amer., vol. 2, p. 538.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation, and
southward to Cuba and Central America.
Description. — Female, length 5.2, carapace 2.0, abdomen 3.6, extended legs
9.5. Carapace glossy black with marginal stripes of translucent gray in thoracic
region; abdomen white wth black tree-shaped mark near anterior end, tree
has its trunk directed anteriorly with white spot in center of crown; at posterior
end white color encloses black "Mickey Mouse" face with ears directed an-
teriorly; pair of spines, one on each side, near distal end of abdomen; this
black mark part of black coloring on caudal tip of abdomen; venter mostly
black; legs translucent gray with dusky markings near the joints (see Fig. 21).
Male about three-fourths of female's length, with conelike spines only
slightly developed.
Habitat and Habits. — This is the smallest and the most abundant
of the woodland orbweavers. The habitat is the under-story stratum
of bushes and low trees in the forest. Hence, the spiders are more
numerous in open woodland, with an under-story of such tall shrubs
as dogwood and redbud, than they are in more heavily shaded
forest of climax type. Along trails and over creeks the webs are
especially numerous. They are usually three to seven feet off the
ground, in situations to me indistinguishable from those used by
M. gracilis. Often many individuals of both species can be seen
simultaneously from the same spot. As with the other two species
of Micratliena, leafhoppers seem to make up the most important
component of the diet. On the average, M. mitrata matures a little
later than does gracilis, in summer, and sur\dves a little later in
autumn.
Spiders
77
Micrathena sagittata ( W'alckenaer )
Arrow-helliocl Orhweaver
Plectdiia sdiiittata Walckcnaer, 1841, Ilistoire Naturelk' des Insectcs Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 174.
Micrathena sagittata; Simon, 1895, Histoire Natiirelle des Araignees, vol. 1,
pp. 853, 857, 858, 861.
Micratlicna sagittata; Schefter, 1904. Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 11.
Identifications. — MHM, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in tlie Deciduous Forest Formation, south-
ward into the Neotropical Region.
Description. — Female, length 8.3, carapace 2.8, abdomen 5.5, extended
legs 20.3. Carapace with cephalic region amber with translucent yellow
marginal stripes along thoracic portion and
dusky submarginal shading in thoracic region
also; abdomen has six spines; on each side
near basal region spine directed slightly
forward; pair of small lateral spines about
mid-way of length of abdomen, and two
large spines at caudal end of abdomen,
directed posterolaterally; dorsum chiefly
bright yellow uith red around bases of
spines and black at tips; legs dark amber
with little .shading of darker color (see Fig.
36). Male, length 5.0, carapace 2.2, ab-
domen 2.7, extended legs 11.5. Carapace
glossy black usually lighter anteriorly; first
and second pair of legs black (especially
femora) with third and fourth pair much
paler; abdomen tnmcate without spines;
distal end broadest; abdomen mostly glossy
black with cloudy white band across pos-
terior half and two white dots inside band.
Habitat and Habits. — These small
but conspicuous orbweavers are con-
fined to forest, and forest edge habitat.
They require mesic situations having
dense herbaceous ground vegetation.
The webs are ordinarily near ground
level, seldom more than two feet off the ground. Favorite sites are
in dense stands of green dragon (Arisacma dracontiiim), pellitory
(Parietoria pennsylvanica) and lopseed {Phrijma lepfostachya) .
The webs are inconspicuous, and the spiders are quick to drop to
Fig. 36. Micrathena sagittata,
female, X 4.
78 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
the ground at the sh'ghtest disturbance. So far as observed, the
prey consists largely of leafhoppers. Spiderlings have been taken
in sweepings from grass and brush in late May and early June.
These indi\'iduals were relatively minute, mostly two to three
millimeters long. The spiders mature by early July, and are seen
chiefly in July and August; relatively few survive until late Sep-
tember, but some live up to the time of frost in October. These
late survivors are sluggish and emaciated.
Genus Mimognatha Banks
This genus is a near relative of the long legged and slender bodied tetra-
gnathine orbweavers, but has more nearly normal body form, with an oval
abdomen. The chelicerae are subparallel, their margins being set with small
teeth. The posterior spiraele is set immediately anterior to the spinnerets. This
is a small genus, eonfined to North America and the West Indies.
Mimognatha foxi ( McCook )
Fox's Orbweaver
Theridium foxi McCook, 1894, American Spiders, vol. 3, pi. 29, fig. 1.
Mimognatha foxi; Banks, 1929, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 69, p. 90.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Most of United States except northernmost parts, and southward
into Mexico and Central America.
Description. — Male, length 1.8, carapace .8, abdomen 1.0, extended legs 6.4.
Carapace pale orange brown; eyes dark except for posterior lateral pair; abdo-
men lemon yellow; legs dull yellow, with grayish hairs arranged in regular
longitudinal rows; cymbium much enlarged, grayisli brown, its diameter exceed-
ing width of cephalic region.
Female similar in most respects but slightly larger; lacking epigynal plate.
Habitat and Habits. — Only one specimen has been collected on
the Reservation and the circumstances of its capture were not re-
corded. Barrows (1919:210) found the species abundant in Ohio
in meadows and wasteland. It makes a delicate web in low grass
or weeds in hot dry situations. The spider remains at the center
of the web on its underside till disturbed; then it drops to the
ground and runs swiftly. Crosby and Bishop (1936:47) recorded
males of this species ballooning 3000 feet and 200 feet above ground
at Tallulah, Louisiana, in April and March.
Genus Neoscona Simon
The members of Neoscona are medium-sized to large; the median furrow
of the thorax is longitudinal in both sexes. Adult males have a spur on the
coxa of the first leg, and groove on the femur of the second, and two dorsal
spines on the palpal patella. The genus is found in North America, South
America, Europe, Africa, and southern Asia.
Spiders 79
Neosccma arubcsca (Walckenaer)
Arabesciue Orbwea\'er
Epeira aiahcsra Wakkeiuu-r, 1805, Tableau cU-s Arani'idcs, p. 63.
Neosama (ir(il)csc(i; Simon, 1864, Nat. Hist. Araignces, Paris, vol. 1, p. 261.
Aranciis trivittattis; Scheffer, 1904, Industriali.st (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30. p. 10.
Identifications.— MUM, KLG, AB.
Range. — ^^'iclel^ distrilmtcd in the United States, chiefly in the eastern
part, but recorded also from Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington, and
occurring also southward into the Neotropical Region.
Description. — Female, length 7.2, carapace 3.0, abdomen 5.0, extended legs
21. Carapace pale translucent gra\' with broad brown marking narrowing to
line at thoracic groove where it ends; thoracic region has submarginal brown
stripes; chelicerae brown with boss dark brown; abdomen cream colored at
base, this color e.xtending length of dorsum in form of broad wavy stripe; on
each side of this light stripe areas of olive green color; series of five paired black
spots superimi)Osed on green on the posterior half of abdomen; venter having
characteristic velvety black rectangle with pair of opposed "7"-shaped white
marks on either side; sternum brown witli broad yellow-white stripe; legs
translucent gray with brown annulations.
Male much like female in coloration and proportions, averaging slighth'
smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — This spider is much less common than N.
benjamina and occurs in relatively open habitat such as woodland
edge or weedy and brushy fields. Its webs are small and incon-
spicuous as compared with those of the larger species. Upon being
disturbed in its web, the spider climbs rapidly to the twig or branch
supporting the web from above on one side, and settling upon this
support, with its legs adpressed, becomes extremely inconspicuous.
Like N. benjamina, N. arabesca is adjusted to an annual cycle, but
matures a little earlier — in late July.
Neoscona benjamina (Walckenaer)
Arboreal Orbweaver
Epeira benjamina Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 42.
Araneus benjatnini; ScheflFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 9.
Neoscona benjamina; Cambridge, 1904, Biol. Centr. Amer., pp. 467, 468,
470.
Identifications. — MHM, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, chiefly in the Deciduous Forest Formation,
but recorded also in Utah, and southward into the Neotropical Region.
Description. — Female, length 1.5.5, carapace 6.5, abdomen 10.0, extended
legs 50.0. Carapace light orange with darker shades in eye region and
80
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
accenting thoracic groove; dorsum cloudy cream color with hardly any indica-
tions of darker pattern; four darker dots near center of dorsum indicating
points of muscle attachments; four thin, faint lines crossed by a bow-shaped
line near posterior region of dorsum; venter with characteristic pattern formed
by two white marks shaped like "7's" facing each other each with white dot
at base against a chocolate colored background; sternum orange with darker
spots near origin of coxal segments and median white band; abdomen clothed
with long white hairs; front pairs of legs orange with other segments of lighter
yellow lacking distinct annualations; third and fourth pairs of legs colored
similarly but with darker brownish annula-
tions (see Fig. 37).
Male, length 8, carapace 3.6, abdomen 4.2,
extended legs 33.
This spider is extremely variable in color.
Habitat and Habits. — This large orb-
weaver is the dominant spider of its
size in woodland habitat. It is abun-
dant also in brushy situations, and is
present in greater numbers along
woodland edge than in deep woods.
In the grove of large elms at the
Reservation headquarters conditions
\^'ere perhaps near the optimum, and
in autumn it was not unusual to see
a dozen or more spiders at one time.
Some live high in the trees, and others
remain a few feet from the ground.
The strand forming the upper founda-
tion of the web is often more than 20 feet long. The insects preyed
upon are in general those of the largest size groups. The common
large cicada (Tibicen pruinosa) is a favorite prey, as are various
large katydids. Large hemipterans including the wheel bug and
tabanid flies, also have been noted in the webs frequently.
This orbweaver is the favorite prey of both the common species
of large mud-dauber wasps on the Reservation. This predation
occurs mostly in July when the yoimg spiders are considerably
less than half-grown.
The life cyle is adjusted to the annual cycle. In spring and early
summer the young spiders are so small and inconspicuous that they
are rarely noticed, but in September and October the webs,
stretched across every open place, obtrude themselves on the notice
of anyone walking through the woods. Throughout the summer
the young cover a wide range of sizes, and some mature in July.
Fig. 37. Neoscona henjamina,
female, X IJ2.
Spiders 81
At the first frost, in fall, there is a drastie reduction in numbers,
but some may live on into November, surviving several periods of
subfreezing weather.
Neoscona pratensis (Hentz)
Prairie Orbweaver
Epeira pratensis Hentz, 1847, lour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 475,
pi. 31, fig. 11.
Neoscana pratensis; Conistock, 1912, Spider Book, p. 502, fig. 537.
Identification . — HS F.
Range. — Occurs o\er most of the United States.
Description. — Female, length 6.7, carapace 3.0, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
20. Carapace >ellowish brown with dark brown middorsal and submarginal
bands; abdomen yellowish brown, relatively i^ale anteriorly and dark posteriorly,
and having broad, dark brown middorsal band which is narrowed posteriorly
and more markedly narrowed anteriorly, bordered on either side by narrower
yellow band; six small black spots in longitudinal series on each side of dorsal
area, each spot rimmed with \ellow; legs yellowish browii, mimarked.
Habitat and Habits. — This species was rarely seen, and all those
noticed were adult females, living in tall-grass prairie habitat. On
several occasions two or more of the spiders were found within a
few yards of each other, perhaps indicating that there is some
tendency to gregariousness.
Genus Singa Koch
Spiders of this genus are small, with relatively short legs. The posterior
median eyes are closer to each other than to the posterior lateral eyes. The
abdomen is ovate. The tibiae of the first and second pair of legs are anned
with spines on the upper surfaces. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Singa pratensis Emerton
Meadow Orbweaver
Singa pratensis Emerton, 1884, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6, p. 332,
pi. 34, figs. 15, 15a; pi. 37, figs. 14-17.
Identification. — HSF.
Range. — Throughout the United States.
Description. — Female, length 5.0, carapace 2.0, abdomen 3.0, extended legs
15. Carapace amber; abdomen dorsally pale yellow with three longitudinal
chocolate colored marks running its full length; one mid-dorsal, only about half
width of yellow areas on either side; other two, dorsolateral, slightly wider
than yellow areas; sternum dark brown; center of abdomen ventrally dark
brown, with pale yellow lateral margins to brown area; eyes black; legs amber,
of same shade as carapace, with black bristles (see Fig. 20).
Male averages ()n]\ slightly smaller than female and much like her in ap-
I^earance.
82 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Habitat and Habits. — This is one of the most abundant spiders
on the Reservation. It is restricted to grassland habitats, and is
perhaps equally abundant in tall-grass prairie and in fields of the
introduced pasture grass, awnless brome. Adults have been col-
lected chiefly in late summer, autumn and spring and early summer.
Kaston (1948:240) stated that in Connecticut it overwinters in the
mature state and mature individuals can be found until mid-June,
while young are found through the late summer and fall.
The webs are small and inconspicuous, as they are often con-
structed in the lower stratum of grass. At any vibration or other
disturbance, the spider drops from its web to the ground, and,
remaining motionless with legs drawn up, is not readily seen. How-
ever, a few minutes spent in sweeping the grass with a net will
usually yield more than a hundred Singa.
Minute insects comprise the prey, and probably leafhoppers make
up the greater part of it. On one occasion a Singa that had just
been caught in a sweep net pounced upon a nymphal aphid that
was also in the net, and fed upon it. Grasshopper nymphs also have
been noted in the webs.
Singa tiTjncata Banks
Truncate Orbweaver
Singa muculuta Einerton, 1884, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6, p. 323,
pi. 37, fig. 18.
Singa truncata; Banks, 1901, Jour. New York Ent. Soc, vol. 9, p. 188 (in
place of S. macidata Emerton preoccupied by Thorell, 1875).
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Throughout the United States.
Description. — Male, length 3.5, carapace 1.5, abdomen 2.0, extended legs
13. Amber dorsally, but with carapace slightly reddish, abdomen yellowish;
on dorsal aspect of abdomen two pairs of sclerotized areas appearing as shallow
depressions; surface of abdomen pitted dorsally; heavy transverse fold on dorsal
surface of abdomen near posterior end; sides of abdomen slightly rugose, choc-
olate colored, witli liand of yellowish; ventral surface amber except for pos-
terior part of abdomen, wliich is chocolate colored.
Genus Tetragnatha Latreille
Spiders of this genus are remarkably slender and elongate; most of them live
in riparian habitats. The abdomen is at least twice as long as broad. The
anterior and posterior eyes are not contiguous. All the eyes are surrounded
by black areas. The endites are parallel and more or less dilated at their
distal ends. The spider is usually not seen suspended in its web, but clings
flattened against a nearby stem, with the first and second pair of legs extended
parallel anteriorly and the fourth pair of legs extended posteriorly. In this
position it is well concealed. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Spiders
83
Tetragnatha elongata W'alckenaer
Elongate Stilt Spider
Tetniatmiha clon'^ata W'alckenaer, 1805, Tableau des Araneitles, p. 69.
TctrannalJia clon<j.ata; Scht-ffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.)
vol. 30, p. 11.
Identification. — AB.
Ran^e. — Canada southward throuifhout the United States, to Brazil.
Description. — Female, lenj^th 12.2, carapace 3.8, abdomen 8.3, extended
legs 66. Carapace dark amber-brown, darker near its margins and in cephalic
region; legs paler amber; carapace flattened, with prominent V-shaped cervical
groove having at its apex large, prominent depression; eyes all directed
forward; abdomen elongate, tapering posteriorly, expanded and humped
anteriorly, overhanging posterior fourth of carapace; abdomen having reticulate
pattern of man>- small light areas with ilark edges, superficially resembling
fish scales; legs remarkably slender, elongate, and tapering, imparting harvest-
manlike appearance, except for elongate abdomen and chelicerae; both cheli-
cerae and fangs approximate or exceed carapace
in length; elongate, dark folium with large T-
shaped marking in anterior part of folium ( see
■'""^ Fig. 38).
Male, length 10, carapace 3.3, abdomen 7,
extended legs 82. Resembling female in most
respects, but legs even more elongate, and ab-
domen cylindrical, dark grayish brown, with
faint reticulations and no other discernible pat-
tern; male's chelicerae and fangs both markedly
exceed length of carapace; anterior face of
each chelicera near its lower end bearing horn-
like, down-curved process, forked near tip.
Habitat and Habits. — These peculiar,
slender spiders were always found near
water, chiefly along the margins of the
pond. In some years they were found
in marshy places along the intermittent
creek between the pond and the Reserva-
tion boimdary, but in other years condi-
tions were unfavorably dry, and none
was in evidence there. The larger creek
in the southeastern part of the Reserva-
tion supported a permanent population.
The spiders were always found on low
xegetation such as sedges or small willows, typically in situations
overhanging the water. In 1960, \\'hen muskrats had consumed
most of the riparian vegetation at the pond, and the water had
receded, the only available sites for the spiders were on dead and
Fig
38. Tetragnatha elon-
gata, female, X 2.
84 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
barren willows girdled by the muskrats. Even in these e.xposed
situations the spiders were readily overlooked because of the habit
of resting flattened against a stem. Certain small shrubs were
found to be occupied by colonies of the spiders, with a dozen or
more individuals, including adults of both sexes, and a larger num-
ber of young, of various sizes. Often on a branch where many of
the spiders were present, there was no web at all, or only tattered
remnants that showed none of the original orb structure. Judging
from the remains in such old webs, the prey consists largely of
minute dipterous insects such as gnats and midges, that are abun-
dant in moist places. Intact webs were found mainly along the
small creeks in places sheltered by dense vegetation. Frogs, espe-
cially the bullfrog, were the chief natural enemies at the pond.
An effective means of collecting was to shake the vegetation where
spiders were suspected to be. Those present usually dropped to
the surface of the water and ran over it rapidly to the shoreline,
but sometimes they were snapped up by voracious bullfrogs in the
vicinity before the collector could intervene.
The abundance of these spiders fluctuated from year to year
according to the extent of the riparian habitat, as determined by
the amount and distribution of precipitation. Adults, and young
of various sizes were foimd throughout the summer and autumn.
Tetragnatha laboriosa Hentz
Prairie Stilt Spider
Tetragnatha luboriosa Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6,
p. 27; pi. 4, fig. 3.
Tetragnatha extensa; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 14.
Identificatiom.—MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — North America from Alaska through Canada and tlie United States,
to Cuba and Puerto Rico.
Description. — Female, lengtli 9.5, carapace 2.8, abdomen 6.8, extended legs
35.5. Carajiace brownish amber, flattened, with prominent cervical groove,
and with pair of oblique slitlike depressions behind ape.x of V; with darker
and lighter areas alternating in irregular, mottled pattern; abdomen shape of
stout sausage, silvery white dorsally and laterally, with many small scalelike
areas separated from each other by dark grooves; scalelike areas irregular in
size and shape, and grooves separating them also vary in distinctness; dark lines
in pattern resembling those of veins of leaf diverge from central stalk on mid-
dorsal aspect of abdomen; carapace rounded at its anterior end; eyes of anterior
row directed forward, those of posterior row directed forward and upward;
sternum and ventral aspect of abdomen dark browm; chelicerae moderately
elongate, little more than half length of carapace.
Spiders 85
Male, Kiij^th i.5, carapace 2.0, abdomen 3.0, extended legs 30.5. Resembles
female in most respects but carapace paler; abdomen cylindrical, brownish
yellow, similar to carapace, but witli scalelike flecks of brighter yellow; venter
brown; ehclicerae relati\eK' long, and curxcd outward.
Habitat and Habits. — This is a typical grass spider. It is abundant
in bluesteni prairie, and even more numerous in fields of brome
grass. Adults can be found throughout the growing season. De-
spite its abundance the .species is not especially conspicuous. The
elongate spiders clinging closely to stems or blades of grass are not
often noticed. The orb webs being small and fragile, readily escape
attention. Large numbers of these spiders are taken in sweepings
of grass; otherwise its abundance would not have been realized.
Small flying or jumping insects, including leafhoppers and the
nymphs of katydids and grasshoppers, make up the food.
Genus Verrucosa McCook
In the medium-sized, woodland spiders of this genus the abdomen viewed
from above is roughly triangular with two pairs of lateral tubercles and a
medium tubercle on the posterior part. There is a deep cervical groove. The
head region is elevated. The genus occurs in the Neotropical Region and
Australia, as well as in the United States.
Verrucosa arenata ( Walckenaer )
Triangulate Orbweaver
Epeira arenata \\'alckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 133.
Verrucosa arenata; McCook, 1888, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 1888,
p. 79.
Araneus arcnatus; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 9.
Idetxtifications.—TBK, MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — United States chiefly in Deciduous Forest Formation of eastern
part; also California and Utah; southward to Panama; New Zealand (intro-
duced? ) .
Description. — Female, length 8.0, carapace 3.0, abdomen 5.2, extended
legs 25. Carapace brown, abdomen wide anteriorly with prominent lateral
projections or shoulders, and tapering abruptly posteriorly to blunt point; row
of four tubercles on each side of abdomen, of progressively larger size pos-
teriorly; abdomen dark chocolate brown, with bright yellow folium (white in
most indi\iduals) lightly reticulated with chocolate; legs duU yellow with
black annuli of about same width as light interspaces; tarsi dull red; ventnnn
black; ventrolateral area of abdomen having longitudinal corrugations (see
Fig. 25).
Habitat and Habits. — Three woodland orbweavers are remark-
ably similar in habits, habitats, and appearance: Micrathena mi-
86 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
trota, M. gracilis and the present species. Their webs are similar
except for size, and the three take about the same kind of food.
However, competition between them is reduced by difference in
size. M. gracilis is, on the average, several times the bulk of M.
mitrata, whereas V. arcnata is correspondingly larger than M. gra-
cilis. Although all three are abundant, the small M. mitrata is
normally most numerous and the large V. arenata least so. Numbers
of each undergo notable fluctuation from year to year. In years of
heavy precipitation the numbers of orbweavers is generally greater,
but all three species fluctuate independently, in unpredictable pat-
terns. Verrucosa arenata matures in late June or early July and is
conspicuous up until the time of frost in autumn. It is one of the
species of which webs are so abundant as to be a nuisance to any-
one walking through the woods in late summer.
Family Mimetidae Simon
Assassin Spiders
These are medium-sized ecribellate trionychous spiders. The eight eyes
are heterogeneous and arranged in two rows. The chelicarae are long and
slender, fused at the base, without a boss, and provided with a series of long
bristles on the promargin of the fang furrow. Both fang margins are toothed.
The labium is free. The first and second tibiae and metatarsi have a pro-
marginal row of long, curved spines, with a row of much shorter sf)ines between
them, of which the more distal are longer than the more proximal. There
are two rows of trichobothria on the tibiae and one row on the metatarsi.
The members of this group make no webs but prey chiefly on other kinds of
spiders, which are quickly subdued by the exceptionally potent venom.
Genus Mimetus Hentz
Spiders of this genus are pale-colored, medium-small, and the body is
flattened and the first two pairs of legs are enlarged. The height of the clypeus
is from one-third to one-half the length of the median ocular area. Each chelic-
era has a conspicuous heavy bristle on the inner margin about two-thirds of
the distance from the base to the fang furro\\'. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Mimetus puritanus Chamberlin
Mimetus puritanus Chamlicrlin, 1923, lour. Ent. and Zool., vol. 15, p. 5;
pi. 1, figs. 1-6.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Female, lengdi 8.0, carapace 3.0, abdomen 4.5, extended legs
38. Carapace translucent gray, having dark line on each side extending from
posterior lateral eyes on each side joined at cephalic declivity by dark, b'-oad
Spiders
87
iiu'tliaii stripe; hioatl iiK-tlian stript' aiul two lateral stripis ha\c cross stripe
joining them about iiii(l\\a> Iroin posterior lateral e\'cs to point where they
meet; abdomen gray-green with folium of white and black; reddish-orange
spots irregularly spaced o\cr dorsiun; white markings chiefly confined to an-
terior region and black markings most abundant on posterior half of abdomen;
abdomen widest and highest at about midpoint of its length, with ridge at this
point; venter dirty >ellow splashed with white; sternum translucent gray with
four pairs of black spots near lateral
margins; labium has basal black band;
legs also translucent gray, spotted with
black; spotting heaviest on undersurface
of femora; distal end of each femur
black ventrally (see Fig. 39).
Habitat and Habits. — The only
individual of this species found
was an adult female, clinging to
the outside wall of the Reserva-
tion residence, on the south side,
on August 12, 1960. House spi-
ders (Achaearaneo tepidariorum)
were abundant under the eaxes
nearby and probably provided the
food for this individual, as thev
are known to be a favorite prey elsewhere. Spiders of the genus
Mimetus are known to prey chiefly or exclusively on other spiders,
living a wandering life, and invading the webs of their victims.
They are said to favor warm and dry situations. The winter is
passed in an immature stage.
Family Agelenidae Koch
Funnel-web Weavers
These ecribellate-trion>chous spiders typically make platform webs with
a tube or funnel leading from the center or one edge. They have eight eyes
arranged in two rows; the chelicerae are provided with boss and scopula, and
have toothed, oblique fang margins. The legs are spinose, lack scopulae, but
have numerous trichobothria, in two rows on tlie tibiae, one row on the meta-
tarsi and tarsi. The integument has plumose hairs.
Fig. 39. Mimetus piiritanus, female,
X3.
Key to the Species of the Family Agelenidae of the Reservation
f
Posterior spinnerets elongate, extending behind the abdomen as tail-
like appendages, their distal segments about twice as long as basal
segments (Agelenopsis) 2
T. Posterior spinnerets not conspicuously elongate, their distal segments
not longer than basal segments 4
88 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
2. Larger (length usually exceeding 15 mm. in adults); no well defined
V-shaped mark on sternum; no well defined median black band on
venter Agelenopsis naevia, p. 88
2'. Smaller (length usually less than 15 mm.); distinct V-shaped dark
mark on sternum; a well defined dark band on venter 3
3. Epigynal orifice nearly round; dark band on venter not much paler in
central area Agelenopsis pennsylvanica, p. 91
3'. Epigynal orifice much wider than long; dark band on venter markedly
paler in center, thus appearing as two narrow bands with indistinct
inner margins Agelenopsis Oklahoma, p. 91
4. Labium at least as wide as long; posterior spinnerets having apical
segments much shorter than basals ( Cicurina ) 6
4'. Labium longer than wide; posterior spinnerets having apical segments
at least as long as basals 5
5. Larger (adults usually more than 10 mm. in length); chelicerae
geniculate and robust; retromargin of fang furrow with three teeth.
Coras lamellosus, p. 9:^
5'. Smaller (usually less than 10 mm. in length); chelicerae not geniculate,
not especially robust; retromargin of fang furrow with four or more
teeth Tegenaria domestica, p. 94
6. Smaller (length less than 7 mm.) Cicurina arcuata, p. 9 2
6'. Larger (length more than 7 mm.) Cicurina ludoviciana, p. 92
Genus Agelenopsis Giebel
The large funnel weavers of this genus are of less secretive habits than the
smaller agelenids. The conspicuous webs are made on the outside of build-
ings, in tall grass, and in woodlands; sometimes they are several feet above
ground level. Members of this genus are distinctive in having elongated hind
spinnerets which project taillike, behind the abdomen. Both rows of eyes
are strongly procurved so that the posterior laterals and the anterior medians
form a nearly straight line. The colors are chiefly dull brown and gray, with
a pair of broad dark bands extending for the length of the carapace and with
a thin dark marginal line one each side. The abdomen has a broad light
middorsal band with irregular edges. The genus is North American with many
species in the tropics.
Agelenopsis naevia ( Walckenaer )
Dark Funnel Spider
Agelena naevia Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
tome II, p. 24.
Agelena naevia; Scheffer, 1905, Kansas U. Sci. Bull. vol. 3; p. 118.
Agelenopsis naevia; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1941, Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer., vol.
34, p. 597, pi. 2, fig. 9; pi. 3, fig. 25; pi. 5, fig. 36.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States chiefly within the Deciduous Forest Forma-
tion.
Spiders
89
Description. — Male, length 16, carapace 6.0, abdoiiien 10, extended legs 85.
Carapace \ello\vi,sh brown with two dusky subniargiiial stripes beginning in
region of posterior lateral eyes as tliin line and broadening considerably ini-
mediately behind this region and continuing caudad, to edge of carapace; legs
and abdomen coxered with nian\' fine, elongate hairs; carapace relatively
devoid of these hairs; abdoniin with broad median reddish brown stripe out-
lined by lighter somewhat cream colored stripe and bordered on each side by
dark brown areas; venter with broad light reddish brown stripe (as wide as
spinnerets), enclosed at lateral edges with lighter yellowish brown speckled
with dark brov^Ti; legs with coxae of pale
cream color and femora dusky gray; distal
ends of tibiae and metatarsi also darkened
with remainder of legs segments yellowish
brown (see Fig. 40).
Female resembles male in most respects,
averaging a little larger, with plumper abdo-
men and relatively shorter legs.
Habitat and Habits. — This e.xtremely
abundant large spider is most numerous
in woodland, but occurs also in a va-
riety of other habitats, including grass-
land. In fact, the accepted vernacular
name is "grass-spider" but in Kansas
this name is not entirely appropriate.
In late August, 1953, it was calculated,
from the average spacing between adult
individuals of this species, that there
were from 300 to 400 per acre in the
woodlands of the Reservation. Where
ground litter and low vegetation were
abundant the spiders were more nu-
merous than they were in situations
where the forest floor was relatively
open and barren. The web typically consists of a sheet two feet
or more across, slightly inclined and sloping back to the funnel
shaped opening of the tube. The latter is often a foot or more in
length, open at both ends, and extending into leaf litter, grass, a
thorny bush, a rock crevice or some other situation providing
shelter. Above the web sheet there is a maze of strands, running
in all directions, some of them anchored to points several feet higher.
The minute, dark colored young have been found in spring as early
as March 10; their small webs were found in abundance on dried
Fig. 40. Agelenopsis naevia,
male, X IVa-
90 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
barren soil that had been recently dredged from the bottom of a
pond. Presumably they had reached this place by ballooning.
Growth is exceptionally rapid. By late June, in some years, but not
until late July in others, the more accelerated young have reached
sexual maturity. The spiders are most in evidence during July,
August and early September.
On September 3, 1952, a pair was found copulating in a web
30 inches above the ground. The spiders were facing in opposite
directions, the male above, the female turned partly on her side.
When the web was jarred, they immediately separated and the
female ran back into the shelter of the tube. The male was less
disturbed, and moved about the web twitching his pedipalps, seem-
ingly searching for the female. As he moved up to the tube where
she was hiding, she made a sudden violent lunge at him, causing
him to spring back. When first seen the male lacked one of his
legs, which lay on the web surface near the pair, and probably had
been lost in a preliminary encounter with the female before she
was sufficiently subdued to tolerate his advances.
In September and October the webs fall into disrepair, becoming
tattered and compacted as the spiders become sluggish and fail
to patch or extend them. With the advent of cold weather, the
remaining spiders die off rapidly, but one was found still alive
in the remnants of its web on November 6, 1960, after several 'cold
fronts' with freezing nights.
The webs of these spiders were most typically within a few
inches of the ground, but some were several feet above ground
in bushes or trees. Each year many of the spiders made their webs
beneath the wide eaves of my residence at the Reservation. Flies
of various kinds were the most frequent victims, but butterflies
(especially Speyeria) were also caught in large numbers. Beetles,
bugs, and other medium-large insects, some as bulky as the spiders
themselves, were fed upon. On one occasion a newly metamor-
phosed toad (Bufo amcricaniis) became entangled in one of the
webs and was fed upon by the spider. Occasionally large wasps
were caught in the webs. In July, 1954, mud daubers were build-
ing their nests in a ueb under the eaves of the house. The spider
usually cowered in its funnel when the wasps were active nearby,
but occasionally it darted out to menace them. One nest, based
on the outer edge of the web sheet, finally became so heavy that
part of the web collapsed under its weight. In one web, at the
corner of the garage, remains of harvestmen {Lciohunum viffafiim)
were numerous.
Spiders 91
Agelenopsis Oklahoma (Certsch)
Oklahoma Funnel Spider
Agelcna oklalionia Ccitscli 19o6 Amer. Mus. Noxit. no. 852, p. 12.
Idcntificdtion. — \\'JG.
Ran<ic. — Parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, and perhaps nciKhliorin^ states.
Description. — Female, length 8.0, carapace 3.5, ahdomen 4.5, (plus pos-
teriorly projecting spinnerets, 1.0 mm.), extended legs 29.5. Carapace narrow-
in cephalic region, wide in thoracic region. ]xilc yellowish brown narrowly
margined with black and witli pair of ]:)road dorsolateral bands extending its
entire length; abdt)men oval-elongate, little bulkier than cephalothorax, light
brown mottled with black, and having pair of narrow, well separated yellowish
brown longitudinal bands extending most of its length lint broken into spots
posteriorly; legs yellowish brown, mottled with gray and dark brown which
tends to form obscure annulations; legs armed with numerous black spines;
sternum yellowish brown with dark lateral areas forming V-shaped mark;
epigynal area swollen, reddisli ])rown; epigynal orifice a transverse slit markedly
broader than long; \'enter with broad longitudinal dark band that pales to
>ellow isli brown in middle, thus imparting impression of pair of dark bands.
Habitat and Habits. — Because of its similarity to the young of
A. nacvia and, especially to A. pennsi/Ivanica this species was over-
looked until the late summer of 1961. It is relatively uncommon.
An adult female was found in a web on the concrete base of a
shed at the Rockefeller Tract. Several others were found under
large flat rocks of a hilltop limestone outcrop in a woodland
browsed by cattle, adjacent to the Reservation on the west.
Agelenopsis pen[n]sylvanica (Koch)
Pemisylvania Funnel Spider
Agelcna pcnsijhanica Koch, 1843, Die Arachniden, p. 111.
Agelenopsis pennsi/lranica: Chamberlin and Ivie, 1941, Ann. Ent. Soc.
Amer., vol. 34, p. 588; pi. 1, fig. 1; pi. 3, fig. 16; pi. 6, fig. 40.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Across United States from \ew England to Oregon and ^^'ashing-
ton, south to Tennessee and Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 15, carapace 5.4, abdomen (exclusive of
spinnerets) 9, extended legs 70. Body pale brown with pair of liroad. dark
longitudinal bands on carapace and abdomen; on abdomen dark bands invaded
on their medial sides by wedge-shaped extensions of middorsal pale area,
and faintly speckled with pale brown; legs reddish brown with black bristles.
Male resembling female in most respects, slighth- smaller, on average, with
slenderer abdomen and relatively longer le.gs.
Habitat and Habits. — This species is so similar in general habits
and appearance to A. nacvia that usually the two species were not
distinguished in the field. The larger individuals, howe\'er, were
92 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
recognized as naevia. A. pennsyloanica has been found in wood-
land, in brushy fields, and about buildings. Its seasonal schedule
follows the same pattern as that of naevia. On September 25,
1952, two mating pairs were noticed. One pair was in the funnel
of their web near its inner end. They seemed little disturbed by
my presence; the male at intervals continued his quivering and
vibrating movements. When part of the web sheet was torn away,
the male lifted the quiescent female and carried her about an inch
farther down the funnel.
The prey of this funnel web weaver includes a wide variety of
insects, especially hemipterans, homopterans, coleopterans, hymen-
opterans, dipterans and orthopterans.
Genus Cicurina Menge
The spiders of this genus are small, pale orange or brown, and have the
apical segment of each hind spinneret much shorter than the basal segment.
The width of the labium equals or exceeds its height. The height of the
clypeus equals or exceeds the diameter of the anterior lateral eye. The chelic-
erae are robust and usually somewhat geniculate. The genus occurs in the
United States, Europe, Asia and South America.
Cicurina arcuata Keyserling
Arcuate Funnel Spider
Circurirui arcuata Keyserhng, 1887, Verb. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, vol. 37, p.
460; pi. 6, fig. 25.
Cicurina arcuata; Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 126.
Identifications.— UWU, AB, WJG.
Range. — Southeastern Canada, and eastern and central United States, west
to Colorado and New Mexico.
Description. — Female, length 6.9, carapace 2.8, abdomen 3.3, extended legs
18. Carapace yellowish orange darkest in anterior region which is same color
as chelicerae; latter geniculate and having series of minute denticles on
each side on retroniargin of fang furrow; abdomen pale yellowish gray or
cream marked heavily with lead-gray reticulations which occupy more space
than intervening areas; legs uniformly yellowish orange with distal segments
darker.
Male resembles female, averaging slightly smaller.
Cicurina ludoviciana Simon
Louisiana Spider
Cicurina ludoviciana Simon, 1898, Ann. Soc. Ent. Belguique, vol. 42, p. 9.
Identijications.—MH'M., AB, WJG.
Range. — Probably the entire United States, as it has been recorded from
Spiders
93
the sotithoastorn states and frdin Wasliinuton, but few records
published.
Description. — Female, length 11.0, carapace 4.5, abdomen 6.
legs 27..5. Carapace brownish orange,
glabrous; thoracic groove shows as dark
iniddorsal streak, abdomen slightly more
bulk)- than cephalothorax, tends toward
oval shape but much narrower anteiiorK;
has pale pubescence yellowish gray with
pair of widely separated wartlike black
prominences approximately one-third of
distance from anterior end to posterior end;
chelicerae strongly geniculate, and of same
color as carapace; legs paler, especially on
their proximal portions, hairy and spin\
(see Fig. 41).
Habitat and Habits. — These spi-
ders are not especially common, and
have been found chiefly under rocks
and boards in earlv summer.
0,
ia\'e been
extended
Cicurina hidoviciana,
female, X 3.
Genus Coras Simon
The spiders of this genus are medium- pjg 4]^
sized, long-legged, and live in well shel-
tered places, as beneath rocks and logs.
The color is pale; the cephalothorax darkens to brown at the anterior end. The
chelicerae are robust and geniculate; the retromargin of the fang furrow usually
has three teeth (rarely four). The genus is holarctic.
Coras lamellosus (Keyserling)
Slab Spider
Caelotes lamellosus Kevserling, 1887, \'ehr. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, p. 469,
pi. 6, fig. 30, 30a, 30b.
Coras medicinalis; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 14.
Coras lamellosus; Muma, 1946, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1329, p. 6.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG.
Ran<!e. — Perhaps most of United States; recorded chiefly from eastern half
of the country but also from California and Oregon.
Description. — Female, length 12.2, carapace 5.8, abdomen 6.2, extended
legs '37. Carapace narrows abruptly from thoracic region to cephalic region,
yellowish brown, darkening to chestnut at anterior end, having three pairs
of gray marks in form of elongate triangles with their apices toward midline
on thoracic part; dark thoracic groove prominent; abdomen pale yellowish
gray, mottled with dark gray, and clothed with grayish pubescence; legs
browni.sh yellow, w itii liarely discernible gray annulations, clothed with gray
94
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
hairs and armrd witli dark spines; chelicerae strongly geniculate, chestnut (see
Fig. 42).
Habitat and Habits. — This large funnel web weaver has been
found only in woodland, and only when
exposed beneath massive flat rocks.
When such a rock was turned the
spider was most often clinging to the
underside enclosed in a fine, filmy,
bluish web. Usually the spider was
reluctant to leave the shelter of its
web, but clung with legs drawn up.
Upon being further disturbed it would
dart out and over the rock surface,
not pausing until it found a well con-
cealed hiding place. The spiders have
been found in such situations in every
month from March to November, in-
clusive. At all times of year there are
young of various sizes.
Fig. 42. Coras lamellostis, fe-
male, X 2.
Genus Tegenaria Latreille
The spiders of this genus are medium-
sized, slender, long-legged, dull-colored, and
live in sheltered places. The posterior row
of eyes is shghtly procurved, and the posterior median eyes are only slightly
smaller than the posterior laterals. The chelicerae are not geniculate. The
retromargin of the fang furrow generally has four, five, or six teeth. The
genus is cosmopolitan.
Tegenaria doniestica ( Clerck )
Barn Spider
Aranctis domesticus Clerck, 1757, Svenska Spindlar, p. 76, pi. 2, fig. 2.
Tegenaria domcstiea; Simon, 1837, Les Araclinides de France, vol. 6, p.
1008, 1041, figs. 1558, 1559.
Identificatiom: — AB, \A'JG.
Range. — Cosmopolitan as a liouse spider.
Description. — Female, length 10, carapace 5.0, abdomen 5.5, extended legs
44. Carapace amber, darkening to mahogany in cephalic region; abdomen
pale yellow, mottled with gray, and sparsely covered with pale hairs; legs
long, slender and tapering; sterniiin deep amber, chelicerae mahogany; lateral
spinnerets about twice as long as others.
Male resembles female in most respects; smaller by one-fourth.
Spiders 95
Habitat and Habits. — This species is typically a house spider.
One was found in a kitchen cupboard at the Reserxation residence
on June 7, 1953, another in early June, 1961, and another in a small
puniphouse more than 100 yards from the residence in July, 1960.
Kaston (1948:280) stated that individuals may survive several or
many years, and that the male and female may live together in
the same weh in late spring and early summer.
Family Pisauridae Simon
Nursery web Weavers
Size ranges from medium to large in these eeribellate, trionyclious spiders.
The legs are long and tapered. There are eight dark homogeneous eyes, in two
rows, the posterior somewhat recurved. The powerful chelicerae have toothed
margins and are provided with boss and scopula. There are numerous tricho-
botliria irreguhirh' distributed on the tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi. These spiders
are active wanderers and do not construct a web to catch their prey, but they
build a nursery web about the egg sac and guard it until the spiderHngs leave.
Before hatching the female carries the egg sac in lier clielicerae, hokling it
against her stcrmmi.
Key to the Species of the Family Pisauridae of the Reservation
1. Anterior row of eyes recurved, the laterals near (less than a diameter
from edge of) clypeus Pclopatis undulata, p. 100
r. Anterior row of eyes straight, the laterals at least two diameters re-
moved from edge of clypeus 2
2. Height of clypeus less than length of median ocular area; three teeth
on retromargin of cheliceral fang furrow Dapanus minis, p. 91)
2'. Height of clypeus greater than length of median ocular area; four
teeth on retromargin of cheliceral fang furrow 3
3. Sternum marked with three pairs of black dots.
Dolomedes sexpunctatus, p. 97
3'. Sternum not marked with black dots 4
4. Femur of fourth leg in male having a ventral spinose hump near distal
end; median lobe of female epigynum much longer than broad.
Dolomedes urinator, p. JOU
4'. Femur of fourth leg in male lacking \entral spinose hump; median
lolie of female epigynum broader than long. Dolomedes tenebrosiis, p. 9<S
Genus Dapanus Hentz
Spiders of this genus are large, long-legged wanderers, usually found in
grassy or weedy places or occasionally in woodland. The median ocular area
is a little longer than wide. The anterior row of eyes is slightly procur\'ed,
and the eyes are subequal. The clypeus is higher than the diameter of the
anterior median eyes. The retromargin of the cheliceral fang furrow has three
teeth. The genus occurs in southeastern Canada and the United States.
96 Univebsity of Kansas Publs.. Mus. Nat. Hist.
Dapanus mirus (Walckenaer)
Scallop-banded Spider
Dulomedcs mirus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 357.
Pisaurina mini; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.), vol.
30, p. 15.
Dupamis minis; Bryant, 1941, Psyche, vol. 48.
Ideniifications.—MHM, RLC., AB.
Range. — Eastern United Statc-s in the Deciduous Forc.t Formation; recorded
also from Colorado.
Description. — Female, length 18, carapace 6.0, abdomen 12.0, extended
legs 62. Carapace reddish brown with fine streaking and reticulation of darker
brown; ocular area relatively dark, eyes rimmed with black; chelicerae reddish
brown with coating of long gray bristles; abdomen yellowish brown with broad
middorsal darker area, with faint dark streaks on sides, and with pubescence
of pale gray hairs. Both rows of eyes recurved, posterior more strongly; legs
reddish brown with paler streaks.
Male resembles female in most respects but slightly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — This large, slender spider is found in both
woodland and grassland; probably its preferred habitat is "edge,"
with brush and tall weeds. The species is not common on the
Reservation and in some years (for example 1954) none was seen.
A pair of adults was found together in a trap on May 30, 1958, sug-
gesting breeding activity. Nursey webs have been seen chiefly in
the latter half of June, a few in early July. Kaston ( 1948:296) stated
that in Connecticut the spider hibernates in the penultimate or
earlier instars, matures in April and may survive through the sum-
mer in the adult state. When her eggs begin to hatch, the female
encloses the young and the egg sac in a nursery web, and the young
remain there nine or ten days before dispersing. Observers in the
eastern states have noted that the terminal leaflets of poison ivy
provided a favorite site for the support of the nursery web. On the
Reservation I have never seen the webs on poison ivy, despite
the prevalence of this plant, but iron weed (Vernonia interior)
and awnless brome seem to be favored.
Genus Dolomedes Latreille
These spiders are large and dark colored, and usually stay near water or
in damp places. They are long-legged, running spiders in which the cephalo-
thorax is broadened and the abdomen is oval and relatively small. The eyes
of the posterior row are larger than those of the anterior row and are uni-
formly spaced. The anterior row is slightly recurved, and the medians are
larger than the laterals. The median ocular area is wider posteriorly, and its
maximum width exceeds its length. The clypeus exceeds the length of the
Spiders
97
median ocular area. The rctroniar^in of the chcIiciTal faiij^ tuirow has four
teeth. The genus is cosmopohtaii.
Dolomcdes sexpunctatus Hentz
Six-clotted Dolomcdes
DoUmu'dcs sex})ttnct(itus I lent/. 1845. lour. Boston Soc. Xat. Hist., vol 5,
p. 191, pi. 16, figs. 5-6.
Identifications. — AB, WjG.
Range. — Southeastern Canada and eastern United States west to Kansas
and Texas; Puerto Rico.
Description. — Female, length 16, carapace 9.0, abdomen 9.0, extended legs
68. Carapace dark brown, with pale yellow submarginal band except at pos-
terior end, and with narrow, faint, pale discontinuous mid-dorsal streak; ab-
domen dark brown dorsally, slightK' paler than carapace, and having dorsum
rimmed with pale band, constituting extension of submarginal band of cara-
Fir.. 43. Dolomcdes scxi)inictafits, female,
X 1.
pace, but broader and duller; four pairs of minute white spots on dorsum, each
narrowly rimmed with black; three pairs of black spots on stemimi; legs long,
powerful, and tapered, dark brown proximalh . paling distalK', with irregular
white flecks (see Fig. 43).
Male averages approximately half female's size, similarly marked.
8530
98 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Habitat and Habits. — These large spiders have been seen chiefly
at or near the pond on the Reservation, the diversion ditch leading
from it and the smaller pond on the Rockefeller Tract. The species
is partly aquatic in habits; it runs over the surface of the water
easily, and dives, retaining a layer of air in its hairy covering. It can
remain submerged for several minutes.
On December 3, 1954, an individual in the penultimate instar
was seen running rather slowly and heavily over the surface of the
water at the middle of the pond on the Reservation when air tem-
perature was 39°F. Kaston (1948:301) stated that in Connecticut
the species winters in the antepenultimate instar, that the males ma-
ture in late May, and that the females do so in early June. A female
captured on July 24, 1961, produced an egg sac on the following
day. For the following two weeks she remained in a characteristic
position grasping the sac in her chelicerae and often holding it in
contact with the water surface. On August 6 she moved higher
on a stick several inches above the water. On August 7 spiderlings
had hatched and were enclosed in a nursery web, which was kept
taut by the weight of the female. She had fasted throughout the
period of incubation, but began to take food after hatching. A
second egg sac was produced on August 28. On September 13 the
female with her sac was noticed on the netting at the top of the jar,
though previously she had sta>'ed in the lower part near the water.
On September 14 the eggs had hatched and the many spiderlings
were enclosed in a nursery web with the egg sac. A third sac was
produced in October.
At the pond, the bullfrog is seemingly the chief natural enemy;
the spiders have been noticed mainly at times when the bullfrog
population was low and they would seem to have little chance of
survival when the shore is lined with bullfrogs each ready to lunge
and gulp down any small animal of the spider's size that ventures
into the vicinity.
Dolomedes tenebrosus Hentz
Dark Dolomedes
Dolomedes tenebrosus Hentz, 1844, jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 4,
p. 396; pi. 19, figs. 10-13.
Identifieations.~TBK, RLG, AB.
Bange. — Known chiefly from the eastern United States, Init has been re-
corded as far west as North Dakota and Arizona.
Deseription. — Female, length 21, carapace 9.6, abdomen 12.0, extended legs
92. Carapace pale brown, darker at margin, with j^ale submarginal band;
Spiders
99
pale, >ell()\visli l)rown area just beliind iiosterior row of eyes and extending
as narrow hand to posterior part of carapace; abdomen with pale median
band dorsally enclosed in black area, with lateral pale marginal bands enclos-
ing, on anterior part; farther posteriorly are several faint dark ch(>\rons; legs
yellowish brown with dark gray annnlations (see Fig. 44).
Fig. 44. Dolomedes tenehrosus, female, X 1/4.
Nhde averages little more than half female's length, marked much like her,
but with more sharply defined pattern, with contrasting darker and lighter
areas; chelicerae each marked with wide black band medially.
Habitat and Habits. — These large dull-colored spiders have been
found near water in most instances, but the species is not aquatic
like D. sexpunctatus. Dark and damp situations, such as those
beneath bridges or culverts, or in rock piles, are preferred. On
December 6, 1954, when the air temperature was 30' F, one was
found huddled beneath a leaf at the edge of a rock pile near a
pond. When it was touched, it made barely perceptible movements,
drawing up its legs more tightly. In warm weather the spiders
lurk in corners and crevices by day and emerge after dark. An
100 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
adult female found in mid-July, clinging to the top of a concrete
culvert, was menacing in demeanor and struck viciously without
yielding ground when she was poked with a stick. Kaston (1948:
300) stated that these spiders in Connecticut hibernate as penulti-
mates, mature in May, and are to be found as adults through July.
Dolomedes urinator Hentz
Diving Dolomedes
Dolomedes urinator Hentz, 1845, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 190;
pi. 16, fig. 3.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, chiefly in the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Female, length 20, carapace 9.1, abdomen 12.5, extended legs
91. Carapace velvety brown, with faint paler markings behind posterior
lateral eyes and with pair of triangular black marks near center, anterior to
thoracic groove; chelicerae dark browii, with reddish-orange boss; dorsum
dark brown with three pairs of distinct white dots on posterior half, each pair
connected by dusky chevronlike mark; venter reddish ]:)rown, with two paler
longitudinal bands from corner of epigastric furrow to spinneret on each side,
nanowing posteriorly; legs dark brown with faint darker markings, having
undersides of femora densely covered with black hair making them appear
dark gray.
Habitat and Habits. — Only a single specimen of this large spider
has been collected on the Reservation. It was found at night
beside a wall on a concrete gully crossing. Earlier in the evening
it had been seen lying in the same spot. Kaston (1948:302) stated
that in Connecticut it is an uncommon species, found in ravines.
Kaston ( loc. cit. ) recorded an egg sac with 1,480 spiderlings, and
Bishop (1924:36) recorded a sac with 1,457 eggs.
Genus Pelopatis Bishop
These are medium-sized nursery web spiders having elongate bodies and
long slender legs. The anterior row of eyes is strongly procurved and the
posterior row of eyes is strongly recurved; consequently each of the four jDairs
is on a different level and seems to comprise a separate row. The anterior
lateral eyes are removed from the edge of the clypeus by not more than their
own diameters. The genus is monotypic and is known onl\' from the United
States.
Pelopat'- undulata (Keyserling)
Undulate Spider
Tetragonophthalnui undulata Keyserling, 1887, Verb. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien,
37:486.
Pelopatis undulata; Bishop, 1924, New York State Mus. Bull., 252:21.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Southeastern United States, from South Carolina and Florida west
to Oklahoma and Kansas.
Spiders 101
Description. — F'enialc, Icngtli 11, carapace 4, abdomen 7, extended legs 49.
Carapace uiarkedK' longer than l)road, Inning narrow black niiddorsal line;
sternum longer than wide, projecting posteriorly between coxae of fourth pair
of legs; abdomen more than twice as long as wide, grayish tan with darker
middorsal band; three teetli on retromargin of cheliceral fang furrow; tibiae
i)t first and second pair of legs each armed with five pairs of long ventral
spines; metatarsi of same legs each armed with four pairs of long spines.
Male resembles female but somewhat smaller.
Hiihitat and Habits. — This is a relatively rare .spider locally. On
July 31 an adult female carrying her egg sac was found in a weedy
barnyard area of the Rockefeller Tract, beside the concrete founda-
tion of the building.
Family Lycosidae Sundevall
Wolf Spiders
Size ranges from small to large in these ecribellate trionychous spiders.
The wolf spiders are ground-living and are well adapted for nmning. The
abdomen is oval and usually not much more bulky than the cephalothorax.
The legs are long and tapered. The eight eyes are homogeneous and dark;
the posterior row is so strongly recurved as to form two rows of two eyes
each. The posterior median eyes ( situated between the anterior row and the
posterior laterals) are by far the largest. The chelicerae are powerful, with a
boss, scopula, and toothed margins. The labium is free. The colors are
usually dull, with grays, browns and blacks predominating. There are numer-
ous trichobothria irregularly arranged on the tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi. Wolf
spiders with the exception of a few sedentary southern types do not spin webs
to catch their prey. Most are wanderers, but a few live in burrows. The eggs
are enclosed in a silken sac attached to the posterior end of the abdomen.
For a period after hatching the young ride about on the abdomen of the female.
Key to the Species of the Family Lycosidae of the Reservation
1. Dark V-shaped marking present on anterior part of carapace; cephalic
region not conspicuously higher than remainder of carapace.
(Pirata) 2
r. Dark V-shaped marking absent; cephalic region conspicuously higher
than remainder of carapace 4
2. Submarginal bands of carapace sharply set off from gray area mesad
to them 3
2'. Submarginal bands of carapace not sharply set off from adjacent gray
areas, with extensions branching into them . Pirata maculatus, p. 1 l(j
3. A thin gray marginal band on carapace Pirata iiisularis, p. 116
3'. No thin gray marginal band on carapace Pirata arenicola, p. 115
4. Labium usually wider than long; sides of face vertical . . (Pardosa) 5
4'. Labium longer than wide; sides of face slanting 7
•5. Length in adults more than 6 mm.; color predominantly gray.
Pardosa lapidicina, p. 112
5'. Length in adults less than 6 mm.; spotted with dull yellow 6
6. Abdomen mottled with yellow; no white hairs on palpal patella of
male Pardosa milvina, p. \\'.\
102 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
6'. Alidomen fim'K' dotted vvitli yellow; white hairs on palpal patella of
male Pardosa saxatilis, p. 114
7. Carapace dark and shiny Arctosa funerca, p. 103
7'. Carapace with dark and light markings; not shiny 8
8. Cephalothorax liigh in front, sloping gradually to rear; size large.
Geohjcosa missouriensis, p. 104
8'. Cephalothorax not so liigh in front, with a thoracic declivity; size
\ariable 9
9. Lanceolate dark mark middorsally on anterior part of abdomen.
Schizocosa avida, p. 117
9'. No such mark present 10
10. Abdomen pale brown with a l)road median light band for its entire
length 11
10'. Abdomen not marked as above 12
11. Dorsal abdominal band in adults encloses, on each side, a series of
small, oblique, light spots; venter not spotted with black.
Lijcosa ralnda, p. Ill
ir. Dorsal abdominal band not enclosing light marks; venter spotted with
black Lycosa punctidata, p. 1 10
12. Carapace having broad light colored dorsal stripe; size smaller (length
less than 18 mm. in adult females) 15
12'. Carapace having narrow light colored dorsal stripe or none; size larger
(length more than 18 mm. in adult females) 13
13. Carapace without a distinct median light stripe; ventral surface all
black Lycosa carolinensis, p. 1 07
13'. Carapace with a distinct median light stripe; ventral surface not all
black 14
14. Size larger (length usually more than 21 nuu. in females and more
than 16 mm. in males); middorsal light line on carapace largely lim-
ited to ocular ;uea; legs faintly annulate; venter mostly dark.
Lycosa aspersa, p. 105
14'. Size smaller (length less than 22 mm. in females and less than 13 in
males); middorsal light lines extending for most of length of carapace;
legs not annulate; venter pale, dotted with black . Lycosa heUiio, p. 109
15. Epigynum has lateral arms of guide deeply bifurcate; embolus of palp
bent in an angle 16
15'. Lateral arms of epigynal guide not bifurcate; embolus of palp evenly
curved 18
16. Color pale yellowish i>rown, with dark markings.
Schizocosa hUineata, p. 117
16'. Color dusky, grayish brown with dark markings 17
17. Legs faintly annulate; tibia of first leg in adult males has conspicuous
brush of black hairs Schizocosa crassipes, p. 1 18
17'. Legs not annulate (except sometimes those of first pair); no brush of
black hairs on tibia Scliizocosa saltatiix, p. 119
18. Tibiae of third and fourth legs each having basally stout and apically
attenuate bristle at base 19
18'. Tibiae of third and fourth legs lacking bristle (but bearing spine) at
base 20
Spiders
103
19. Carapace inarkcd willi Ijlark; legs distiiu ll\ annulate.
Arctosa nuctuuhunda, p. 10 1
19'. Carapace reddish brown, inunaculate; legs with faint annulations or
none Arctosa suhlata, ji. 104
20. Ahdonicn heavily marked with black anteriorly Ltjcosa gttlosa, p. 108
20'. Abdomen uniformh' colored, or with faint longitudinal mark ante-
riorly Ltjcosa avara, p. 107
Genus Arctosa Koch
Mi'Uibers of thi.s genus are relatively small. The carapace is glabrous or
nearh' so, sometimes shiny and of polished appearance. The third and fourth
tibiae each lack a true spine, but have instead an elongate bristle at the base
dorsalK'. The genus is almost cosmopolitan but is absent in the Australasian
region.
Arctosa tunerea (Hentz)
Lijcosa funcrca Hcntz, 1844, [our. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 4, p. 393:
pi. 8, fig. 11.
Arctosa funerea; Gertsch, 1934, Anier. Mus. \o\it., no. 693, p. 9.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Biome.
Description. — Female, length 4.4, carapace 1.8, abdc^men 2.3, extended legs
16.5. Carapace glabrous, dark
reddish brown, darkest in eye
region; dorsum of abdomen yel-
lowish gray, marbled with black;
N'enter tan clouded with gra\
pubescense; legs reddish brown
with faint, dark annulations, pal-
ing to lighter brown on distal
segments, having pale pubescense
and dark spines (.see Fig. 45).
Male resembles female in ap-
pearance, smaller by one-fourtli.
Habitat and Habits. —
These small and somewhat
secretive lycosids were often
seen running on or near the
sidewalks at the Reservation
headquarters, but they were
rarely found elsewhere.
Kaston (1948:321) stated
that in Connecticut the
species is found imder stones
in fields, along paths and
sidewalks, on shores and in saltmarshcs, and that maturity is at-
tained sometime in early summer — June or July.
Fig. 45. Arctosa funcrca, female, X 8.
104 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Arctosa noctuabiinda Montgomery
Trochasa noctuuhundu Montgomery, 1904, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila-
delphia, p. 301, p. xviii, figs. 9 and 10. ,-
Arctosa noctuabiinda; Gertsch, 1934, Amer. Mus. Novit. no. 693, p. 7.
Identification . — WJG.
Range. — Southeastern United States from Texas to Florida, and north to
Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 7.5, carapace 3.5, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
22.5. Dorsal coloration pale, yellowish brown and dark brown, nearly black,
former color in irregular middorsal area of carapace, constricted behind cervical
groove, and with five pairs of relatively small lateral spots, in middorsal area
of abdomen — chiefly its anterior half; and on legs between dark annulations;
ventral surface paler, with little dark pigmentation.
Arctosa sublata Montgomery
Lycosa sublata Montgomery', 1902, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, p. 539.
Identification. — WI.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 6.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 3.0, extended legs
15.5. Carapace reddish brown, flattened, eyes small, median groove dark;
abdomen pale yellowisli gray, spotted and reticulated with plumbeous, legs
yellowish brown, paler than carapace.
Habitat and Habits. — On July 10, 1952, three females with egg
sacs were found near together in small cavities in a decaying log.
When exposed the spiders remained motionless with legs drawn
up. No others of this species were found in the course of my field
work.
Genus Geolycosa Montgomery
Spiders of this genus are medium-large and are specialized for digging, and
spend nearly all their time in their burrows. The anterior row of eyes is
shorter than the posterior, and the ocular area occupies about half the width
of the head. The first pair of legs is heavy and powerful. The undersides of
the first and second legs have extensive black areas. The combined tibia and
patella of the fourth leg exceed the length of the cephalothorax in males, but
are somewhat shorter than the cephalothorax in females. This genus occurs in
the United States and southern Canada.
Geolycosa missouriensis ( Banks )
Missouri Earth Spider
Lycosa missouriensis Banks, 1895, Ent. News, vol. 6, p. 206.
Geolycosa 77iissouriensis; Chaniberlin, 1908, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila-
delphia, vol. 60, p. 242.
Identification. — MHM.
Range. — South-central United States.
Description. — Male, length 15.0, carapace 7.5, abdomen 7.5, extended legs
Spiders
105
34. Brown dorsally; posterior median eye row slightly wider than anterior
row; posterior e>e (jnadrangle wider than long; lower margin of furrow of
chelieera bearing three teeth; abdomen having faint dark chevrons dorsally;
ventral surfaces of body and legs buffy orange except that most of tibiae, tarsi,
and metatarsi are ])Iaek.
Genus Lycosa Latreille
The wolf spiders of this genus are mediimi-sized to large. Many are
wanderers but others make temporary or permanent retreats. The retreat may
consist of a natural cavity beneath a rock or log, which may be enlarged and
lined with silk, or the spider ma\' excavate a deep, tubular burrow. The colors
are usually grays, browTis, or tans with black markings. The first row of eyes
is shorter than the second. The tibia of the first leg is armed with three pairs
of \('ntral spines. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Fig. 46. Lycosa ^ulosa, fe-
male, X 2.
Fig. 47. Lycosa ptinctulata,
female, X 2.
Lycosa aspersa Hentz
Tiger-wolf Spider
Lycosa aspersa Hentz, 1844, Jour. Bo.ston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 4, p. 389,
pi. 17, figs. 11-12.
Identifications.— TBK, RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation; south-
eastern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 19.2, carapace 8.2, abdomen 11, extended
legs 69. Anterior eyes in straight row, directed anteriorly; clypeus not much
wider than eyes; posterior median eyes nearly twice as large as others, and
106
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
directed anteriodv; posterior lateral eyes almost behind posterior median, and
directed upward; carapace dark brown with darker markings, black in eye
region; pale yellowish hairs forming narrow median stripe from between pos-
terior lateral eyes to clypeus; faint
traces of pale stripe farther pos-
teriorly, in thoracic region; sternum
and ventral parts of coxae black;
abdomen dark brown dorsally, al-
most black, thickly clothed with
black hairs; venter dark brown,
paling to yellowish brown anterior
to epigastric furrow; legs dark
brown, with faint darker annula-
tions, joints between segments of
legs pale yellowish, contrasting
with dark colors (see Fig. 48).
Male averages slightly smaller
than female, and much paler; car-
apace yellowish tan along mid-line
and lateral margins, elsewhere
heavily marked with black; ab-
domen pale brown with black
spotting and stippling; legs pale
brown proximally but with black
bristles and darkening to black on
((^rminal portions; coxae, labium
and xcntral parts of chelicerae
black.
Fig. 48. Lijcosa aspersa, female, X I'a- .. , it,? r^i
Habitat and Habits. — These
large, stocky dark colored wolf spiders have been found in all
habitats on the Reservation but are most common in woodland
and woodland edge situations. The greatest concentration noted
was in the willow grove at the pond, where, on warm and himiid
summer nights in 1956, a continual rustling could be heard, as
the numerous heavy-bodied spiders foraged through the leaf litter.
Activities are chiefly nocturnal. In foraging, the movements are
rather slow and elephantine. Normally foraging is terrestrial, but
on one occasion in early June a female carrying a brood was seen
climbing to the top of a three-foot elm sapling. The prey pre-
sumably consists of the larger terrestrial insects. The spiders have
often been found by day beneath large Hat rocks, sometimes in
natural depressions, and sometimes in cavities of their own con-
struction. Also, the spiders often live in burrows away from
sheltering objects. The entrance may have a turret — an elevation
of soil, straws or twigs, which probably helps to prevent water
from draining into the burrow during hc^avy rains. Females have
Spiders 107
often been found in burrows with their egg sacs in May and June,
and many females carr\ing broods of young ha\e been cauglit in
traps in Ma\', June and jul\-. Kaston (1948:324) stated that in
C>'()unecticut mating occurs in fall. He recorded a female with a
brood of spiderlings in earh' June and another with an egg sac in
mid-August, and \t>ntured th(> opinion that perhaps two egg sacs
are produced in one season In' a female; he thought also that the
young overwinter in a half-grow n stage, and that individuals may
survive as long as three years.
The Great Plains skink is know n to prey on these spiders, l)ut on
the Reservation it is not sufficiently abundant to affect their num-
b(M-s appreciabh'. The five-lined skink {Euniccc.s fasciatus) preys
upon the young but cannot cope with the adult spiders. A large
wasp (Pepsis?) has been seen preying upon these spiders as well
as upon L. ruhkki.
Lycosa avara (Keyserhng)
Little Wolf Spider
Trochosa avara Keyserling, 1877, \'i-rh. Zool.-bot. Ges. W'ien. \ol. 26, p. 661;
pi. 8, figs. 38-39.
Lycosa avara; Banks, 1892, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1892, p. 66.
Lycosa riifiventris; Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 126.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 7.6, carapace 3.8, abdomen 3.8, extended legs
30. Carapace dull amber brown, with thin, dark Ijrown marginal stripes, and
pale, yellowish brown middorsal stripe; dorsum uniformly grayish brown;
venter amber; legs light yellowish brown with no dark markings; male similar
in most respects, but averages smaller by approximately one-third.
Habitat and Habits. — This is a relatively uncommon species re-
corded on few occasions. On March 19, 1953, two adult females
were collected from leaf litter under the edge of a log, in thick
woods at the foot of a north slope. On Juh' 18, 1960, one was found
carrying an egg sac. Kaston (1948:329) recorded egg sacs with
78 and 32 eggs.
Lycosa carolinensis ( W'alckenaer)
Carolina Wolf Spider
Lycosa tarentulu carolinensis Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Xatmellc des In-
scctes Apteres, vol. 1, p. 285.
Lycosa carolinensis; Hentz, 1842, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., \oI. 4, p. 230.
Lycosa pilosa; Craigin, 1885, Bull. Washburn Coll. Lab. Nat. Hist., vol. 1,
p. 146.
108 UNivERSi-n- OF Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Identifications. — TBK, MHM.
Range. — Much of the United States; recorded chiefly from the eastern half,
but also from Colorado, New Mexico and California.
Description. — Female, length 29, carapace 12, abdomen 17, extended legs
81. Carapace dark reddish brown with fine grayish pubescence; abdomen
dark brown, with obscure darker brown irregular middorsal band on anterior
half; abdomen with dense brownish pubescence; legs dark brown, unmarked;
ventral surface on sternum, coxae and abdomen black.
Male similar in most respects, smaller by approximately one-third.
Habitat and Habits. — This largest local spider is restricted to open
situations such as eroded fields and heavily grazed pastures. In
the late winter and spring of 1949 burrows were numerous in the
pasture on the west edge of the Reservation near the entrance gate.
In freezing weather of February and March, several of the spiders,
of different sizes, were dug out of open burrows that were ten
inches or more in depth. The spiders were dormant and were
capable of only feeble movements. In the following growing
season, with the removal of livestock and the production of a crop
of rank vegetation, this pasture no longer provided suitable habitat
and the spiders disappeared from there and from similar areas. A
formerly cultivated and heavily eroded upland field on the north
edge of the Reservation remained sparsely vegetated tlirough 1960
and a colony of the spiders survived there. Crickets (GrtjUiis) are
abundant in the habitat preferred by the spiders and may be one
of the chief food sources. Kaston (1948:323) stated that these
spiders lay their eggs in May or June, the young emerge in June
or July and are about half grown when they overwinter. Mating
occurs in fall and the mature males then die oft, but the females
may survive for as long as three years.
Lycosa gulosa ( Walckenaer )
Forest Wolf Spider
Lycosa gulosa Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 338.
Lycosa kochii; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.), vol.
30, p. 12.
Identificatians.— TBK, MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — United States, chiefly eastern states in Deciduous Forest Fomiation,
but recorded also from Utah and New Mexico, and south through Mexico to
Brazil and Peru.
Description. — Female, length 17, carapace 8, abdomen 10, extended legs 45.
Carapace dark grayish brown with tan dorsal stripe broad and faint anteriorly
in ocular area but becoming narrower and more distinct posteriorly; with two
faint constrictions near middle, bordered by dark brown zone; caraijace has
Spiders 109
sparse pale gia>' pubescence; abdomen brown with pair of irregular black
marks at its anterior margin and two less distinct irregular black marks behind
them; dappled on sides with pale gra>-, and dorsally on its anterior half has
two pairs of yellowish gray spots, anterior pair closer together; legs brown,
with covering of pale brown hairs and with numerous large l)lack spines (see
Fig. 46).
Male slightly smaller than teniale, having black markings more extensive
on abdomen.
Habitat and Ilahits. — These medium-sized wolf spiders are typi-
cal of woodland habitat and forage in leaf litter of the forest floor.
They ahoimd in all types of woodland on the Reservation, mature
late in fall, are active on exceptionally warm days, even in winter,
and mate in early spring. On the warm, humid evening of April 3,
1955, one was seen in the act of laying eggs. In the following two
weeks many others were seen with egg sacs, in their silk-lined nest
cavities beneath flat rocks. In 1957 females with egg sacs were
first found on April 10, the first warm springlike day of the season.
Females have been seen carrying young in early May. Kaston
(1948:328) stated that in Connecticut adult males were found
through the fall, winter, and spring to Jime, implying that they die
off by midsummer, but he thought it probable that females survive
through two years.
The five-lined skink (Eumcces fasciatus) is abundant in some
parts of the woodland, and ground-living spiders of this type are
known to make up a major part of its food.
Lycosa helluo Walckenaer
Li/cosa lielliio Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire \atnrelle des Insectcs Apteres,
■ vol. 1, p. 338.
Lycosa nicUcola; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.), \o\.
30, p. 12.
ldentijicatkms.— \:^\i, MHM.
Range. — New England south to Florida and west into New Mexico, south-
ward through Mexico to Brazil and Peru.
Description. — Female, length 17.5, carapace 7.8, abdomen 10.3, extended
legs 53. Carapace dark lirown, black in region of posterior eyes; thin yellow
line extending from cl>peus to posterior edge of carapace and pair of sub-
marginal stripes, which extend from beside posterior lateral eyes to posterior
end of carapace; sternum and coxae dark brown; dorsum grayish brown; venter
gray, with thick la\er of black hairs o\er lighter ground color; legs yellowish-
brown, lighter on undersurfaces, ha\ing gra\ish annulations.
Male little more than one-half female's length, lighter colored, with dense
black hairs on tarsus and metatarsus of legs of first pair.
Habitat and Habit.s-. — Except for its smaller size this species re-
sembles L. aspersa in appearance and is much like it in habits also.
110 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
L. JicJluo is less common than L. aspersa, and perhaps more re-
stricted in habitat. Many individuals were found on damp soil in
weedy vegetation at the margin of the pond. In late summer
females often were found with egg sacs. Usually they were under
logs, boards, or tar paper strips, in nestlike depressions lined with
silk.
Lycosa punctulata Hentz
Dotted Wolf Spider
Li/cosa punctulata Hentz, 1844, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 4, p. 340,
' pi. 17, fiss. 16-17.
Lycosa punctulata; Sclu'ffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 126.
Identifications. — TBK, AB.
Raufie. — Eastern United States, eliiefly in Di-eidiunis Forest Formation,
but west to the Rocky Mountains, and south into the Antilles.
Description. — Female, len,sj;th 1.5, carapace 8.0, abdomen 6.9, extended legs
47. Dorsal coloration pale, yellowisli-brown, but with longitudinal black areas,
one extending for length of abdomen middorsally and pair on carapace, sep-
arated by slightly narrower area of grovmd color medially, each bordered by
lateral area of same color slightly broader than middorsal area; legs become
darker distally; chelicerae black; ventral surface somewhat like dorsal ground
color, but sternum deeper brown and abdomen paler, spotted with black
(see Fig. 47).
Male slightly smaller than female; otherwise similar in appearance.
Hahifaf and Habits. — Because these spiders were long confused
with the much commoner Lijcosa r<i])ida on the Reservation rela-
tively little was learned concerning their habits. They were found
chiefly in grassland but in relatively open or barren situations as
compared to L. rahida, which prefers a tall-grass habitat.
On September 11, 1L'6(), when weedy vegetation was removed
from a small enclosure near the Reservation headquarters, many
adults and penultimates of these spiders were found to be present.
They exploited the opportunity to catch insects flushed out by the
activity of the persons; several wolf spiders were carrying prey,
mostly small grasshoppers. One adult spider pounced upon an-
other and grasped it at the base of one leg. The spider seized
did not struggle or retaliate. At first this behavior was mistaken
for predation, but later it was recognized as sexual behavior.
In late November, 1960, several adults were found active in a
pasture dominated by perennial tall-grasses, but having also patches
of bare ground and weedy vegetation. In late April and early
May, 1961, several of these spiders were active after dark, preying
on insects that had been attracted to lights at the headquarters
building. On June 7, 1954, a female was seen carrying an egg sac.
Spiders
111
Lycosa rabida \\'alckenaer
Rabid Wolf Spidei-
L'lcosa mhkla W'alckcnaer, INoT, llistoiic Natiiifllc tics Insrctcs Apteres,
■ vol. 1, p. .320.
Lycosa scutulata; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist ( Kansa.s State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 12.
Identifications. — Ml 1 M, RLG.
Ranfic. — K'no\\ii chirHy from the eastern United States, but recorded west
as far as .\rizona and south as far as Panama.
Description. — Female, ]en,u;tli 19, carapace 8.7, abdomen 10, extended legs
73. Carapace yellow with pair of broad dorsal brown stripes, enclosing pos-
terior eyes and extending to posterior edge; abdomen with dark brown median
stripe, flanked by two yellow stripes; dark
brown median lanceolate stripe encloses
faint paired lighter spots on posterior half;
\enter yellow with few brown spots lat-
i-rally; legs yellow, with faint longitudinal
gray stripes; body and legs slender and
elongate (see Fig. 49); male averages
slightly smaller than female with first pair
ot legs mostly black.
Habitat and Habits. — This is one
of the most conspicuous and com-
mon large spiders on the Reserva-
tion. Although characteristic of
grassland habitats, it is found also
in open \\ocdlands where there is
low herbaceous vegetation includ-
ing grass. It is about equally abun-
dant in tall-grass prairie and in fields
dominated by the introduced pastiue
grass, awnless brome. For a spider
of such large size it is an exception-
ally rapid runner. In open situa-
tions one of these spiders that has
been alarmed may abandon the run-
ning gait and progress with a series of long hops.
In general the life-cycle is synchronized with the seasonal cycle
but indi\iduals deviate from the main trend. Each year adults
were first noted in abundance in the latter half of July, when
manv \\'ere caught in reptile traps, liaving grown too large to
squeeze through the quarter-inch mesh of the traps. Most females
were carrying egg sacs in August and early September (earliest
record August 5, 1960 ) , and were carrying young in late September
Fir.. 49.
Lycosa rabida, teniale,
X 132.
112 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
and early October. On September 10, 1955, a female with her
egg sac was under a flat rock in a web-lined nest cavity. The egg
sac was 16 mm. in diameter and contained 259 hatchling spiders.
In March and April most of the spiders of this species seen are
young, two to tliree millimeters long, but a few are adults or
penultimates.
On numerous occasions these spiders have been seen carrying
prey, often small grasshoppers. Several times they have been seen
feeding on smaller members of their own species. The species is
a favorite prey of certain large wasps. The jumping spider, PJiidip-
pus variegatus has been recorded preying upon half-grown in-
dividuals. The Great Plains skink {Eumeces obsoletus) preys upon
both young and adults.
Genus Pardosa Koch
Members of this genus are medium to small slender-legged, wandering
terrestrial wolf spiders. Tlie colors are predominantly dull gray or brown,
marked with black. The width of the labium equals or exceeds its length,
and there is a basal articular notch about one-fourth of its length. The meta-
tarsus of the fourth leg usually exceeds the combined length of the tibia and
patella. The tibia of the first leg bears three pairs of spines, of which the
distal pair is by far the shortest. The anterior row of eyes is shorter than the
second row. The chelicerae are relati\ely small. The genus is cosmopolitan,
occurring even on New Zealand and several remote Pacific islands. A large
number of species conform to a holarctic distribution pattern. The genus is
remarkable in tliat many of tlie species occur in arctic regions or abcne timber
line in liigh mountain ranges.
Pardosa lapidicina Emerton
Stone Spider
Pardosd lapidicina Emerton, 1885, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6,
p. 494.
Pardosa lapidicina; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 14.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Northeastern United States from Maine to North Carolina, west
to Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and northwestern Arkansas.
Description. — Female, length 7.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 3.8, extended legs
35. Carapace grayish brown with lighter colored broad median band from
behind posterior lateral eyes to posterior edge, with several sharp indentations
along its borders, narrowing to about half its maximum width on posterior
part; submarginal light blotches on carapace; sternum pale brown, palest at
edge; dorsum orange-brown, spotted with dark gray; legs pale yellow with
dark gray anmilations; legs long, powerful, and evenly tapered (see Fig. 50).
Male slightly smaller than female, otherwise much like her in appearance.
Spiders
113
Habitat and Habits. — These wolf spiders are most characteristic
of rocky shores of lakes. They were abundant at several ]:)laces
on the Reservation, but these were separate colonies well isolated
from each otlier; at the old rock
quarry, the rock fill below the
pond, along a rocky stretch of
a di\"ersion ditch draining from
the pond, and along the rocky
margins of the small creek in the
southeastern part of the Reser-
\ation.
These are unusually hardy spi-
ders and may be active even in
winter. For instance on Febru-
ary 24. 1954, when air tempera-
ture was approximately 50 "F,
one was seen darting about rap-
idly among rocks in the sunshine.
In May most females are carry-
ing egg sacs. By late summer
the young are well grown.
The movements are so swift
that these spiders may be able
to escape most predators, especially as they Hve in places where
shelter is readily available. At the rock fill below the pond, five-
lined skinks were abundant and were seen to try unsuccessfully to
catch the spiders. On one occasion an adult spider was seen to
dart at another and dri\e it from a basking place on a rock. Pre-
sumably both were males as the\' lacked egg sacs, which were being
carried by most of the females.
Pardosa milvina ( Hentz )
Shore Spider
Lijcosa mihina Hentz, 1844, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 4, p. 392,
pi. 18, fi«. 8.
Pardosa milcina; Marx, 1890, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 12, p. 562.
Pardosa nigripalpis; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 14.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States and Mexico, southern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 5.3, carapace 2.2, abdomen 3.0, extended
legs 27.5. Carapace black in cephalic region and with broad, curved, black
Fig. 50. Pardosa lapidicina, male,
X2.
114 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
band on each side extending posteriorly to rear edge, joining there on midhne;
remainder of carapace — marginal areas on each side and middorsal bandlike
area — yellowish brown; abdomen slightly less bulky than cephalothorax, oval,
pubescent, black, mottled with yellowish brown; latter color forms broad mid-
dorsal band on anterior two-fifths, and four transversely widened spots on
posterior three-fifths, each spot contacting its counterpart on midline, and
having black dot in its center; legs powerful, long, and tapered, >ellowish
brown with many irregular faint gray annulations, and having long, slender
dark spines.
Habitat and Habits. — These small active wolf spiders occur in
a variety of habitats; they have been sifted from leaf litter in thick
woods, seen running on exposed rock face at the abandoned quarry,
and climbing on the outside wall of my residence. However, the
optimum habitat is the bare area left by receding water at the
edge of a pond. In such situations, both at the pond on the Reserva-
tion, and the smaller one on the Rockefeller Tract, the spiders were
abundant at all seasons. Often the population density averaged
several per square foot.
The spiders feed upon small insects such as grouse locusts, young
gelasticorids, various coleopterans and dipterans. Their movements
are quick and darting. When alarmed, one may travel even more
rapidly, in a series of long hops. Adults are present at all times
of year, and perhaps breeding occurs throughout the entire grow-
ing season. As in other wolf spiders, the egg sac is carried about
by the female attached to her spinnerets. Abundant egg carrying
adults have been recorded on such widely separated dates as April
30, July 9 and September 24. The cricket frog {Acris crepitans) is
similar in its habitat preference, and is one of the cluef natural
enemies, taking the spiders in large numbers.
Kaston (1948:335) stated that at least two cocoons per season
are produced, and he recorded numbers of eggs in six cocoons,
rimging from 32 to 93 and averaging 58.
Pardosa saxatilis (Hentz)
Boulder Spider
Lijcosa saxatilis Hentz, 1844, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 4, p. 392,
pi. 18, figs. 9-10.
Pardosa saxatilis; Chamberlin, 1908, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia,
vol. 60, p. 174, pi. 13, figs. 1 and 2.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, west to the Rocky Mountains.
Description. — Male, length 4.7, carapace 2.5, abdomen 2.2, extended legs
30. Carapace dark brown, wnth middorsal brownish yellow band strongly
Spiders 115
notched on each side, midway between eyes and median furrow; obscure
l)road dull \ellow stripe on each side near lateral margin of carapace; abdomen
dark grayish brown above, with, on basal half of dorsum, indistinct pale
lanceolate mark, and, on posterior half, series of faint, irregular, dark trans-
verse marks formed b>- confluence of sexeral spots; legs yellowish brown,
armed with man\' long dark spines.
Habitat and Habits. — This species was not distiiiti;nislied in the
field from the similar and more abundant P. milvina. While the
latter was exceedingly abundant about the margins of ponds, and
was also in various drier situations, P. saxatilis may have been the
dominant species in upland habitats. Kaston (1948:335) and
otliers ha\e noted such habitat differences between the two. Only
one specimen of saxatilis, an adult male, has been recorded from
the area of my study.
Genus Pirata Sundevall
The members of this genus are small active ground living wolf spiders
usually found in damp places, especially along edges of ponds and streams.
The carapace has a characteristic pattern, witli a light yellow band extending
from the ocular region to the posterior edge, and enclosing a dark V'-shaped
mark which extends from between the third eye row to the dorsal groove.
The anterior row of eyes is approximately the same length as the posterior
row. The labium is longer than wide. The posterior spinnerets are from I/2
times to twice as long as the anterior, with the apical segment distinct and
conical. The retromargin of the chelicera is armed with two teeth, and the
promargin vdth three. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Pirata arenicola Emerton
Sand Spider
Pirata arenicola Emerton, 1909, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., \ol. 14, p.
208, pi. 6, fig. 9.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 3.3, carapace 1.5, abdomen 1.8, extended legj
12. Carapace pale brown with black in area immediateh' adjacent to eyes,
and with narrow, dark ]:)rown V-shaped mark each branch of which begins
on medial side of posterior lateral eye; pair of dark brown longitudinal bands
originating lateral to posterior lateral eyes and running to posterior end of
carapace; abdomen slat>% mottled with pale brown mostly in small round
spots, but includes middorsal longitudinal mark anteriorly, and several broken
chevron-shaped marks farther posteriorly; legs pale browTi with barely dis-
cernible dusky annulations, and \\\{h occasional long black bristles and sparse
covering of fine hairs.
Male like female in most respects but shghtly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — This minute lycosid, like Pardosa milvina, is
116 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
most abundant along margins of ponds, but has often been found
also in leaf litter of oak and elm woods.
Pirata insularis Emerton
Insular Spider
Pirata instilaiis Emerton, 1885, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6, p.
492; pi. 48, fig. 8.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Female, length 4.9, carapace 2.1, abdomen 2.8, extended
legs 12. Carapace pale brown, with dark 1)rown covering anterior third and
with longitudinal extensions to posterior edge; these longitudinal dark mark-
ings bordered medially and laterally by somewhat narrower pale areas; ocular
region and thoracic groove black; abdomen oval, slaty brown, with broad
middorsal pale brown band, bordered with black, stippled with pale brown
dots; legs pale brown, with rather faint annulations, and with large dark spines.
Habitat and Habits. — This small wolf spider has been found in
leaf litter in woodland. One was carrying an egg sac on June 23,
1952.
Pirata maculatus Emerton
Spotted Wolf Spider
Pirata maculatus Emerton, 1909, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 14,
p. 209, pi. 6, figs. 10-lOb.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 5.5, carapace 3.0, abdomen 2.5, extended legs
28.3. Carapace with narrow marginal black band and pale reddish-brown sub-
marginal band, and with dark brown V-shaped mark on anterior half bordered
by pale reddish brown area; dorsum dark brown with many irregular reddish
brown spots and having pale reddish-brown band on anterior half; venter
light brown with dark brown dashes; legs pale brown with faint gray annula-
tions on femora and tibiae.
Genus Schizocosa Chamberlin
The ground-living wolf spiders of this genus resemble members of the
genus Ltjcosa in most respects, and they resemble also members of the genus
Pardosa. The carapace has a median light band almost as wide as the space
])etween the posterior eyes, and with nearly straight margins. The abdomen
has a median light band for almost its entire length and usually has a lanceolate
mark on its anterior half. The combined tibia and patella of the fourth leg
exceed the metatarsus in length, and also exceed the carapace. Members of
this genus are known chiefly from the United States and southern Canada,
but one species occurs in British Guiana, another in Central America, and
the widespread S. aiida has been recorded from northeastern Asia.
Spiders 117
Schizocosa avicla ( Walckenaer )
Lance Spider
Ltjcosa avkla Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturc^le des Iiisectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 322 (in part).
Ltjcosa communis; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 12.
Schizocosa avicla; Gertscli and Wallace, 1937, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 919,
p. 10.
Identijications.—T'&Yi, AB.
Range. — Occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada; also
recorded from the Kurile Islands.
Description. — Female, length 14, carapace 6.1, abdomen 8.1, extended legs
42. Carapace dark reddish brown, black in eye region, with broad pale brown
middorsal stripe from behind posterior lateral eyes to posterior edge and with
pale submarginal stripes; abdomen brown dorsally, with two yellowish stripes
con\erging posteriorh' and enclosing dark brown lanceolate mark, pointed
behind; legs dark brown, with faint, pale, gray annulations.
Male resembles female in most respects but smaller by approximately one-
fourth.
Habitat and Habits. — This large wolf spicier is characteristic of
barren fields in open places. On a few occasions it was found along
the edges of the pond, and on the road or nearby trampled areas at
the headquarters, but most of its population was limited to an up-
land area of barren eroded fields ( "High Field," Slope Field," "Low
Field") in the northeastern part of the Reservation, and similar
old-field areas on the Rockefeller Tract. S. bilineata and Lijcosa
carolinensis are similar in their habitat preferences locally. On
March 9, 1955, a series averaged 6 millimeters in length — a little
less than half the adult size. Kaston (1948:326) stated that males
mature in late May and are found through June, whereas the adult
females are found throughout the summer. He recorded four
clutches of eggs averaging 159 and ranging from 119 to 201.
Scheffer (1904:12) stated that in Kansas maturity is attained in
June. On one occasion I was bitten on the finger by an adult;
there was a sharp prick from the fangs and a sensation of numbness
that lasted only momentarily.
Schizocosa bilineata (Emerton)
Two-lined Spider
Pardosa bilineata Emerton, 1885, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 6, p.
496, pi. 49, figs. 4-4b.
Schizocosa bilineata; Chamberlin, 1908, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia,
vol. 60, p. 218, pi. 16, fig. 3.
118
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
IdcitlificatioiL — W'JG.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Male, length 4.4, carapace o.O, abdomen 1.6, extended legs
20. Thorax almost all chocolate brown, but with, on each side, arcuate
pale amber brown band, on posterior half, broader middorsal band of same
pale color; eyes rimmed with black; legs pale amber, with many large dark
spines; tibia of first leg bears brush of dark bristles; abdomen slaty brown,
and much less bulky than cephalothorax, and has grayish pubescence.
Habitat and Habits. — These small wolf spiders are uncommon,
and restricted in habitat. They have been noticed chiefly on bare
gully banks in an eroded upland old-field area near the northern
edge of the Reservation. Adult males have been seen in May
and early June. No females have been noted.
Schizocosa crassipes ( VValckenacr )
BiTish-legged Spider
Lycosa crassipes Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 323.
Lt/cosa ocreata; Scheffer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.), vol.
" 30, p. 12.
Scliizocosa crassipes; Petrunkevitch, 1910, Ann. New York Acad. Sci., \o\.
19, p. 222.
Identifications.— MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Chiefly eastern United States
within the Deciduous Forest Formation;
recorded also from Nevada.
Description. — Female, length 7.9, cara-
pace 3.9, abdomen 4.0, extended legs 29.
Carapace has wide middorsal light reddish-
brown band, narrow marginal brown
stripes, and wider submarginal bands hav-
ing darker brown blotches; abdomen
l:)rown dorsalh' with darker spots; venter
brown with darker brown spots at sides;
legs faintly annulated with black.
Male resembles female, but has con-
spicuous brush of black hairs on tibia of
first leg, and smaller brush on patella ( see
Fig. 51).
Habihit and Habits. — This me-
dium-small v^'olf spider is charac-
teristic of woodland habitats and
li\'es in leaf litter of the forest floor.
Fic. 51. Scliizocosa crassipes, t. ■ i .i t u i t
,9 It IS perhaps the most abundant
spider of its size group on the Res-
ervation. It is one of the few spiders that may be regularly seen
Spiders 119
active in midwinter. For instance, on December 26, 1954, at an
air temperature of 56° F with intermittent sunshine, the halfgrown
spiders wcmc noted in abundance, foraging in leaf htter. On Janu-
ary- .31, 1955, one was seen running through dry grass in sunshine
wlien air temperature \\'as only 40° F and patches of snow remained
on tlie ground, which was still frozen after two weeks of severely
cokl weather. Kaston (1948:315) stated that in Connecticut
spiders of this species overwinter in the antepenultimate instar,
mature in late April or May, and are carrying egg sacs in July and
August. The adult males, easily recognized because of the con-
spicuous tuft of black hairs on the tibia of the first leg, have been
noticed in large numbers on the Reservation in early June, which
seems to be the breeding season. These males are especially active,
continually exploring, with quivering motions of the pedipalps.
On July 22, 1954, many adults of these spiders, intact except for
having their rear legs clipped off, were found in the mud cells
of a small wasp.
Schizocosa saltatrix (Hentz)
Hopping Spider
Lijcosa saltatrix Hentz, 1844, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., \ol. 4, p. 387;
pi. 17, fig. 7.
Lycosa gracilis; Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 30, p. 126.
Schizocosa saltatrix; Chamlierlin. 1908, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia,
p. 215; pi. 16, figs. 2, 4.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, AB.
Range. — Chiefly eastern United States; recorded also from Nevada.
Description. — Female, length 9.2, carapace 5.2, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
31. Carapace chocolate brown with wide golden brown stripe from posterior
median eyes to posterior edge; lateral edges ha\ing pale yellow hairs; sternum
shiny light reddish brown; abdomen light brown dorsalK', with faint dark
brown dots and with dark brown areas on each side near base, formed by
abundant dark hairs; \enter brownish yellow spotted with dark browTi, paler
in area anterior to epigastric furrow.
Male similar to female in size and appearance.
Habitat and Habits. — This medium-small wolf spider resembles
S. crassipes and Lycosa gulosa in its preference for woodland habi-
tats, and like them usually forages in leaf litter. Because the chief
characters separating S. saltatrix and S. crassipes are evident only
in the adults, the species were not distinguished in the field on most
occasions. S. .saltatrix is slightly the larger, and perhaps tends to
prefer drier situations. In May, 1949, hundreds of adults of salta-
trix, mostly males, were caught in pitfall traps along the base of
an old rock wall near the top of a south-facing slope. Kaston
120
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
(1948:315) stated that this species overwinters in the penultimate
instar, matures in April, and is found in the adult state in late
spring and early summer. In eight cocoons there was an average
of 95 eggs (71 to 142).
Family Oxyopidae Thorell
Lynx Spiders
These are medium-sized ecribellate, trionychous spiders. The eight eyes,
all dark, are arranged in a hexagonal pattern. The anterior lateral eyes are
the largest. The clypeus is relatively high. The chelicerae have both boss
and scopula, are flattened on their anterior faces and the fang margins are
short and smooth (or with a single small tooth). The abdomen is relatively
small and tapers to a point posteriorly. The legs are spiny, and have tricho-
botliria in two irregular rows on tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi. These are remark-
ably active spiders, which make no webs but stalk and catch their prey by
running and jumping on low vegetation.
Genus Oxyopes Latreille
Members of this genus are exceedingly active and fast-moving spiders that
run and jump on vegetation. The colors are predominantly pale, with promi-
nent dark spines on the legs. The posterior row of eyes is strongly procurved,
with eyes equally spaced; the posterior lateral eyes are as far from the anterior
laterals as from the posterior medians. The lower margin of the chelicera has
one tooth. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Oxyopes salticus Hentz
Striped I-ynx Spider
Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845, Jour.
Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p.
196; pi. 16, fig. 10.
Oxyopes salticus; SchefFer, 1904, In-
dustrialist ( Kansas State Agr. Coll. ) ,
vol. 30, p. 14.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG.
Range. — Recorded chiefly from the
eastern United States, but known also
from Utah and California, and south to
Argentina.
Description. — Female, length 6.0, cara-
pace 2.6, abdomen 3.4, extended legs 20.
Carapace bright yellow with four dusky
stripes on thoracic region, those of one
pair on each side of thoracic groove,
those of other pair situated farther lat-
erally; black dots in eye region; black streak vdth spot beneath it on antero-
lateral cephalic region on each side; edge of clypeus with black dot above
cheliceral boss on each side; black line from each anterior median eye to
Fig. 52. Oxyopes salticus, female,
X2%.
Spiders 121
chcliccral fany; abtlonicn silver)- white dorsally, with dark lanceolate mark
anteriorh'; two indistinct dark lines Ijchind lanceolate mark, tapering off and
disappearing anterior to spinnerets; abdomen pointed behind; venter having
broad median black stripe bordered by .silvery white; legs yellow with con-
spicuous long black spines and with conspicuous black midventral line on each
of femora except those of fourth pair (see Fig. 52).
Male approximateK' two-thirds of length of female, with similar color and
markings except that tarsi of palps are clothed with dense black hairs and
abdomen is slaty with golden or purplish iridescence.
Habitat and Habits. — This lynx spider is one of the most abundant
grassland spiders of the Reservation. It seems to be somewhat more
numerous in pastures dominated by brome grass than in tall-grass
prairies. It is scansorial and saltatorial, climbing rapidly and jerkily
among stems and leaves, and jumping from time to time. In move-
ments it resembles some salticids, but is more slender and even
more active and catlike. No web is constructed; the spider is a
wanderer, and obtains its prey by stalking and pouncing. Adults
are present in abundance in May. A pair was found copulating on
June 9, 1953. Jumping spiders (PJudippiis variegatiis) have been
seen to prey upon lynx spiders.
Oxyopes scalaris Hentz
Gray Lynx Spider
Oxyopes scalaris Hentz, 1845, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 196;
pi. 17, fig. 4.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 7.3, carapace 3.5, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
27.4. Carapace tan with wide reddish brown stripe from ocular area pos-
teriorly along thoracic groove and another along each side; black markings in
ocular area; reddish brown stripe extending from posterior part of ocular area
anteriorly to distal part of chelicera on each side; sternum dark browTi with
pair of paler lateral stripes; abdomen pointed behind, yellowish brown dorsally
with anterior pale diamond-shaped mark outlined in dark brown and followed
by series of reddish-brown chevrons; venter dark brown with pair of lighter
stripes; legs yellow with pair of ventral reddish brown stripes on each of
femora.
Male smaller by one-third than female, w ith stripes less distinct, with whitish
scales in thoracic groove, indistinct chevrons on posterior iiart of abdomen,
and black hairs on palp.
Habitat and Habits. — This lynx spider is less abundant than the
smaller O. salticiis. Records do not show clear cut habitat differ-
ences; scalaris has been collected from grass sweepings, but has
been found especially on broad-leaved weeds, such as the milkweed
(Asclepius kansana).
122 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Family Gnaphosidae Pocock
Running Spiders
Size ranges from small to medium iii these ecribellate dionychous spiders.
There are eight heterogeneous eyes in two rows. The chelicerae have a boss
and scopula. The labium is longer than broad. There are numerous tricho-
bothria on the tibiae, one row on the metatarsi and two rows on the tarsi. The
body is somewhat depressed, the abdomen oval, flattened, and not much larger
than the carapace. The legs are tapered, and moderately short, spinose; their
order of length is 4, 1, 2, 3. The tarsi have scopulae. The anterior spinnerets
are cylindrical, longer and more heavily sclerotized than the posterior and
separated from each other by a distance about equal to the diameter of one.
Dark colors predominate. These are predominantly ground-living spiders,
nocturnal in their activities, hunting by stealth. Gnaphosids do not spin webs
for the capture of their prey, ]:)ut they spin delicate sacs for molting, hibernat-
ing or mating.
Key to the Species of the Family Gnaphosidae of the Reservation
1. Uniformly dark colored or black 2
r. Not uniformly dark colored or black 3
2. Tibiae of third and fourth legs each with two median dorsal spines.
Sosticus insularis, p. 128
2'. Tibiae of third and fourth legs each usualh- with only one dorsal
spine Zelotes hentzi, p. 129
3. Abdomen having distinct pattern of transverse wlaite bands, the more
posterior having a mushroom shaped extension. Sergiohis capulatus, p. 127
3'. Abdomen lacking transverse white bands 4
4. Abdomen having broad, dull white or pale gray longitudinal band,
sometimes discontinuous posteriorly Herpyllus vasifer, p. 126
4'. Abdomen not longitudinally banded 5
5. Retromargin of cheliceral fang furrow having a keeled lamina but no
denticles Callilepis imbecilla, p. 123
5'. Retromargin of cheliceral fang furrow having denticles but no keeled
lamina 6
6. Length more than 10 mm Drassodes auricitloides, p. 124
6'. Length less than 10 mm 7
7. Median ocular area wider behind than in front; anterior median eyes
smaller than anterior laterals; carapace conspicuously narrowed an-
teriorly 8
7'. Median ocular area as wide in front as behind; anterior median eyes
larger than anterior laterals; carapace not conspicuously narrowed
anteriorly Haplodrassits hicomis, p. 126
8. Abdomen pale grayish brown with no dark markings.
Drasijllus gynosaplics, p. 125
8'. Abdomen gray clouded with slat\- markings posteriorly.
Drastjihis dftiiliiuis, p. 124
Spiders
123
G(^nus C'allik'pis W'cstring
MeiulxTs of this genus are small, secretive, stocky, and rather short-legged.
The retromargin of the chelicera has a narrow keeled lamina, not serrated;
the posterior row of eyes is but little longer than the anterior, with eyes equi-
distant or the posterior medians farther from each other than from the posterior
laterals. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distrilnition.
Callilepis imbecilla ( Key.serling)
Velvet Spider
Pythonissa imbecilla Keyserling, 1887, Verh. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, vol. 37,
p. 427; pi. 6, fig. 5.
Callilepis imbecilla; Banks, 1895, Jour. New York Ent. Soc, vol. 3, p. 78.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Southeastern Canada, and United States chieflv in eastern half
but recorded from Colorado and \\'ashington.
Description. — Female, length 7.0, carapace 2.3, abdomen 5.0, extended
legs 18. Body stocky; carapace shiny brownish orange:
legs approximately same color, but suffused with
dusky; abdomen oval, much more l)ulk\' than cephalo-
thorax, dark purplish brown, posterior median eyes
well separated from each other, and almost contigu-
ous with posterior lateral eyes (see Fig. 53).
Male smaller than female by about one-fifth or
one-sixtJi, but otherwise resembling her.
Habitat and Habits. — This species is by far
the most common gnaphosid in the area of
m\ stud)-. In nearl\ all instances the spiders
were found on the undersides of hirge flat
rocks in cotton)^ cocoonlike webs. Upon being
disturbed the spider would desert its web and
run over the rock surface, with a rather slo\\-
and clumsy gait. The rocks beneath which
the spiders were found were in most instances
along hilltop outcrops, especially in open woods dominated by
chestnut oak. In a few instances the spiders were sifted from leaf
htter.
Genus Drassodes Westring
Members of this genus are medium-sized, long-legged, and pale-colored.
The posterior row of eyes is slightly procurved. The median ocular area is
wider in front than behind and the posterior median eyes are oval, oblique,
closer to each other than to the posterior laterals. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Fig. 53. Callilepis im-
becilla, female, X 4/2.
124
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Drassocles auriculoides Barrows
Drassodes auriculoides Barrows, 1910, Ohio Naturalist, vol. 19, p. 355,
pi. 15, figs. 4a-b.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — North-central United States: known from Ohio, Wisconsin, and
Kansas.
Description. — Male, lengtli 11.0, carapace 4.5, abdomen 6.0, extended legs
37. Carapace shiny pale reddish-brown, with fine
pubescence of yellowish-brown hairs; abdomen pale
yray with dense pubescence of yellowish hairs on
its anterior half, becoming sparser and almost lack-
ing posteriorly; abdomen elongate-oval, approxi-
mately twice as long as broad, with two pairs of
faint longitudinal ridges; legs pale orange-brown;
scopula extends for length of tarsus and metatarsus
of first two pairs of legs; anterior eye rovi^ faintly
recurved, and posterior eye row faintly procurved
( see Fig. 54 ) .
Habitat and Habits. — This species has
been noted on the Reservation on only a
few occasions. On May 21, 1953, a pair was
found together under a flat rock in grass at
the edge of woodland. The male escaped
from the web and ran rapidly; the female
remained quiescent. Another pair was
found under a board in late May, 1961,
the female enclosed in a delicate cocoon.
Fig. 54. Drassodes au-
riculoides, female, X 1/2.
Genus Drassyllus Chamberlin
Members of this genus are medium-sized, and have the cephalothorax of
dark brown or dull orange coloration, with no contrasting markings; the abdo-
men gray to black, the posterior eye row procurved, the posterior median eyes
large, oval and oblique, much closer to each other than to the posterior laterals,
with three to six teeth on the promargin of the cheliceral fang furrow, and two
to four teeth on the retromargin. The many species known are all indigenous
to the United States, but at least one has become established in Europe.
Drasyllus aprilinus (Banks)
April Spider
Zelotes aprilinus Banks, 1904, Jour. New York Ent. Soc, vol. 12, p. 110, pi.
5, fig. 7.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Northeastern United States.
Description. — Female, length 5.0, carapace 2.3, abdomen 2.9, extended legs
14. Carapace and chelicerae pale orange tan; anterior eye row faintly recurved
Spiders
125
and posterior row iainth- procur\(.'d; abdomen elongate, oval, little less than
twice as long as wide, well clothed with gray hairs, pale brownish gray an-
teriorly, darkening to slate on posterior two-fifths, and having three pairs of
widely separated pale streaks, spinnerets protrnding prominently at posterior
end; legs pale brown with grayish suffusion, bearing abundant pale hairs (see
Fig. 55). Male resembles female in size and appearance.
Habitat and Habits. — Several adults of both sexes were collected
from Berlese funnels in a large sample of leaf litter from the top of
a south slope at the edge of an abandoned limestone quarry, on
February 8, 1962. In March, 1962. a single adult was sifted from
leaf litter in oak-hickorv woods.
Fig. 55. Drasyllus aprilinus,
female, X 7.
Fig. 56. Drasyllus gynosaphcs,
female, X 7.
Drassyllus gynosaphcs Chamberlin
Rio Grande Spider
Dia.ssyUus gynosaphes Chamberlin, 1936, Amer. Mus. Xoxit., no. 853, p. 16.
Identification. — ^^■JG.
Range. — Known from lower Rio Grande V'alley of Texas and from Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 4.5, carapace 1.7, abdomen 2.8, extended legs
13.3. Carapace glabrous, shiny yellowish brown, clouded with faint black
markings radiating from thoracic groove; sternum glabrous light brown; legs
of approximately same color, but with tiliia of first nearly black, and tibia of
126 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
second somewhat darkened; abdomen pale grayish brown with faint iridescence,
having fringe of anteriorly directed black hairs at anterior end, paler ventrally
(see Fig. 56).
Genus Haplodrassus Chamberlin
The members of this genus are medium-sized and uniformly colored; the pos-
terior median eyes are oval and oblique, much larger than the posterior laterals
and much closer together; the promargin of the cheliceral fang furrow has
two or three distinct teeth, and the retromargin usually has two teeth. The
genus is holarctic.
Haplodrassus bicornis (Emerton)
Two-horned Spider
Drassiis ])icor)iis Emerton, 1909, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 14,
p. 218, pi. 9, figs. 2 and 2b.
Haplodrassus Inrornis; Chamberlin 1922, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, vol.
35, p. 161.
Identification. — \\'JG.
Range.' — Northeastern United States, southwest at least to northeastern
Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 5.0, carapace 2.6, abdomen 2.6, extended legs
13. Carapace yellowish brown, darker in cephalic region; chelicerae dark
reddish brown; abdomen tan, of furry appearance because of abundant short
fine hairs; legs light yellowish brown, near color of carapace but slightly paler,
without markings but heavily clothed with gray hairs, powerful and robust,
4, 1, 2, 3 in order of decreasing size.
Genus Heipyllus Hentz
Members of this genus are medium-sized, stocky, flattened, and fast moving,
of secretive habits. The gait is jerky and erratic. Usually the spider is seen
only when flushed from under cover, and within a few seconds, at most, it has
found a new hiding place. The cephalothorax is much narrowed anteriorly.
The clypeus is low, approximating in height the diameter of an anterior median
eye. The eyes of the posterior row are equidistant or the median eyes are
slightly nearer to the laterals than to each other. The posterior medians are
smaller than the posterior laterals. The dorsum of the abdomen is marked
with a light colored band. The genus is best represented in North Americ;'
but occurs also in South America.
Herpyllus vasifer ( Walckenaer )
Parson Spider
Drassns vasifer Walckenaer, 1805, Tabl. Aran., p. 46.
Herpijlhts vasifer; Simon, 1893a, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 1
(2), pp. 341, 373.
Herpyllus vasifer; Schefl:er, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 5.
Identifications.— RLG, AB.
Spiders
127
Fig.
Qi .
HerpijUus vasifcr. fe-
male, X 3.
Ranfic — ChieH> iMstciii I nited States, west to Montana, (Colorado, Utah
and Arizona; southeastern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 8.0, earapace 3.0, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
22. Carapace dark mahogany, black in eye region; sternum amber, lighter
than carapace; abdomen dark brown, with
broad cream-colored middorsal stripe e.x-
tending from anterior end for about three-
lifths of length with notch near its distal
end, dorsal white spot near posterior end;
\enter pale brown; legs dark mahogany,
similar to carapace (see Fig. 57).
Habitat and Habits. — The parson
spider has been found in a variety
of habitats and often indoors. How-
ex er, its favorite habitat seems to be
in open woods on large dead trees
having bark loosened but still cling-
ing. On many occasions the spiders
ha\e been found beneath such slabs
of bark, often enclosed in a fine, silky
cocoon-like web. For a gnaphosid
this species is remarkably swift. It
progresses in darting, jerky fashion with a swaying pause after
each forward motion. Kaston (1948:349) stated that in Connecticut
adults could be found almost throughout the year, and that hiberna-
tion is passed both in the adult state and in earlier instars; he
recorded 130 spiderlings in an egg sac.
Genus Sergiolus .Simon
Spiders of this genus are ground living, active, medium-sized, ha\ing bright
colors and striking patterns. Dorsal spines are lacking on the tibiae of the
third and fourth legs; the median ocular area is wider behind than in front;
posterior row of eyes is straight or slightly recurved. The posterior median
eyes are round. The fang margins of the chelicerae are unarmed, or there
may be a small tooth on one or both. The genus is widely distributed, occur-
ring in Australia and the Neotropical Region as well as in the United States.
Sergiolus capulatus Walckenaer
Variegated Spider
Sergiolus capulatus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Ap-
teres, vol. 1.
Sergiolus cariegatus; Schelfer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30(24), p. 4.
Sergiolus capulatus: Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah, vol. 8
(5), p. 174.
128
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Fig. 58. Sergiolus capulatus,
female, X 3.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation, also
recorded from Colorado, and from the Antilles.
Description. — Female, length 8.0, carapace 3.0, abdomen 5.0, extended legs
15.5. Carapace brownish orange; abdomen black with three broad white trans-
\erse bands, having irregular edges; middle
band has mushroom-shaped median extension
from its anterior edge; palps and legs of first
pair mostly black; other legs have black annula-
tions on distal parts of each segment; abdomen
oval, with spinnerets prominent at posterior
end ( see Fig. 58 ) .
Habitat and Habits. — This brightly
patterned gnaphosid has been found
chiefly in leaf litter in oak-hickory woods,
usually in the more open situations. In
size and pattern it bears a strong resem-
blance to certain small mutilid wasps,
and the similarity is heightened by the
spider's antlike movements. The spiders
have also been found under flat rocks in
cocoon like webs. Se\eral times they have been found climbing
on the outside walls of my residence and have even been found
indoors. Adults have been found chiefly in the latter half of the
summer. Kaston (1948:362) stated that in Connecticut the species
winters in the mature and penultimate stages.
Genus Sosticus Chamberlin
Spiders of this genus are medium-small, dark colored, and lack conspicuous
markings. There are two middorsal spines on the third tibia, and also on the
fourth. The promargin of the cheliceral fang furrow is armed with three
teeth, the retromargin with two (occasionally three). The posterior eye row
is straight. The median ocular area is about the same width in front and
behind, and slightly longer than broad. The posterior median eyes are slightly
oval. The few species are known only from the United States.
Sosticus insularis ( Banks )
Prosthesima insularis Banks, 1895, Jour. New York Ent. Soc, vol. 3, p. 78.
Sosticus insularis; Chamberlin, 1922, Proc. Biol. Soc. \\'ash.. vol. 35, p. 160.
Identification . — AB .
Range. — Eastern states.
Description. — Female, length 5.6, carapace 2.3, abdomen 3.3, extended legs
21. Carapace dark chestnut brown; legs same color proximally but pale to
hght brown on their distal segments; abdomen oval, but slightly tnmcate at
both ends, and slate-colored.
Spiders
129
Genus Zelotes Gistel
Mtmbi'is of this genus arc moclium-small, dark, flattened, short-legged
spiders of secretive habits. The anterior row of eyes is procurved with eyes
nearly equidistant. In both rows the eyes are subequal. The posterior median
eyes are circular or only slightly oval. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Zelotes hentzi Barrows
Zelotes hentzi Barrows, 1945, Ann. Ent. Soc. Amer., vol. 38, p. 75; pi. 2,
figs. 5-6.
Idcntificalions. — AB, WJG.
Range. — Eastern, southern and central United States.
Description. — Female, length 6.2, carapace 2.8, abdomen 3.7, extended legs
14. Body black or dark brown, legs paling to amber on their terminal seg-
ments; pubescense, sparse on carapace, where hairs are
directed forward, and heavy on abdomen; legs hairy and
having also many heavy spines; carapace narrow anteriorly,
much wider posteriorly; abdomen oval, and much bulkier
than cephalothorax; median bristles on anterior faces of the
chelicerae ( see Fig. 59 ) .
Male resembles female in appearance, but slightly
smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — These small, black shiny
spiders are adapted for a subterranean existence.
They have been found chiefly in the course of
excavating burrows such as those of the mole
(Scalopiis aquaticus) and vole {Microtiis ochroga.s-
ter). Also, they have often been found in the
soil beneath embedded rocks when the latter were
overturned. Numbers are especially difficult to
judge in such secretive animals, but presumably
these spiders attain high population densities as
they have been seen often. On two occasions in
September they have been found climbing on the
outside wall of the house after adjacent vegetation
was sprinkled. On May 11, 1955, one was found wandering on
the surface of bare ground beneath an elm.
Family Clubionidae Wagner
Sack Spiders
These are medium-sized to small ecribellate dionychous spiders. The\- are
slender, lightK- built and fast-moving. Some are pale and ghostlike in ap-
pearance, and others are shiny and iridescent. They construct no webs, but
live on the ground, often in surface litter, or on vegetation. The eyes are
Fig. 59. Zelotes
hentzi, male,
X5M.
5—3530
130 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
relatively small and homogeneous, arranged in two rows of four each. The
cheliceral margins are oblique and toothed. The anterior spinnerets are con-
tiguous or almost so, and are not more heavily sclerotized than the posterior.
Key to the Species of the Family Clubionidae of the Reservation
1. Pallid or cream-colored with no contrasting markings 2
1'. Not predominantly pallid, but with dark colors and/or contrasting
markings 4
2. First leg longer than fourth Chiracanthium incltisum, p. i:}5
2'. Fourth leg longer than first 3
3. Carapace and abdomen uniformly pallid Clubiona kastoni, p. 136
3'. Abdomen speckled with rows of faint dark dots.
Chtbionoides excepta, p. 1:^7
4. First leg longer than fourth 5
4'. Fourth leg longer than first 6
5. Posterior row of eyes straight, only a little ( less than one-fourth )
wider than anterior row; size smaller ( length less than 4.5 mm. ) .
Meriola decepta, p. 137
5'. Posterior row of eyes recurved, markedly ( more than one-third )
broader than anterior row; size larger (length more than 4.5 mm.).
Trachelas tranquilhis, p. 141
6. Tibia of first leg ha\'ing four or more pairs of ventral spines 7
6'. Tibia of first leg having less than four pairs of ventral spines 9
7. First eye-row slightly narrower than second; carapace uniform chest-
nut Scotinella redempta, p. 140
7'. Eye rows subequal; carapace yellowish brown with dark marginal
and medial markings 8
8. Third and fourth legs having dark spots; male having no brush of hairs
beneath tibia of first leg Phrurotimptis alarms, p. 139
8'. Third and fourth legs having no dark spots; male having a brush of
hairs beneath tibia of first leg Phmroiimpus borealis, p. 139
9. Endites each with slight depression on ventral face; posterior row of
eyes slightly recurved (or nearly straight); first and second legs lack
spines; smaller (length usually less than 5.5 mm.).
Micaria longipes, p. IcS
9'. Endites with no ventral depressions; both eye rows procurved; tibiae
of first two pairs of legs each having two to three pairs of ventral
spines; larger (length usually more than 5.5 mm.) 10
10. Extremely dark, appearing velvety black, with broad longitudinal
bright red band on dorsal aspect of abdomen.
Castiancira descripta, p. 132
10'. Brown, with light transverse bars on dorsal aspect of abdomen , . 11
11. Femora of first and second legs striped longitudinally with black and
white Castianeira cingidata, p. 131
11'. Femora uniform brownish 12
12. Paler, brownish orange Castianeira trilineata, p. 133
12'. Darker, deep chestnut, almost black 13
Spiders
131
lo. Pale tiuns\eise markings on abdomen sharpK' defined.
Castianeira vaiiatci, p. ]34
13'. Pale trans\erse markings on abdomen obscure.
Castianeira longipalpis, p. 1:33
Genus Castianeira Keyserling
Members of this genus are medium-sized, fast moving and antlike. They
live on the ground in surface litter, especially in leaf litter of deciduous forests.
The carapace is con\e\, about Wx times as long as broad, uniformly colored
(orange, dark brown or nearh- black). The thoracic groove is well marked.
The median eyes of each row are slightly larger than the laterals, and shghtly
nearer to them than they are to each other. The tibiae of the first and second
pairs of legs each have two or three pairs of ventral spines. The labium is
wider than long. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Castianeira cingulata (Koch)
Banded Ant Spider
Corinna cingulata C. L. Koch, 1842 Die Arachniden, vol. 9, p. 22, pi. 294,
fig. 706.
Castianeira cingulata; Simon, 1897, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 2,
pt. 1, pp. 167-172.
Castianeira hivittata; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist, (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 4.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — United States chiefly from the eastern part in the Deciduous Forest
Formation; southeastern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 7.5, carapace 3.3,
abdomen 4.2, extended legs 26. Carapace glabrous,
dark chestnut ( almost black ) ; abdomen dark reddish
brown, becoming darker distally; two white trans-
verse bands mark the abdomen approximately into
thirds; venter paler reddish brown; femora with alter-
nating longitudinal pale orange, and black stripes;
legs otherwise pale yellow, except those of fourth
pair, which are dark chestnut (see Fig. 60).
Male like female in most respects, but averaging
slightly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — This anthke clubionid
has been found chiefly in oak-hickory wood-
land, in leaf litter or beneath logs or rocks.
On September 25, 1952, one was caught on
the outside wall of the house when adjacent
vegetation was sprinkled. Kaston (1948:395)
stated that in Connecticut these spiders pass the winter as adults.
He recorded sacs containing 22, 30 and 24 eggs, and stated that
the eggs hatch in late April.
Fig. 60. Castianeira,
cingulata, immature
female, X 2.
132
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Castianeira descripta ( Hentz )
Red-banded Ant Spider
Hcrpylhis desciiptus Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. .5, p.
456, pi. 24, fig, 7.
Castaneira descripta; Simon, 1897, Histoire Natnrelle des Araignees, Tome
2, fasicule 1, Paris, pp. 158-160.
Castianeira crocata; SchefFer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 123.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Throughout most of the United States, southeastern Canada and
the West Indies.
Description. — Female, length 9.2, carapace 4.0, abdomen 5.2, extended legs
27.5. Carapace elongate, almost twice as long as wide, blue-black and
glabrous dorsally; abdomen black dorsally with broad, bright red, middorsal
stripe beginning about one-third of distance pos-
teriorly from base and extending back to spinnerets,
widening posteriorly; venter black, paling to reddish
brown in front of epigastric furrow; legs mostly
black, but coxae pale to amber, tarsi and metatarsi
chestnut (see Fig. 61).
Male like female in most respects, but averages
slightly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — These fast-moving
antlike spiders are more frequently seen than
any other clubionids on the Reservation, and
usually are in fairly open situations such as
edge of the rocky flat at the old quarry site,
or edge of the gravelled road in the vicinity
of the headquarters. They have been found
also in grassland (usually where the stand
is sparse, with open spaces) and in open
type of woodland. Normal progression con-
sists of a series of jerky, darting movements, interspersed with brief
pauses. During these pauses, the spider keeps up a nervous sway-
ing motion of its palps. The course is devious and the gait is slink-
ing, the spider tending to keep close to the ground, follows depres-
sions, and squeezes beneath any object such as a stone or leaf
which allows sufficient space. Much of the time the foraging spider
is out of sight beneath such concealing objects. The adult spiders
have been seen in greatest abundance in June, which seems to be
the breeding season. Gravid females have been collected in late
June and early July. In 1961 a female kept in confinement produced
an egg sac on July 11, a second on July 22, and a third on July 30.
The second and third sacs contained 26 and 19 eggs respectively;
the first sac contained fully developed spiderlings when it was
Fig. 61. Castianeira de-
scripta, female, X 2.
Spiders 133
opened on August i. Xo count ot tlicni was obtained as they scat-
tered in all directions, but this brood was larger than those produced
subsequently. In Connecticut Kaston (1948:396) mentions finding
mature males in July and August and mature females in August and
September, implying a later breeding season there. Because of the
spiders light build and shy disposition, relatively minute animals
probably constitute the prey. Individuals of C. descripta kept in
confinement panicked at any disturbance and were liable to escape
when the container was opened to offer food. They were seen to
feed upon small insects on several occasions. Always the prey was
taken with a sudden rush, dazzling in its swiftness.
Castianeira longipalpus (Hentz)
Long-palped Ant Spider
Herpyllus longipalpus Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5,
p. 457, pi. 24, fig. 4.
Castianeira longipalpus; Banks, 1910, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 72, p. 11.
Castaneira pinnata; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 4.
Identifications.— ELG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, chiefly in the Deciduous Forest Formation;
recorded also from Montana.
Description. — Male, length 7.7, carapace 4.0, abdomen 4.2, extended legs
17. Body velvety, dark purpHsh gray, almost black; legs of same color on
their pro.ximal parts, but first and second pale to light brown on their terminal
segments; less paling distally on third and fourth legs; abdomen approximately
twice as long as broad, its sides nearly parallel; eyes minute; front row recurved,
its eyes directed forward; rear row recurved, its eyes on top of carapace,
directed upward.
Female larger by one-fourth, otherwise resembling male.
Habitat and Habits. — This antlike spider resembles other mem-
bers of its genus in habits, and usually has been found in leaf litter
of oak-hickory woodland. Kaston (1948:396) recorded three co-
coons with nine eggs each, and two cocoons with eight eggs each
in Connecticut, implying a remarkably low reproductive potential
in this species as compared with that in most other kinds of spiders.
Castianeira trilineata (Hentz)
Three-lined Ant Spider
Herpyllus trilineatus Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 460,
pi. 24, fig. 18.
Castianeira trilineata; Banks, 1910, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 72, p. 11.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — United States, chiefly in tlie Deciduous Forest Formation.
134
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Fig. 62. Castianeira tri-
Jincata, immature fe-
male, X 2.
Description. — Female, length 8.2, carapace 3.3, abdomen 4.6, extended legs
25. Carapace shiny, orange-amber, dusky near margins; abdomen slightly
darker — reddish brown, with two distinct pale
transverse dorsal bands and with less distinct, shorter
liand behind them; venter amber; legs amber, un-
marked, but paling terminally (see Fig. 62).
Male resembling female except for slightly smaller
size and minor differences in proportions.
Habitat ami Habits. — This .spider is mod-
erately abundant in leaf litter of oak-hickory
woods, but has not been found in other
habitats. In size, coloration and behavior
it resembles the carpenter ant, Campanotus
castaneus, which is common in the same
habitat, l^ut whether actual mimicry is in-
\olved is uncertain. The spider has ne\'er
been observed in definite association with
the ants. It is exceptionally difficult to catch
because of its rapid and elusive movements,
and the abundant shelter providing easy
escape in the situations where it lives. The
adult spiders have been seen chiefly in May, June and Jul\ .
Castianeira variata Gertsch
Swaying Ant Spider
Castianeira variata Gertsch, 1942, Amer. Mus.
Novit., no. 1195, p. 6, fig. 21.
Identification — RLG, AB.
Range. — Recorded from New York, Connecti-
cut, Tennessee and Kentucky in addition to the
present record from Kansas.
Description. — Male, length 6.8, carapace 3.2,
abdomen 3.5, extended legs 20. Carapace dark
chestnut, almost black, with whitish pubescence;
abdomen dark chestnut, with minute white hairs
arranged in broad transverse bands; on venter
white hairs more abundant and generally distrib-
uted— not arranged in bands (see Fig. 6.3).
Female much like male but slightly larger.
Habitat and Habits. — This spider has
been found in drier types of woodland, in
woodland edge, and about the headquar-
ters area on the porch of my residence, on the gravelled road, the
sidewalks, and about logs and board piles. Like other species of
Fig. 63. Castianeira vari-
ata, immature female,
X2.
Spiders
135
CusticnicUa it runs rapidly and jerkily. In momentary pauses, as
it runs, it lias the peeuliar habit oF pumping the abdomen up and
down with a rhythniie. swa\ing motion.
Genus Chiracanthium Koch
Tile toriii i.s .slender; the coloration is pale, greenish, the first pair ot legs
being longer than the fourth; a thoracic groove is lacking; the eyes are sub-
equal; the posterior medians are nearer to each other than to the posterior
laterals; the chelicerae are long and powerful. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Chiracanthium inchisum ( Hentz )
Winter Spider
ClubUnui incluaa Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 451,
pi. 23, fig. 18.
Cheiracanthium inchisum: Simon. 1897, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees,
2 (l):79-8().
Identification. — HSF.
Range. — Most of United States; southeastern Canada; Mexico; West Indies.
Description. — Male (penultimate), length 6.2, carapace 2.3, abdomen 3.9.
Extended legs 20; slender, pale-colored, grayish-tan spider with black chelic-
erae; abdomen, viewed from above nearly oval, but blunth pointed posteriorly,
somewhat flattened in horizontal plane; abdomen more grayish than carapace
or legs, having many indistinct dark dorsal marks of \ariable size, arranged in
longitudinal series; carapace ha\ing pair of broad, dark
arcuate markings, each beginning just Ix'liind posterior
•lateral eye, and extending longitudinally, bowed out-
ward, to near posterior end; smaller dark marks behind
posterior median eyes; anterior row of eyes straight;
posterior row wider and slightly procur\ed; legs having
many conspicuous black bristles, and faint traces of
dark annulations ( see Fig. 64 ) .
Habitat and Habits.— On December 10, 1960.
one of these spiders was found wandering about
on newly fallen snow, when air temperature
was SO'^F. The spider's movements were slow
and mechanical. This was a penultimate male.
Kept at room temperature this spider molted
and emerged as an adult on January 3. In
early December an antepenultimate male was
found on the wall of a bedroom and voune
about one-third grown have been found in late Fig. 64. Chiracanth-
summer. Kaston (1948:369) stated that the %TJatfm!Z' xX
winter is passed in the penultimate instar and
maturity is attained in May or June. At least one member of this
genus, C. divermm of the southwest Pacific region, is known to be
136 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
dangerously venomous. Kaston (1948:42) stated that the bite of
C. inchisum ". . . is said to be no worse than the sting of a bee
or a wasp."
Genus Clubiona Latreille
Members of this genus are small or medium-sized, having the colors gen-
erally white, cream, or pale gray, grading into dark brown in the cephalic
region and on the chelicerae. The body is covered with short hairs that
give it a silky appearance. The posterior row of eyes is longer than the
anterior row, with eyes more or less equidistant in both rows, or with tlie
posterior medians farther from each other than from the posterior laterals. On
the first two pairs of legs the tibiae each bear two pairs of ventral spines and
the metatarsi each bear one pair. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Clubiona kastoni Gertsch
Kaston's Night Spider
Clubiona kastoni Gertsch, 1941, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1148, p. 14, figs.
37-39.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Recorded on the east coast from Maine, Connecticut and New
York, and in northwestern Oregon; perhaps occurs throughout the northern
half of the United States.
Description. — Male, length 3.7, carapace 2.1, abdomen 1.8, extended legs
10. Carapace uniform yellowish-brown, oval; legs pale amber; abdomen oval,
uniform yellowish-gray.
Female like male in appearance but slightly larger (see Fig. 65).
Fig, 65. Clubiona kastoni, female, X 4/2.
Fig. 66. Clubionoidcs cxcepta. female, X 3.
Spiders 137
Genus Clubionoides Edwards
In most respects the members of this genus resemble those of the genus
Cluhiona, but the male palp has a single flat retrolateral apophysis, the em-
bolus and conductor are relatively short, often hidden from view, and the
epig>num has a free anterior median scape. The genus has many representa-
tives in South America and Central America, and occurs northward across the
United States into southeastern Canada.
Clubionoides excepta (Koch)
Pallid Sack Spider
Cluhiona cxccpia Kocli, 1866, Die Arachniden-Familie der Drassiden, Heft 6,
pp. 293, 300.
Clubionoides excepta; Edwards, 1958, Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 118,
p. 375.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern North America in the Deciduous Forest Formation; West
Indies.
Description. — Male, length 6.0, carapace 2.7, abdomen 3.6, extended legs 15.
Carapace shiny, pale yellowish brown, darkening slightly in ocular region;
chelicerae light reddish brown; legs and abdomen similarly colored, abdomen
tan with salmon tinge, with fine pubescence, legs bearing heav>' black or dark
brown spines; five pairs of faint, dark markings dorsally on posterior third of
abdomen forming incomplete chevrons, broken in midHne and more distinct
distally; series of smaller and fainter dark marks on each side of chevrons
(see Fig. 66).
Female shghtly larger, more robust, with broader abdomen than male.
Habitat and Habits. — The only notes taken on this species of
spider on the Reservation pertain to one found crawling on the
ceiUng of the porch on the night of April 30, 1955. Kaston (1948:
373) stated that in Connecticut this kind of spider is found under
dead leaves, stones, and loose bark, and that it winters in the
mature and penultimate stages. He recorded counts of 95, 85, 56
and 35 eggs in different sacs.
Genus Meriola Banks
This genus is closely related to Trachelas, which it resembles except in its
smaller size, and in having the posterior row of eyes straight. Members of
this genus are known only from the United States.
Meriola decepta Banks
Lesser Broad-faced Sack Spider
Meriola decepta Banks, 1895, Jour. New York Ent. Soc, \ol. 3, p. 81.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — From Long Island and Florida west to Utah and Texas.
138
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Description. — Female, length 4.0, carapace 2.0, abdomen 2.0, extended legs
8.0. Carapace dark chestnut, legs amber — first and second pairs with slight
reddish tinge; carapace almost oval, widened in front; slightly smaller than
abdomen, which is grayish brown, with fine yellowish hairs on sides; in most
respects a small replica of Trachelas tranquilhis.
Male resembling female in size and appearance.
Genus Micaria Westring
Members of this genus are small, slender, and fast-moving. They resemble
members of the genus Castianeira, and live on the ground, especially in leaf
litter of deciduous forests. The abdomen has a constriction near its anterior
end. The endites each have a slight oblique depression on their ventral faces.
The posterior row of eyes is generally recurved, and the median ocular area
is wider posteriorly than anteriorly. The median thoracic groove is lacking
or only faintly developed. The labium is longer than w ide. The first pair of
legs lack spines. The retromargin of the cheliccral fang fmrow bears a single
small tooth. Iridescent scales are present on the dorsal surface, especially on
the abdomen. This large genus is of cosmopolitan distribution, but pre-
dominanth' holarctic.
Micaria longipes Emeiton
Long-legged Sack Spider
1890, Trans. Con-
8, p. 167; pi. 3,
Micaria longipes Emerton,
necticut Acad. Sci., vo
figs. 1-lh.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, chiefly in the
Deciduous Forest Formation; also recorded from
Utah and southeastern Canada.
Description. — Male, length 5.3, carapace 2.2,
abdomen 3.1, extended legs 12. Slender and
delicately built of somewhat antlike aspect; cara-
pace and legs amber; cephalic portion of carapace
somewhat iridescent and flattened, so that eyes
of both rows are directed both forward and up-
ward; abdomen yellowish-gra> , with constriction
near anterior end and more prominent constric-
tion slightly forward from middle; partial trans-
verse band of scalelike white hairs in each con-
striction, but each band broken in middorsal
region; posterior band more extensive; coating of
pale brown, scalelike hairs on sides of abdomen,
few present on dorsal part, scarce except in region
immediately behind posterior constriction, where
iridescent scales reflect brilliant colors.
Female resembles male but slightly larger (sec
Fig. 67).
Habitat and HahU.s
Fig. 67. Micaria lon-
gipes, female, X 6.
These minute, fast-moving clubionids have
Spiders
139
!)(•( n Idiind cliic'H\- in leaf litter in oak-hickor)' woodland. Also,
from tiinc^ to lime, they ha\ c been lor.nd climbing on the walls of
the residence bnilding aftcn- the adjacent lawn had been sprinkled.
Because of their small si/e the\ are easil\- ()\'erlooked, but the
technicjue of sifting from dry lea\es through a screen into an
enamel pan oficn repealed their presence in large numbers.
Genus Phrurotimpiis Chamberlin and Ivie
Members of this genus are small, secretive, and fast mo\ ing. The carapace
is brown or \ellowish with dark median stripes or spots and a black marginal
stripe. The anterior and posterior eye rows are subequal, the posterior row
straight or slightly procurved. The tiiiia of the first leg has four or more
pairs of ventral spines. The labium is wider than long, and not more than
half as long as the endites. The few species are known only from the United
States and southern Canada.
Phrurotimpus ahirius (Hentz)
Leaf Litter Sack Spider
HerpyUus alarius Hentz, 1847,
lour. Boston Soc. Xat. Hist.,
Vol. 5, p. 461, pi. 24, fig. 20.
Plirurotimpus alarius; Chamberlin
and Ivie, 1933, Bull. Uni\ .
Utah, vol. 2 (8), p. 34.
Icletit ification . — AB .
Range. — Eastern United States,
chiefly in the Deciduous Forest For-
mation; also in Utah.
Description. — Female, length 2.9,
carapace .9, abdomen 2.0, extended
legs 7.5. Carapace remarkabh' small
in proportion to legs and abdomen,
dark amber colored with a black
rim; legs paler amber; ocular region
dark brown, nearly black; both rows
of eyes straight, eyes relatively large;
abdomen grayish-brown; third and
fourth legs spotted with black; tibia
of first leg having five pairs of ventral spines (see Fig. 68).
Fic. 68. Plirurotimpus alarius, male,
X 10.
Phrurotimpus borealis ( Emerton )
Boreal Sack Spider
Plirurolithus alarius Emerton, 1890, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 8,
p. 189 (in part), pi. 6, fig. 5.
Phrurotimpus horcalis; Kaston, 1938, Bull. Connecticut Geol. x\at. Hist.
Surv., vol. 60, p. 194.
Identification . — A B .
140 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Range. — United Slates, chiefly east of the Mississippi River and north of
the Gulf States, and southern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 3.4, carapace 1.0, abdomen 2.4, extended
legs 11. Predominant color of carapace and appendages pale brownish yellow,
but carapace edged with black and clouded with black in indistinct broad
longitudinal band on each side; first row of eyes slightly recurved, directed
forward and upward: thoracic groove black; first leg of tibia black, except
for its pale yellow distal end; black overlaps onto patella, narrow black annula-
tion near distal end of metatarsus; legs of second, tliird and fourth pairs each
having faint black annulation on distal part of tibia and similar annulation
on metatarsus; abdomen grayish brown, finely stippled with dark dots, and
mottled with paler brown; tibia of first leg having on its underside series of
seven large spines, each about one-third length of tibia, and directed almost
parallel to it; five somewhat smaller spines on underside of metatarsus.
Male like female in most respects but averaging slightly smaller.
Habitat and Habits. — These small spiders have been found
mainly on rocky slopes in woodland dominated by chestnut oak.
Many have been taken from siftings of dry leaf litter. Many others
have been seen on the undersides of large flat rocks that were
turned. The quick and erratic darting movements of the spiders
made them difficult to capture.
Genus Scotinella Banks
Spiders of this genus resemble those of the genus Flinirotimpus in most
respects. The carapace is shiny, black or dark chestnut, with no contrasting
markings. The first row of eyes is slightly shorter than the second row. The
carapace is narrowed more sharply in the head region than is that of Phrtiro-
timpus. This is a small genus known only from the United States
Scotinella redempta (Gertsch)
Shiny Sack Spider
Phrurolitlius redemptus Gertsch, 1941, Amer. Mus. Novit., 1147, p. 2, figs.
15, 16, 18.
Identification . — WJG.
Range. — Recorded from southeastern and central United States; Washington,
D. C., Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, and IlUnois in addition to the present
record from Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 3.6, carapace 1.2, abdomen 2.2, extended legs
8.5. Carapace chestnut with no markings; abdomen pale yellow with pair of
large gray spots on its anterior half, and with six transverse gray bands on
posterior half, widened in middorsal region and merging into each other;
minute red dots scattered over dorsum but concentrated at its anterior end;
two pairs of well separated larger red dots near middle; legs slender, reddish
yellow, vAth heavy procumbent pale spines on underfaces — six pairs on tibia I,
four pairs on metatarsus I, fi\e pairs on tibia II, and three pairs on metatarsus II.
Spiders
141
Genus Trachelas (>ainbridge
Members of this peniis are secret i\e; the>" are nieclium-sized, and liave
shiny dark reddish brown carapace and pale gravisli or yellowish abdomen.
The sternum has a thickened edge. The retromargin of the cheliceral fang
furrow has two teeth. The posterior row of eyes is recurved. The genus is
cosmopolitan.
Trachelas tranquillus (Hentz)
Broad-faced Sack Spider
Cluhiona tranquilla Hentz, 1847. lour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p.
450; pi. 23, fig. 16.
Trachelas tranquillus; Marx, 1892, Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington, vol. 2(2),
p. 155.
Trachelas tranquilla; SchefFer, 1905, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 123.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Most of United States; Cuba.
Description. — Female, length 9.0, carapace 3.8, abdomen 5.2, extended legs
24, Carapace finely pitted, with fine pubescence, and with more conspicuous,
yellowish hairs in ocular region; legs shiny with fine pubescence; first and
second brownish red, third and fourth pink, darker at joints; abdomen oval,
pale grayish brown; anterior row of eyes straight; posterior row recurved, with
eyes about equidistant in their spacing (see
Fig. 69).
Male markedly smaller than female, but other-
wise resembles her.
Habitat and Habits. — Little was learned
concerning this species, as most of tliose
seen were in the residence building at
the Reservation headquarters. They were
often found indoors in September and
October. Several were obtained by
sweeping with a net in tall grass. Two
were found in rolled up leaves, and when
flushed from these shelters they ran
swiftly and hid in surface litter. Both
were found in a field dominated by awn-
less brome, on a south slope. In the late
summer of 1961, two were collected in
sweeping from tall grass and bushes. In
freezing weather, on November 28, 1960, after most kinds of spiders
had disappeared, a large female was found beside the kitchen
sink. When placed in a vial with the dried remains of tvvo smaller
Fig. 69. Trachelas tran-
quillus, female, X SJL
142 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
spiders, this one fed upon the remains, suggesting possible scaveng-
ing habits. Females have been reported as laying their eggs,
numbering 30 to 48, enclosed in a lenticular sac, in October and
November, in Connecticut (Kaston, 1948:381) and September and
October in Kansas (Scheffer, 1905:123). The species' habit of
entering buildings in autumn has been reported by several observers.
Family Anyphaenidae Bertkau
Ghost Spiders
These inedium-sniall, ecribellate, dionyehous spiders are close relatives of
the clubionids, which they resemble in most of their characters. The differ-
ences between the two groups involve mainly characters of the internal anatomy,
but in the anyphaenids the claw tufts consist of a double series of lamelliform
hairs instead of broom-shaped hairs as in the clubionids.
Key to the Species of the Family Anyphaenidae of the Resebvation
1. Spiracular furrow much nearer to epigastric furrow than to spinnerets;
eyes subequal Atjsha gracilis, p. l-!3
1'. Spiracular furrow approximately midway between epigastric furrow
and spinnerets; anterior median eyes smaller than posterior medians. 2
2. First pair of legs notably elongated, with tibiae longer than cara-
pace Widfila saltabunda, p. 144
2'. First pair of legs normal in length, with tibiae shorter than cara-
pace Anyphaena fraterna, p. 142
Genus Anyphaena Sundevall
These are medium-small, pale colored, long-legged woodland spiders. The
posterior row of eyes is straight or slightly procurved, with eyes approximately
equidistant. The median ocular area is as long as broad. The spiracular
furrow is midway between the epigastric furrow and the spinnerets. The meta-
tarsi of the first and second legs each have two pairs of ventral spines. The
many species of this genus occur chiefly in North America and South America.
However, there are othe'« in the West Indies, Europe, Asia and Madagascar.
Anyphaena fraterna ( Banks )
Pallid Spider
Gaycnna fraterna Banks, 1896, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc, vol. 23, pi. 63.
Anypliacna fraterna Simon, 1897, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 2,
pi. 96.
Identifications. — AB, WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Male, length 4.6, carapace 2.3, abdomen 2.5, extended legs 22.
Carapace dull white with a pair of faint gray longitudinal bands extending
for most of its length; abdomen cream colored, with several rows of faint
Spiders
143
gra>- dots and with a few long gia>- hairs and bristles; legs cream colored,
tinged with orange on tibiae, tarsi and metatarsi.
Female larger than male by perhaps one-fonrth (see Fig. 70).
Genus Aysha Key.serlin:2;
The pale-colored, long-legged ghostlike spiders of this genns are usually
found in woodland. The posterior row of eyes is straight or slightly procurved.
The eyes of the anterior rows are subequal. The metatarsus of the first leg
has a pair of \entral spines. The spirocular furrow is much nearer to the
epigastric furrow than the latter is to the spinnerets. One species inhabits
the Galapagos Islands, and others occur in North America, South America,
and the \\'est Indies.
Fig. 70. Amjpliat'na
fraterna, feiuale,
X2%.
Fig. 71. Ayslui gracilis, female,
X2%.
Aysha gracilis (Hentz)
Gray-dotted Spider
Chihiona gracilis Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 452,
pi. 28, fig. 19.
AnypJiacna rubra; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 4.
Aysha gracilis; Jones, 1936 Field Lab. 4(2) :70.
Identifications. — AB, WJG.
Range. — Known chiefly from the eastern United States, but has been
recorded also from Utah and California.
Description. — Female, length .5.6, carapace 2.5, abdomen 2.9, extended
legs 22. Carapace dull amber with pair of faint grayish poorly defined longi-
tudinal bands; eyes narrowly rimmed with black; chelicerae brown, becoming
darker distally; abdomen oval or elliptical, slightly less bulky than cephalo-
144
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
thorax, dull while, faintly speckled with pale brown, longitudinally elongated
dots, and with pale pubescence; legs dull white, translucent, with black spines;
first pair of legs markedly longer than others; male slightly smaller with longer
legs resembling her in most respects (see Fig. 71).
Habitat and Habits. — The species has been found on fohage of
trees and is partly arboreal in habits. Most individuals seen on the
Reservation were on or in an automobile that usually was left
parked beneath a large elm tree in the headquarters area. Kaston
(1948:405) stated that in Connecticut this spider overwinters in the
penultimate instar, under bark or dead leaves, and that most in-
dividuals attain maturity in early spring. He recorded clutches
of 134 and 196 eggs in June.
Genus Wulfila Cambridge
The woodland spiders of this genus are small, pale-colored, and long-legged.
The anterior legs, especially, are elongated and are at least twice the length
of the body. The posterior row of eyes is slightly recurved. The anterior
median eyes are smaller than the posterior medians. The spiracular furrow
is midway between the epigastric furrow and the spinnerets. Members of
this genus are widely distributed in the United States, but the species are
most concentrated in Central America and the West Indies.
Fig. 72. Wulfila
saltabunda,
male, X 5.
Wulfila sakabunda (Hentz)
Fohage Spider
Clubiona ? saltabunda Hentz, 1847, Jour. Boston. Soc.
Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 454, pi. 23, fig. 24.
AnijphaeneUa saltabunda; Brvant, 1931, Psyche, vol. 38,
p. 116, pi. 20, fig. 21.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Deciduous Forest Formation of the eastern
United States.
Description. — Female, length 4.5, carapace 1.9, abdomen
2.2, extended legs 22.2. Entirely white except for series of
paired, obscure dusky spots dorsally on abdomen; carapace
and legs somewhat translucent; abdomen opaque creamy
white; legs have numerous black spines (see Fig. 72).
Habitat and Habits. — In June and July these
spiders have often been swept from foliage of shrub-
bery such as dogwood or coralberry, or from elm
saplings, and they seem to be persistently scansorial
in habits.
Spiders 145
Family Thomisidae Sundevall
Chah Spiders
These are medium-sized to small ecribellate dionychous sjiiders, which have
the hddy flattened in a horizontal plane and are more or less crablike in
appearance and beha\ior. The first two pairs of legs are much enlarged, and
powerful as compared with those of the third and fourth pairs, and rotated
so that what primitively was the ventral surface is directed forward. These
powerful and usually spinose legs are used for seizing the prey, as crab spiders
construct no webs, but hunt by stealth and ambush. The eight eyes are dark,
and homogeneous, and are arranged in two rows, which are recurved — especially
the posterior row. The lateral eyes are elevated on tubercles, which may be
conjoined. The labium is free. The chelicera has a boss, but the scopula is
poorl\- de\eloi5ed or lacking.
Key to the Species of the Family Thomisidae of the Reservation
1. Legs not greatly disparate in size 18
r. Legs of first and second pair much larger and more powerful than
those of third and fourth pairs 2
2. Abdomen somewhat elongate, with a prominent dorsal tubercle near
the rear end Tmarus angulntus, p. 156
2'. .\bdomen relatively short and broad lacking a dorsal tubercle .... 3
•3. Tubercles of lateral eyes confluent 4
3'. Tubercles of lateral eyes distinct 8
4. CKpeus with a distinct white carina . Misumenoides formosipes, p. 148
4'. No clypeal carina 5
5. E\es of anterior row subequal; carapace and abdomen not spinose;
legs with few spines Misumena vatia, p. 148
5'. Lateral eyes of anterior row larger than medians; carapace and ab-
domen and legs spinose (Misumenops), 6
6. Dorsal spines on abdomen of female; male embolus not forming a
spiral Misumenops oblongus, p. 150
6'. No dorsal spines on abdomen of female; male embolus spiralled 7
7. Truncus of embolus free from pars pendula for most of its length.
Misumenops delphinus, p. 150
7'. Truncus of embolus in contact with pars pendula for most of its
length Misumenops asperatus, p. 149
8. Median ocular area longer than broad; two pairs of ventral spines on
tibia of first leg Oxijptila monroensis, p. 151
8'. Median ocular area broader than long; three or more pairs of ventral
spines 9
9. Claws on first tarsus have six or more teeth Stjnema varians, p. 154
9'. Claws on first tarsus have fewer than six teeth 10
10. Anterior row of eyes straight or almost so . Coriarachne lenta, p. 147
10'. Anterior row of eyes recurved (Xysticus) 11
11. Length more than 7.5 mm. in female and more than 5.5 in male;
legs with more abundant spines ( 15 on prolateral aspect of femur,
12 on ventral aspect of tibia, 14 on ventral aspect of metatarsus).
Xysticus elegans, p. 159
146 UNivERSiTi' OF Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
11'. Length 7.5 mm. or less; legs with fewer spines than indicated
above 12
12. Femora and patellae of first and second legs dark brown, the distal
segments paler 17
12'. Femora and patellae of first and second legs not darker than otlier
leg segments 13
13. Tibia of first leg lacking spines of prolateral and retrolateral surfaces;
metatarsus ha\dng only one spine on prolateral and retrolateral sur-
faces Xysticus bictispis, p. ] 58
13'. Tibia of first leg having several spines on prolateral and retrolateral
surfaces; metatarsus having several spines on prolateral and on retro-
lateral surfaces 14
14. Tibia having 5 pairs of ventral spines .... Xysticus transversatiis, p. Kil
14'. Tibia having 4 pairs of ventral spines 15
15. Prolateral surface of femur of first leg having ten spines; prolateral
and ventral surface of metatarsus having only two spines.
Xysticus triguttatus, p. 101
15'. Prolateral surface of femiu: of first leg having fewer than 10 spines;
prolateral and ventral surfaces of metatarsus having more than 2 16
16. Femur of first leg having 6 dorsal spines and 6 prolateral spines.
Xysticus lemniscatus, p. ! 59
16'. Femur of first leg having 4 dorsal spines and 4 prolateral spines.
Xysticus tumefactus, p. 162
17. Carapace dark reddish brown, lacking a distinct median band.
Xysticus peJlax, p. 100
17'. Carapace dark on sides, with a broad, pale middorsal band.
Xysticits texanus, p. 100
18. Carapace as wide as long or nearly so 19
18'. Carapace conspicuously longer than wide; abdomen at least three
times as long as wide Tibellus oblongus, p. 156
19. A dark lanceolate mark on dorsum Thanatus formicinus, p. 155
19'. No conspicuous dark lanceolate mark on dorsmii 20
20. Length less than 4.5 mm.; color coppery, metallic in male, milky
white and dark gray in female Philodromus marxi, p. 151
20'. Length more than 4.5 mm.; no metallic colors or white in pattern. 21
21. Abdomen less than twice as long as wide ... Philodromus pernix, p. 152
21'. Abdomen more than twice as long as wide . Philodromus pratariae, p. 15o
Genus Coriarachne Thorell
The members of this genus are typical crab spiders, with laterigrade legs
and with horizontal flattening of the body pronounced. The coloration is dull,
with varying shades of brown or gray which would render the spider conceal-
ingly colored against a background such as rough bark of a tree. The cervical
groove is well developed. The median ocular area is a little broader than
long. The anterior lateral eyes are relatively large, and the anterior medians
are nearer to them than to each other. The posterior row of eyes is recurved
with eyes almost equally spaced. The genus occurs in Canada, the United
States, Europe and Asia (including India).
Spiders
147
Con'arachne lenla ( Walckenaer )
Crevice Spider
Thomisus Icniiis ^^'aIckenacr, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 509.
Xysticus versicolor; Schcffer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 3.
Coriarachne Icnta: Clianiborlin and Ivic, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah. Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5), p. 156.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — New England states west to the Rocky Mountains; eastern part of
Mexico.
Description. — Female, length 5.8, carapace 2.6, abdomen 3.2, extended legs
16.5. Carapace mottled with sev-
eral shades of brown, dark brown,
at and near lateral edges of thoracic
region, and lighter elsewhere; eye
tubercles pale browii; carapace
with broad middorsal pale tan
band, flanked by darker brown;
abdomen truncate, broader than
long, broadest near posterior end,
having series of W-shaped cream
markings on tan backgroimd set
off b\- dark bro\\'n; legs hght brown
mottled with dark irregular spots;
middorsal cream stripes on femora
(see Fig. 73).
Male resembles female in most
respects but smaller bv about one-
fifth.
Fig. 73. Coriarachne Icnta, female, X 6.
Habitat and Habit .s. — Like Philodromiis pernix and Metacyrba
undata, this spider was most often found on the trunks of shag-bark
hickories, beneath the loose flakes of bark. Although this seemed
to be the preferred habitat, others were found on walls of buildings,
and one was on bare soil of a gravelled road. This one was guard-
ing an egg sac, which was attached to a pebble. Spiders of this
species are slow and sluggish, obviously relying on their effective
cryptic coloration for concealment from tlieir prey and predators.
Kaston (1948:419) recorded egg sacs in late July, with 61, 67, and
74 eggs.
Genus Misumena Latreille
Members of this genus are flower spiders, which ambush insects that come
to blossoms to feed, and are typical representatives of the Thomisidae. The
first two pairs of legs are enlarged and laterigrade. The body is depressed.
The color is predominantly whitish or yellowish. Both rows of eyes are
148 University of Kansas Fuels., Mus. Nat. Hist.
recurved (the second more strongly) with eyes subequal and equidistantly
spaced. The lateral eyes are on large confluent tubercles and the median ocular
area is broader than long, slightly narrower in front than behind. The tibia
and metatarsus of the first leg have strong spines on their undersurfaces, but
there are no spines on the dorsal or prolateral surfaces of any of the legs.
These spiders have an annual life cycle and mature in early summer. The
genus is cosmopolitan.
Misumena vatia (Clerck)
Smooth Flower Spider
Araneus vatius Clerck, 1757, Svenska Spindlar, p. 28; pi. 6, fig. 5.
Misumena vatia; Thorell, 1870. Remarks on synonvms of European spiders,
p. 183.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Holarctic; occurs throughout the entire United States, and in
(southward to ?) Peru.
Description. — Penultimate female, length, 5.9, carapace 2.6, abdomen 3.3,
extended legs 22. Carapace uniform pale tan, except for chalky white ocular
tubercles; no spines on carapace; three weak spines on femur of each leg of
first pair; dorsum glossy white; venter pale, marbled with white; legs pale tan.
Male approximately half length of female, with carapace dark reddish
brown, abdomen creamy white with pair of lateral red bands, first and second
legs reddish brown with yellow amiulations; third and fourth legs immaculate
yellow.
Habitat and Habits. — This is a typical flower spider, usually
found on yellow or white blossoms. There is some capacity to
change from white to yellow, or vice versa, depending on the type
of flower providing the background. The prey is ambushed, and
consists of a wide variety of insects including moths, butterflies,
flies, bees, and hemipteran bugs that visit such flowers. Some of
the prey taken exceeds the spider itself in size.
Genus Misumenoides Cambridge
The flower spiders of this genus are closely related to those of the genus
Misumena and agree with them in nearly all characters except that Misu-
menoides has a transverse, white, clypeal carina. The genus occurs in North
America and South America.
Misumenoides formosipes ( Walckenaer )
Ridge-faced Flower Spider
Thomisus formosipes Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insects
Apteres, vol. 1, p. 504, (pi. 418).
Misumena aleatoria; SchefFer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 2.
Identifications. — MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Entire United States, southeastern Canada, Kurfle Islands.
Description. — Female, length 8.9, carapace 3.2, abdomen 5.9, extended
Spiders 149
legs 28. Carapace pale green laterally with broad median white stripe; eye
region marked with bright red; abdomen creamy white, with three pairs of
large dark purplish brown spots dorsally, barely or almost touching each
other, converging anteriorly and forming
V-shaped mark; similarly colored irregular
dark band on each side on anterior half of
abdomen; legs creamy white (see Fig. 74).
Habitat and Habits. — This is the
commonest of the flower spiders. It
matures in late summer, and flower-
ing heads of composites such as
goldenrods, asters, sunflowers, flea-
banes, compass plants or ironweed
are its favorite haunts. Pastureland
and prairie provide the best habitat.
In late summer and early autumn
Fig. 74. Misiiinenoides formo- .in i_ j -.i • ^
sipes, female X 3. Hower heads swarm with msects
and the spiders hiding among the
blossoms are able to make captures easily.
Mating is known to occur in August and the lenticular white egg
sacs are made in September. There is a record of a sac with only
14 eggs, but typically there are at least 100 eggs.
Genus Misumenops Cambridge
Like Misutnena and Mistimenoides the members of this genus are also flower
spiders, and tliey resemble the representatives of those genera in most respects.
In Misumenops the carapace, abdomen and legs are spinose. There are spines
on the prolateral surface of the femur of the first leg, which are lacking in the
other two genera. This large genus is mainly neotropical, but several species
occur in the United States, one occurs across Europe and Asia, and there are
others in the Melanesian and Polynesian regions.
Misumenops asperatus (Hentz)
Bristly Flower Spider
Thomisus asperatus Hentz. 1847. Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5. p. 447:
pi. 23, fig. 7.
Misumenops asperatus: Simon, 1903. Histoire Naturelle des Araignees. vol. 2
(4), p. 1012.
Misumena asperata: Scheffer. 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 2.
Identifications.— TBK, MHM, AB.
Range. — Southern Canada and most of the United States, southward into
Costa Rica and the West Indies.
Description. — Female, length 8.7, carapace 3.6, abdomen 5.0, extended legs
25. Pale yellow, with pair of broad irregular brownish longitudinal bands on
carapace, nearer sides than middle; abdomen mottled with brown in some
150
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
individuals, and having broad red streak on each side anteriorly; ocular region
white, an alate white middorsal mark on carapace; legs pale yellow- with black
claws; tibia of first leg having se\'eral stout brown spines.
Misumenops delphinus ( Wiilckenaer )
TlioDiisus delphinus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Ap-
teres, vol. 1, p. 519.
Misumenops delphinus; Chamberlin and I\ie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. 8(5),p. 159.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Most of United States
(rare in northeastern part); British
Columbia; south through Mexico to
Central America and in the West
Indies.
Description. — Female, length
7.0, carapace 2.8, abdomen 4.0, ex-
tended legs 28. Carapace pale
brownish \ellow; legs slightly
paler; abdomen rounded, but little
longer than broad, dirty white, with
four faint gra\' longitudinal marks;
bristles on anterior j^art of carapace
and on abdomen; ventral spines on
tibia and metatarsus (see Fig. 75).
Male oiiK half to two-thirds length of female, resembling her in appearance.
Fig. 75. Misumenops delphinus, female,
X3.
Misumenops oblongus (Keyserling)
Misumena ohlonga Keyserling, 1880, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Laterigradae,
p. 79, pi. 2, fig. 41.
Misumenops oblongus; Petrunkevitch, 1911, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,
vol. 29, p. 413.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, and Cuba.
Description. — Male, length 3.0, carapace 1.3, abdomen 1.6, extended legs
17. Ivory-yellow, with annulations of brown on the proximal and distal parts
of tibia, distal half of metatarsus and distal third of tarsus on first and second
legs; carapace almost equal in length and width and has series of anteriorly
directed bristles, fomiing serrations along its edges; spines on abdomen and on
proximal segments of legs; abdomen oval, its length approximateh twice its
width.
Female somewhat more than twice length of male, otherwise resembles him.
Genus Oxyptila Simon
In most respects spiders of this genus resemble those of the genus Xijsticus,
but they are smaller, with relatively short legs. The legs have a few spines.
There are spatulate spines on the body. The carapace is usually slightly longer
than broad. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Spiders Joi
0-\> ptila monroensis Kcyserling
Monroe Crab Spider
Oxij))tila inoniocnsis Ke\seilin<j;, 1883, Verb. Zool.-bot. Gcs. Wien, vol. 3-.
p. 671.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Ontario and adjacent United States, south to Georuia and Alabama,
west to Missouri and Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 2.8, carapace 1.8, abdomen 1.5, extended
legs 8.7. Carapace reddish brown, with paler broad middorsal band; abdomen
dark gra\ish brown, clouded with black with faint paler transverse markings,
ha\'ing thick club-shaped hairs; legs yellowish brown.
Male not seen, reported to be similar to female, but markedK- smaller
(Kaston, 1948:420).
Genus Philodroinus Walckenaer
The members of this genus are small to medium-large crab spiders, lateri-
grade, with all the legs much elongated (the second pair the longest) and
uith body horizontalK- flattened. Some are specially adapted for living on
and beneath the bark of trees, others live on grass or bushes. The width of
the carapace equals or exceeds its length, and it is considerably narrowed in
front. The height of the clypeus is less than that of the median ocular area,
which is wider behind, and is as broad as long, or longer. The sternum is
broad and heart-shaped. The labium is longer than broad. Both rows of
eyes are slightly recurved; in the posterior row the median eyes are usually
nearer to the laterals than to each other. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Philodromus marxi Keyserling
Metallic Crab Spider
Philodromus marxi Kevserling, 1884, \'erh. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, vol. 33,
p. 677, pi. 21, fig. 25.
Identification .. — WJ G.
Range. — Eastern United States and southeastern Canada, chiefly or entirely
within the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Male, length 2.9, carapace 1.4, abdomen 1.5, extended legs
1-5.7. Carapace reddish brown, heavily stippled with dark brown except in
middorsal area; abdomen coppery brown dorsally, clouded with darker pig-
ment, marked with dark brown on sides, and pale ventrally; both abdomen
and carapace som'-what iridescent dorsally; legs pale brownish yellow on
proximal portions, darkening to chestnut distally, with many long spines and
dark hairs; anterior median eyes widely separated, each near anterior lateral
eye, which is anterior and lateral to it.
Female, length 3.3, carapace 1.3, abdomen 1.9, extended legs 11.7; milky
white but with dark brown areas on sides of carapace and abdomen, and
with sparse dark brown stippling on legs.
Habitat and Habits. — This small crab spider is not common but
has been seen occasionally in open areas near the Reservation head-
152 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
quarters. The males dart about erratically with remarkable speed
and persistence, running up and down stems and quartering back
and forth over the ground surface. They have been seen chiefly in
June and July.
Philodronius pernix Blackwall
Hickory Bark Crab Spider
Philodromus pernix Blackwall. 1846. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. 17. p. 38.
vol. 30, p. 3.
Philodromus vulgaris; Scheffer. 1904. Industrialist (Kansas State Agric.
College), vol. 30, p. 3.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Kurile Islands; United States, chiefly in eastern half, but recorded
also from Utah and California: southern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 8.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 4.9, extended legs
38. Carapace shiny browTi, paler in area between cephalic groove and posterior
row of eyes, and has sparse pubescence: abdomen dark grayish brown with
dense covering of short, light brown hairs; legs pale tan, stippled with dark
brown; individual dots elongated in direction of long axis of leg; besides
numerous dots legs have larger dark spots and areas which are not sharply
defined; suffusion of dark pigment in vicinity of each joint.
Carapace slightly wider than long; abdomen narrower than carapace, high
in front and rear but bowed at center, where pair of large pit-like depressions
is situated; abdomen widest at point slightly more than three-fourths of distance
back from anterior end; it tapers to a blunt point posteriorly (see Fig. 76).
. V / /
V V
/ /
^^■^IIH^^^H
V / '^
■^ " -■- ^.^
affli*!SL ^.■■'
■■ ■ ■ - f^|^Mi|IHP*B|||^^^B
'^^K
FJ'**at*'^'
\^00KI^^
WM
"*■•*'»— ^
, V
.^
^i»-«
Fk;. 76. Philodronius pernix, female, X 2/2.
Habitat and Habits. — This is a scansorial crab spider. On the
Reservation, most of those seen were on the tnmks of hickories
(Carija ovata). In its dull gray color matching that of the bark,
flattened form permitting it to squeeze into crevices beneath slabs
of bark, and skill in climbing and clinging to the vertical trunks,
Spiders 153
the spider is admirably adapted for lite in this situation. It is
difiRcult to eollect; when exposed by the removal of a slab of bark,
the spider will dart into a new hiding place beneath another slab
or drop to the ground and conceal itself in leaf litter. Most of the
spiders collected were penultimates, obtained in winter when they
were relati\ely slow in their movements and could be caught more
easily than at other times. These wintering spiders were in rather
exposed situations, and were not enclosed in cocoons. Kaston
(1948:431) stated that in Connecticut maturity is attained in early
April and the adults survive through October. On July 8, 1960. a
female was found beside her egg sac under a strip of bark. In
contrast to the usual behavior, she did not try to escape. Kaston
(loc. cit.) stated that females produce two to five egg sacs in the
course of a season, the earl\ sacs containing 40 to 50 eggs and the
late sacs as few as seven.
Philodromus pratariae (Scheffer)
Prairie Crab Spider
Philodromoides pratariae. Scheffer. 1905. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci.. vol. 20.
p. 122.
Identification. — HSF.
Range. — Recorded from the eastern parts of Nebraska, Kansas and Okla-
homa, and perhaps occurs also in neighboring states that have extensive
tall-grass prairie habitat.
Description. — Male, length 4.6, carapace 2.0, abdomen 2.6, extended legs
23.5. Carapace pale brownish j'ellow, with
two pairs of chocolate colored longitudinal
bands; outer bands narrow and broken; inner
bands broad, slightly wider than pale mid-
dorsal area between them and about tw^cc
as wide as pale areas separating them from
outer bands; eyes rimmed with black; ab-
domen colored similarly to carapace witli
two pairs of chocolate colored bands con-
tinuing onto it; broader bands gradually
converge and join behind center; each broad
band has small black spot on anterior part
of abdomen; paler area lateral to each broad
band faintly reticulated, and posteriorly i- r,« dj •; ? . •
,, , .1,11, , ,, „ , Fio.li. Fmiodromus pratariae,
speckled with black; legs dull yellow, choco- female X 3-
late colored beneath, and with pair of nar-
row crimson longitudinal streaks dorsally; palps and chelicerae speckled with
black; sternum mostly dark brown with pale central area; ventnim reticulate;
first row of eyes strongly procurved, second row even more strongly recurved.
Female resembles male but slightly larger and more robust (see Fig. 77).
154 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Habitat and Habits. — These spiders seem to be typical of a tall-
grass prairie habitat. They have been mentioned only a few times
in the literature. Scheffer (1905:122) reported these spiders to be
fairly common in the vicinity of Manhattan in prairie habitat in
mid-summer. He collected adults of both sexes on August 17.
Banks, Newport and Bird (1932:28) found the speices in prairie
habitat in Oklahoma.
On the Reservation the species was overlooked until August 23,
1960, when it was found to be the most abundant kind of adult
spider in an upland area of re-established prairie on the north edge
of the Reservation. On September 10, 1960, a series of a dozen
adult females were collected by sweeping tall prairie grass on
original prairie of the Rockefeller Tract, and adjacent re-established
prairie. These spiders were sluggish, and when swept up in a
net they would "play possum" remaining motionless for a long
time in bits of debris. Often they were overlooked until they
moved. The mo\'ements were fairly rapid but much less so than
those of Fhilodromus pcrnix. One spider pounced upon a leaf-
hopper and then rolled over on its back and lay motionless ap-
parently feeding on its victim. One that crawled onto a twig ex-
tended its legs anteriorly and posteriorly, pressed along the twig,
so that it was well concealed.
Genus Synema Simon
The members of this genus are typical crab spiders. The l^ody is flattened,
the legs are laterigrade, tliere is no cervical groove. The posterior row of eyes
is strongly recur\ed, the anterior row mucli less so. In each row the eyes are
almost equally spaced. The lateral eyes are on subequal distinct tubercles.
The median ocular area is broader than long, and narrower in front than
behind. The width of the carapace equals or exceeds its length. The genus
is cosmopolitan.
Synema varians ( Walckenaer)
Thomisiis varians Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 504.
Synema varians, Chaniberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol. Sen,
vol. 8, p. 163.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Eastern United States; Mexico.
Description. — Female (immature), length 2.8, carapace 1.2, abdomen 1..5,
extended legs 11. (Adult length 4.5 to 5.0 according to Kaston, 1948:417.)
Carapace yellowish brown, abdomen yellowish gray with broad black band
across its posterior fourth; concave on its anterior edge; legs dull yellow with
faint darker annulations.
Spiders
155
Genus Thanatus Koch
The im'inbers of this genus are medium-small ground-living crab spiders in
which the legs are not strongh' laterigrade and the appearance is rather lycosid-
like. The legs are all nearly equal in length, the second and fourth both
exceeding the first. Both carapace and abdomen are somewhat longer than
wide. The e\es are subequal. The first leg has three pairs of ventral spines
on the tibia and two on the metatarsus. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Thanatus formicinus ( Clerck )
Aranciis formicinus Clerck, 1757, Svenska Spindlar, p. 134; pi. 6, table 2.
Tluinatiis formicinus; Koch, 1837, Uebersieht des Arachnidensystems, p. 28.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Holarctic; found throughout the United States.
Description. — Female, length 6.0, carapace 2.8, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
24. Predominantly grayish brown; broad middorsal band on carapace, pale
tan because of its dense co\ering of hairs of that color, with darker area on
either side; eyes subequal; abdomen has slender black lanceolate mark, ex-
tending little more than halfwa\' back from anterior end, ha\ing irregular edges,
and margined with yellowish gra>'; on posterior
part of abdomen pair of well separated dark longi-
tudinal streaks having tlieir lateral edges notched.
Nhile, length 4.5, carapace 2.0, abdomen 2.5, ex-
tended legs 18. Coloration and general proportions
essentially similar in both sexes (see Fig. 78).
Habitat and Habits. — These spiders were
found only in grassland, either in tall-grass
prairie or in brome pastures. The\- were
usually seen on the ground or in dead \ ege-
tation of the ground litter, but occasionalh-
were climbing on living plants. Their move-
ments were brisk and active; they seemed to
lack the furtive behavior and secreti\ e hab-
its of most other crab spiders. On July 29
and 30, 1954, females were collected with
their egg sacs, both on leaves of ironweed
(Vernonia interior) about two feet above
the ground. Kaston (1948:438) stated tliat in Connecticut adults
were collected in fall, spring and early summer, and he believed that
hibernation occurred in the adult and penultimate instars. On the
Reserxation on May 20, 1954, an adult female was found carrying
and feeding upon a smaller spider, an immature Castianeira de-
scripta.
Genus Tibellus Simon
Members of this genus are elongate crab spiders adapted to a habitat of
tall grass. The body is not much flattened but the abdomen is remarkabh'
Fig. 78. Thanatus formi-
cinus, male, X 3.
156
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
elongate and cylindrical and the legs are moderately long. The color is pale,
yellowish or grayish, with longitudinal dark marks. Both rows of eyes are
recurved, the eyes are small and subequal, the median ocular area is narrowed
anteriorly and its width equals or exceeds its length. In order of length the
legs are 2, 4, 1, 3. The chelicera has two teeth on the promargin
and none on the retromargin. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Tibellus oblongus (Walckenaer)
Aianea ohlonga Walckenaer 1802 Faune Parisienne, Ins. 11:228.
Tibellus ohlongtts; Simon, 1875, Les Arachnides de France.
Tome 2, pp. 311-360.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Europe, Asia, Alaska, Canada and United States.
Description. — Female length 10.0, carapace 4.2, abdomen 6.5,
extended legs 31. Ivory yellow with faint brownish suflFusion;
brown band extending for length of carapace and abdomen, in-
distinct at its anterior end; thoracic portion of this band consists
of fine stippling, not evident on abdomen; carapace and abdomen
have sparse covering of short white hairs; legs stippled with dark
brown; pair of small black spots on abdomen at about one-fourth
of its length from rear end; male slightly smaller, with longer
legs. ( See Fig. 79. )
Habitat and Habits. — This crab spider has been found
on the Reservation and Rockefeller Tract in both original
and re-established tall-grass prairie and not elsewhere.
It is moderately common. Other workers likewise have
found it exclusively in grassland habitats, but of a variety
of types, ranging from sandhill to marsh.
Genus Tmarus Simon
Fig. 79.
Tibellus
oblongus,
female,
X 2.
The members of this genus are atypical crab spiders highly specialized for
a scansorial existence. The abdomen is enlarged and rather elongate, and
has near its posterior end an upward projecting tubercle. When at rest the
spider wraps its legs around the twig, and is scarcely noticeable except for
its protuberant abdomen, which is well camouflaged by its dull gray or brown
color as a bud or leaf scar. The lateral eyes on each side are raised on con-
spicuous tubercles of which the posterior are the larger. The carapace is
strongly convex above. The clypeus is sloping and almost as high as the
median ocular area. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Tmarus angulatus (Walckenaer)
Twig Spider
Thomisus angulatus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Ap-
teres, vol. 1, p. 537.
Tmarus angulatus; Simon. 1895, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 1,
p. 993.
Tmarus angulatus; SchefFer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 3.
Spiders
157
Idciit ificat ions.— l\L(J, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States; Arizona, Utah, California and Mexico.
Description. — Penultimate male, length 6.0, carapace 2.0, abdomen 4.0, ex-
tended legs 20. Carapace dark brown with scattered black dots and mottling
of pale brown; hour-glass-shaped tan mark extending for most of length of
carapace with constriction at cervical groove; carapace slopes off obliquely at
its anterior end; in each row of eyes laterals markedly larger than medians,
and on prominent tubercles; posterior lateral eyes directed postero-laterally;
abdomen tmncate at its anterior end and overlaps posterior fifth of carapace;
narrow and flattened anteriorly, but expanded
and increased in both depth and breadth pos-
teriorly; series of three large middorsal red-
dish gra\' blotches connecting with each other,
heavily stippled with dark brown, and bor-
dered with chestnut; pair of pale reddish
brown areas on posterior half of dorsolateral
aspect of abdomen; posterior end of abdomen
raised into peculiar tubercle; venter pale, with
broad dark brown lanceolate area in the mid-
line; sternum whitish, dotted -with dark browTi;
first and second pairs of legs much longer than
third and fourth (first sUghtly longer than
second); legs pale brown, almost white, hea\-
ily stippled with black (see Fig. 80).
Female resembles male but larger by per-
haps one-third.
Habitat and Habits. — Because of
their arboreal habits and hick of a web
these spiders are not often seen but
probably are fairly common. From time to time individuals were
found on an automobile parked beneath a large American elm at
the Reservation headquarters. Others were found in mesic wood-
land, suspended in mid-air by a strand of web, or, less frequently,
crawling over branches or foliage. They were sluggish and rather
slow.
Fig. 80. Tmarus anguhtiis,
male, X 4.
Genus Xysticus Koch
The members of this genus are medium-sized to large typical crab spiders,
having laterigrade legs and dull cryptic coloration. The length of the carapace
equals or exceeds its width. The cervical groove is inconspicuous. The first
two legs are subequal, large and powerful, strongly spinose. Both rows of
eyes are recurved. The anterior median eyes are nearer to the much larger
anterior laterals than to each other, whereas in the posterior row the spacing
is more nearly uniform. The median ocular area is slightly narrower anteriorly,
and its width equals or exceeds its length. Spines scattered over the body
are filiform, rarely spatulate. The genus is cosmopolitan.
158 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Xysticus bicuspis Keyserling
Xtfsticii.s I)iciispis Keyserling, 1887, \'erh. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, vol. 37,
■ p. 478, pi. 6, fig. 38.
Xysticus graminis; Schefter, 1906, Trans. Kansas Aead. Sci., vol. 20, p. 122.
Identification. — \\'JG.
Ranse. — Eastern United States.
Fig. 81. Xysticus triguttatus, male, X 3.
Fig. 82. Xysiicus texanus, male, X 3.
Fig. 83. Xysticus tumefactus, male, X 3.
Fig. 84. Xysticus elegans, male, X 3.
Spiders 159
Description. — Fcmalr, lenutli 5.5, carapace 2.0, abdomen 3.5, extended legs
18. Dorsal coloration dusky tan; three faint longitudinal black stripes on
carapace, faint black and light marks on abdomen; legs reddish brown near
tlx'ir bases, but duller colored distally.
Habitat and Habits. — The onK- .specimen obtained was an adult
female, collected on June 3, 1949. Ka.ston (1948:427) stated that
in Connecticut this uncommon species had been found in low
buslies and under l(\i\es.
Xysticus elegans Keyserling
Elegant Crab Spider
Xysticus elegans Kexserling, 1880, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Laterigradae, pp.
31-32, pi. 1, fig. 14.
Identifications. — AB, \\7C.
Range. — Alaska; United States and Canada mainly or entirely east of the
Rock)' Mountains; Kurile Islands of northeastern Asia.
Description. — Female, length 9.5, carapace 4.5, abdomen 5.0, extended legs
32. Carapace brown, with darker brown spots creating a spotted pattern, with
chalky white horseshoe-shaped mark extending from ocular region for about
three-fourths length of carapace; chalky white band between anterior lateral
eyes, with sharp point between posterior median eyes; carapace darker brown
laterally; abdomen light brown, with paler streaking laterally, and with three
pairs of dark brown transverse spots on posterior half; each spot surrounded
by paler area; venter yellowish white, with minute brown furrows; streaking
posteriorly; legs translucent, grayish, heavily spotted with dark brown and
yellovdsh white; dorsal surface of each leg having median chalky white stripe;
male smaller by one-fourth, with more sharply defined pattern.
Habitat and Habits. — This large crtib spider has been found
chiefly in woodland, but also in edge and grassland situations. It
is often found in flowering heads of plants, and occasionally on logs
and tree-trunks, but most often it is found on the ground, sometimes
beneath rocks or other sheltering objects.
Xysticus lemniscatus Walckenaer
Thomisus lemniscatus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes
Apteres, vol. 1, p. 525.
Xysticus auctificus; Keyserling, 1880, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Laterigradae,
p. 25, pi. 1, fig. 10.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Southern and midvvestern United States, and Mexico.
Description. — Male, length 3.0, carapace 2.0, abdomen 1.5, extended legs
16. Carapace dark amber-brown with three elongate black spots near posterior
edge, whitish in ocular area; traces of broad, pale, middorsal band; abdomen
cream witli four pairs of black marks (first pair largest) and anterior median
round black spot; legs pale amber, with heavy spines.
160 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Xysticus pellax Cambridge
Dark Crab Spider
Xysticus pellax Cambridge, 1894, Biol. Centr.-Amer., vol. 1, p. 138, t. 17,
fig. 14.
Identification. — ^WJG.
Range. — Nova Scotia, Ontario, and the eastern United States, west to Idaho,
Utah, and Baja California, south to Vera Cruz.
Description. — Male, length 4.0, cara-
pace 2.0, abdomen 2.0, extended legs 21.
Carapace dark brown, almost black, ab-
domen dark brown with tan areas on
anterolateral margins; coxae, femora and
patellae of first two pairs of legs of same
color, but distally these legs gradually
pale to light tan on tarsi; third and fourth
legs dark brown mottled with tan; which
forms almost continuous line on patella
and tibia, and is predominant color on
metatarsus and tarsus (see Fig. 85).
Female resembles male but
IS
Fig. 85. Xysticus pellax, male,
•y 3 markedly larger.
Xysticus texanus Banks
Texas Crab Spider
Xysticus texanus Banks, 1904, Jour. New York Ent. Soc, vol. 12, p. 112.
Identificatio7\. — WJG.
Range. — Southeastern United States, west to Colorado, Texas and Nuevo
Leon.
Description. — Male, length 4.3, carapace 2.5, abdomen 2.2, extended legs
18. Carapace pale yellowish brown in middorsal area for about one-third of its
width in cephalic region, but widening posteriorly to width of abdomen;
median pale band divided for half its length anteriorly by middorsal dark
streak; lateral areas of carapace slaty, these dark areas coalescing anteriorly to
include clypeus and ocular area; abdomen dark brown dorsally, with three
pale yellowish brown transverse bands; five additional bands on posterior aspect
of abdomen, narrower and paler than dorsal bands and extending anteriorly
along sides of abdomen, which are obliquely marked with many of these
narrow alternating black and white bands; legs pale yellowish brown except
for patellae and tibiae of first and second, which are dark brown, almost black
(see Fig. 82).
Habitat and Habits. — The only specimen seen was an adult male,
obtained by sweeping in bluestem prairie in June 1961.
Spiders 161
Xyslicus trans\ersatus ( Walckenaer)
Tan Crab Spider
Thomisus transversatus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes
Aptcres, vol. 1, p. 525.
Xysticus stomachosus; SchcflFer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 3.
Xysticus transversatus; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. S(5),p. 170, fig. 28.
Identifications.— RLG, AB, WJG.
Range. — Recorded chiefly from the eastern United States, but also from
Colorado, Utah, Montana, California, and Alberta.
Description. — Female, length 7.5, carapace 4.0, abdomen 4.7, extended legs
28. Dark brown and pale tan brown; paler color predominating on vertical
face of the carapace's anterior end, in broad median band on carapace, on legs
and on anterior part of abdomen, but these light areas blotched and speckled
with darker color; abdomen flattened, broader than long, overlaps carapace
and is wider posteriorly; on its dorsal aspect it has three pairs of large, dimple-
like depressions; first pair of legs largest, those of second pair nearly as large;
tibiae and metatarsi of first two pairs of legs set with spines.
Male, If^ngth 4.2, carapace 2.2, abdomen 2.0, extended legs 24; darker than
female; carapace and legs of first pair chestnut brown; carapace paler mid-
dorsally; abdomen dark chocolate brown with four irregular but conspicuous
transverse markings; legs have rather indistinct dark annulations, some of which
have incomplete borders of white distally; third and fourth legs yellowish
brown; lateral folds present on abdomen of female scarcely discernible in male.
Habitat and Habits. — This large fat-bodied crab spider is the
most common member of its genus on the Reser\ ation. It has been
found chiefly in woodland and edge situations, but is not narrowly
restricted in choice of habitat. It has often been found under flat
rocks, about logs, on tree trunks, on weedy vegetation, and espe-
cially on flowering heads. Attention may be attracted to the spider
by the carcass of its prey. Like most other crab spiders, this kind
hunts by ambush, and often catches insects that are much bulkier
than it is, especially moths and butterflies. The observer first
notices the insect prey, tilted in an unnatural position; only upon
closer inspection does he notice the cryptically colored spider hold-
ing the prey. After its capture the victim is carried about and fed
upon for many hours.
Xysticus triguttatus Keyserling
White-banded Crab Spider
Xysticus triguttatus Kevserling, 1880, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Laterigradae,
p. 12, pi. 1, figs. 3, 6.
Xtjsticus triguttatus; Scheffer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 3.
6—8.530
162 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Identifications. — AB, WJG.
Range. — Kurile Islands; eastern United States; Colorado.
Description. — Male, length 3.5, carapace 1.9, abdomen 1.6, extended legs
16; carapace dark amber, paler in middorsal area, but with irregularly arranged
dark pigmentation laterally; legs of same color proximally, but paling to light
amber distalh'; abdomen white with three irregular black bands across posterior
half and with irregular black marks on anterior half (see Fig. 81).
Xysticus tviniefactus Walckenaer
Tliomi.'ius tiiincfactus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturclle des Insectes Ap-
teres, vol. 1, p. 502.
Xt/sticus funestus; Keyserling, 1880, Die Spinnen Amerikas, Laterigradae,
" p. 10.
Xysticus ncrvosus; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 3.
Xijsticus tumefactus; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5), p. 198.
Identifications. — MHiM, WJG.
Range. — Known from southeastern Canada and from the United States in
New England, west to Oklahoma and to the Rocky Mountains, south into
Mexico.
Description. — Male, length 4.5, carapace 2.5, abdomen 2.5, extended legs
26. Carapace dark rusty brown; abdomen dull golden brown with irregular
white area arovmd its anterior border, and with irregular transverse white streaks
across its posterior half; pair of large, black dimple-like depressions near middle
of abdomen on its dorsal aspect; legs dark amber on coxae, femora and pa-
tellae, paling to light brown on their distal segments, and having many heavy
dark spines ( see Fig. 83 ) .
Habitat and Habits. — This is one of the commoner species of the
genus; in autumn many adult males have been noticed in edge habi-
tat, notably in the headquarters area, where several were found on a
screened porch.
Family Salticidae Blackwall
Jumping Spiders
Size ranges from small to large in these ecribellate dionychous spiders. The
body is usually compact and heavy, the legs short and powerful. The anterior
median eyes are greatly enlarged, and situated on the vertical face directed
forward. To these enlarged eyes the salticids owe their acuity of vision, far
exceeding that in other spiders, and making possible the catlike stalking of
prey which is characteristic of the group. The anterior lateral eyes are in
line with the anterior median pair, forming a row; the posterior median eyes,
which are by far the smallest, are located behind the anterior laterals, and the
small posterior lateral eyes form a third row still farther back. These spiders
may be either hairy or smooth. The legs are spiny. Some salticids are brightly
colored and others have striking patterns. The margins of the fang furrow
are usually toothed. A scopula is present. There is no boss. The labium
Spiders 163
is free. Salticicls do not coustiuct wihs for caplvirr of tlu' prey. Tliej- do spin
eocoons for their e.ug sacs, or to enclose themselves during molt or hibernation.
1vi:y 1(1 rin. Si'eciks of tiik Family Salticidae of the Reservation
1. Abdomen elongate; more than twice as long as wide.
Marpissa pikei, p. 1 72
r. Aluloinen not more than twice as long as wide 2
2. Abdomen eonspicnonsly constricted behind anterior third; carapace
constricted behind ri>ar e\es Peckhamia ameiicana, p. 180
2'. Abdomen and carapace not conspicuously constricted 3
3. Carapace nearh twice as long as wide, with a well-marked cervical
groove Myrmarochne hentzi, p. 177
3'. Carapace much less than twice as long as wide, lacking a well-marked
cervical groove 4
4. Combined length of tibia and patella of third leg less than combined
length of tibia and patella of fourth leg 11
4'. Combined length of tibia and patella of third leg not less than com-
bined length of tibia and patella of fourth leg 5
5. Two pairs of bulbous setae on \entral aspect of tibia of first leg . 6
5'. No bulbous setae on legs 7
6. Abdomen predominantly dark Thiodina puerpero, p. 1S9
6'. Abdomen predominantly pale, cream-colored . . Thiodina iniquies, p. 188
7. Ocular quadrangle not wider behind Habrocestum pulex, p. 1(16
7'. Ocular quadrangle wider behind 8
8. First leg longer than third leg Evarcha hotji, p. KJo
8'. Third leg longer than first leg (Habronattus) 9
9. Third leg unmodified, similar to fourth leg. Habronattus sabidosiis, p. 168
9'. Third leg having a spur on patella 10
10. Clypeus reddish Habronattus coronatus, p. 1()7
10'. Clypeus whitish Habronattus viridipes, p. 168
11. Body brilliantly iridescent 12
IT. Body not brilliantly iridescent 13
12. Legs whitish with dark lines above; abdomen not rimmed with
white Tutelina elegans, p. 189
12'. Legs unmarked; abdomen rimmed with wliite. Sassacus papenhoei, Tp. 187
13. Second, third and fourth legs white and translucent (Hentzia) 14
13'. Second, third and fourth legs not white and translucent 15
14. Body brown, with lateral white stripes, first leg of male brown; median
lobe of epigynum wider than long Hentzia ambigua, p. 169
14'. Body cream-colored or tan with white stripes; first leg of male white;
median lobe of epigynum longer than wide Hentzia mitrata, p. 169
15. Tibia of first leg having four pairs of ventral spines.
Maevia inclemens, p. 171
15'. Tibia of first leg ha\ ing two or three pairs of ventral spines 16
16. Ocular ciuadrangle occupying only about rr, of length of carapace. 17
16'. Ocular quadrangle occupying more than % of length of carapace. 21
17. Length of abdomen about twice its width Marpissa l)ina, p. 172
17'. Length of abdomen somewhat less than twice its width 18
18. Length more than 7 mm. in adults 19
18'. Length less than 7 mm 20
164 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
19 Dorsal color predomir^antly gray with leaflike marking on dorsal aspect
ly. ^^"^'' ^ Metacyrba undata, p. i n
19' DorsalTolorpredon^ leaflike marking on dorsal
ij . jjorsai L F Metaphidippiis castaneus, p. l7o
,20 SCn tv^Tdorsa, seHe. of five sWy defined black spots. M.,-
aphidippus insignis, presence not substantiated.
20' Abdomen lacking dorsal spots or having poorly defined spots . - ^i
21. Legs conspicuously annulate; femur of first leg n. male acks wh^u^.
scales; abdomen of female with whitish spots -d famt c^^ k che -
rons
or Legs only faintly annulate,or lacking annulations; femur of first leg in
■ mates bears wWtish scales on prolateral surface; abdomen of female
dull yeUow with poorly defined dark ^^^tapkidippus proter^us, v- 176
22. Ocular quadrangle occupying more than half length of carapace 23
22'. Ocular quadrangle occupying not more than half length of cara^
21 Abdomen having two faint but regular transverse Ught bands.
2J. ADaomenna j, Gertschia scorpioma, '^. 106
03' Abdomen having two pairs of white spots, which may be obliquely
■ e^enld to form chevron shaped marks Zygoballus bemm, ^ 190
24. Ocular area occupying approximately half length of -apac., ^;;o^> ^^^
24' SlwrS^Xyin. conspicuously less than half length of carapac^
25 SioS wSTsides weakly rounded: its greatest width markedly
£s than length (by at least one-fifth); smaller and less hauy ... 26
25' cTphalothor.^ wlth'sides strongly rounded, its greatest width approx.
26 rriiS^:^nc^rc^ll^:;:ie; length o^
"• ::!:::: length of male great, tha. 7 1^^^ -
26'. Little or no iridescence on dorsal surface, lengui ^^
8 mm and of male less than 7 mm • • ,'.: ' ' ' . ' t
27 ibZnen of female having several pairs of oblique wh.le spots; ab-
■ don,e„ of n,ale having encircling -^^-j;.,,,^,,, ,„„,„„,„,, p. 178
27.. Abdomen lacUing oblique »hi.e spo.s in '-ale, and ^e^^^^^^^^^^^^^ _^^
08 Bla™ with white markings including large central spot on dorsum of
!bdomrn, bn, spot occasionally reddish P/"V/,>,„„ rw,cga<,-s, I. >84
OR' Not black and white, as described above .1 k •Jv.t
09- Black v^th dorsal aspects of abdomen and carapace mostly bright
29. eiacK Willi f phidippus apacheanus, p.
29'. mtem not a combination of black and bright red as describ^
30 Sipace and abdomen mostly" reddish orange' in male, somewhat
''■ duTertfemale, with pair of black bands on Po-^i- P^^^^ ^,,
men sometimes enclosing two pairs of white spot . PJudtppus pm. p.
.30'. Carapace and abdomen not predominantly reddish orange with pat^
tern described above
181
Spiders 165
31. Cia\', with large central white spot on abdomen.
Phidippus putnami, p. 183
31'. Not gray with large cenbal white spot on abdomen 32
32. Carapace and abdomen red in male, except for black patch in ocular
area; female purplish gray Phidippus whitmanni, p. 187
32'. No red on carapace of male; female not purplish gray 33
33. Male black with white markings and with lateral red areas on abdo-
men; female dull orange-gray Phidippus rimator, p. 183
33". Pattern not as described above 34
34. Carapace black with wide lateral white stripes in male; abdomen in
both sexes having broad, median black band enclosing orange mark
and orange dorsolateral areas Phidippus fraudulentus, p. 181
34'. Carapace black in ocular area, brown posteriorly, with no light stripes;
abdomen orange Phidippus princeps, p. 182
Genus Evarcha Simon
Except for certain characters of the genitaha, the members of this genus
resemble those of Habronattus in most respects, but the first leg is longer
than the third. The genus is widely distributed in tropical regions both in
the Old World and in the New World.
Evarcha hoyi ( Peckham )
Long-legged Jumping Spider
Attus hoyi Peckham, 1883, Descriptions of new or Httle known Attidae, p. 7,
pi. 1, fig. 5.
EvarcJia hoyi; Simon, 1903, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol. 2, pp.
703-787.
Identification . — AB.
Range. — Occurs over much of the United States, from New England and
Pennsylvania west to the Pacific Coast, in southeastern Canada, and southward
to Brazil.
Description. — Male, length 5.0, carapace 2.0, abdomen 2.8, extended legs
15. Carapace with black anteriorly in ocular region, extending posteriorly to
surround posterior lateral eyes; pair of conspicuous hght hair tufts on each
side of midline between posterior median eyes and posterior laterals; dorsal
area behind posterior lateral eyes tan; sides of carapace dark brown marbled
with black; abdomen slender, narrower than carapace, dark brown with faint,
light browTi, chevTonlike markings and spots posteriorly; legs uniform, pale
cream; female closely resembling male in size and appearance.
Habitat and Habits. — This small jumping spider is not common
locally. It has been seen chiefly in early summer. Several have been
seen on screens, or walls of buildings, and others have been swept
from brome grass or from shrubs in woodland edge situations.
Genus Gertschia Kaston
In this small antlike jumping spider the cephalothorax is low and flat. The
ocular quandrangle occupies two-thirds or more of the length of the carapace,
166 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
is approximately the same width fore and aft, and at its rear end is approxi-
mately four-fifths of the width of the carapace. The sternum is oval; the
labium is wider than lons; there is a retromarginal cheliceral tooth, which is
distincth hieuspid. The abdomen has a faint constriction at its anterior third.
Members of this j^enus are known chiefly from the United States and adjacent
areas.
Gertschiascorpionia (Hentz)
Gertsch's Ant Spider
Si/nciiiosi/iKi scoi])ionki Hentz, 1846, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5,
" p. 369.
Gertschia scoipionia; Kaston. 1945, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1290, p. 16.
Identification . — WJG .
Range. — Recorded chiefly in the eastern United States, but also in Arizona.
Description. — Male, length 2.6, carapace 1.3, abdomen 1.3, extended legs
6.0. Carapace elongate, reddish brown, with dark area around each posterior
lateral eye and, another, horseshoe-shaped dark area encompassing the re-
maining eyes; abdomen narrow anteriorly, with conspicuous constriction behind
its anterior one-third, marked by transverse white band; anterior part of
abdomen colored like carapace; posterior two-thirds .slaty gray; legs reddish
brown, paling to amber distally; first pair of legs much larger and more power-
ful than others.
Female resembles male but markedly larger.
Habitat and Habits. — An adult male, found in early May, 1955,
was running over a limestone slab, with a jerky, antlike gait. It was
within two inches of a group of the common small brown ant,
Cremato^aster sp., which it strongly resembled in both size and
appearance.
Genus Habrocestum Simon
In the small, chunky jumping spiders of this genus the cephalothorax is
high and convex; the ocular quadrangle occupies about two-fifths of the length
of the carapace and is narrower posteriorly than anteriorly. The third and
fourth pairs of legs are longer than the first and second pairs. The retro-
marginal tooth of the chelicera is simple. The genus occurs throughout the
tropics and into the Temperate Zones.
Habrocestum pulex (Hentz)
Flea Spider
Attus pulex Hentz, 1846, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 361; pi.
22, fig. 3.
Habrocestum pulcx; Simon, 1901, Histoire Naturelle des Araignees, vol.
2(3), p. 661.
Saitis pulex; Scheffer, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.), vol. 30,
p. 6.
Identifications.r—MHM, RLG.
Spiders 167
Range. — Soiithfustern CanacUi and eastern Liiitcd States in the Deciduoui;
Forest Formation.
Description. — Female, lenyth 4.7, earapaee 2.4, abdomen 2.7, extended
legs 10.5. Tan dorsally, mottled with blaek; abdomen has pair of larue black
spots little more than half \\a\- back irom anterior end, and tan area behind
them; both carapace and abdomen mostly dark on sides; dorsal surface of cara-
pace densely covered with short white hairs and less abvmdant carmine red
hairs; both carapace and abdomen ha\e lon,tfer, black hairs; legs tan, with
black ainiulations; carapace high and arched; abdomen ovate.
Nhile smaller on average, carapace orange-brown, black in cephalic region;
small and faint scutum on dorsum; legs dark, except for tarsi, with indistinct
fine lines.
Unhitai and Hahits. — Tliis small spider is abundant along the
hilltop oiiterops of Oread Limestone but is scarce elsewhere on the
area. Occasionalh' it has been found in leaf litter but character-
istically it is found on bare rock surfaces. It is quick and active
in its movements, progressing jerkily as it walks or runs, and often
making long hops. Small ants, especially the abundant Cremato-
gasfer, are often preyed upon.
On June 18, 1957, a pair was courting on a flat rock. The male,
\\ith forelegs extended, would approach the female cautiously but
she was aggressi\'e and would dart at him with several successive
lunges, following persistently, and he was able to escape only by
darting backward agilely, with several sudden turns.
Genus Habronattus Cambridge
In tile small chunk\- jumping spiders of this genus the cephalothorax is
high, convex, and only a little longer than wide. The ocular quadrangle is
wider than long and usually wider behind than in front; the small eyes are
niidwa>' between those of the first and third rows. In order of length the legs
are: 3, I, 4, 2. In the males the legs of the first and third pairs have fringes
of hairs and contrasting markings, which serve in courtship displays. The
genus is confined to North America and Central America.
Habronattus coronatus ( Hentz )
Aitiis coronatus Hentz, 1846, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 361;
pi. 45, fig. 3.
Habronattus coronatus; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Unix. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. 8(5), p. 198.
Identifications.— MHM, AB.
Range. — Recorded chiefly from the eastern United States, but also in Colo-
rado, and southward in Mexico and the West Indies.
Description. — Female, length 5.5, carapace 2.2, abdomen 8.3, extended leg:i
11. Carapace reddish brown, darkening to almost black in cephalic regior>
with tliick coat of gra\ish hairs; ;ibdomen o\'al, slightK less bulk\- than the
168
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
cephalothorax, heavily coated with yellowish gray hairs; large rounded mid-
dorsal white spot on abdomen little more than two-thirds of distance from
front to rear end; legs stout and short, light reddish brown, with numerous
dark brown spines, and with grayish hairs.
Male markedly smaller and more brighth' colored, having orange hairs on
cephalic plate, heavy fringes of hairs on first leg.
Habronattus cf. sabulosus Peckham
Pellenes sabulosus Peckham, 1901, Bull. Wisconsin Nat. Hist. Soc, new
series, vol. 1(4), p. 219.
Hahronattus sabulosus; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. 8(5), p. 199.
Identification . — WJG.
Range. — Southeastern United
States.
Description. — Female, length
7.7, carapace 3.5, abdomen 4.2,
extended legs 12. Appearance
that of typical saliticid; carapace
rounded, posterior lateral eyes di-
rected laterally; pair of dorso-
lateral broad tan stripes on cara-
pace and broken middorsal tan
stripe on abdomen, legs banded
with tan; otherwise black; male
slightly smaller than female and
having more distinct markings.
Habitat and Habits. — Several individuals of both sexes found in
different years, all in grass near woodland edge in April and May.
Habronattus viridipes ( Hentz )
Green-legged Jumping Spider
Attus viridipes Hentz, 1946, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 362;
pi. 22, fig. 5.
Habronattus viridipes; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. 8(5), p. 201.
Identifications. — MHM, AB.
Range. — Throughout most of the United States.
Description. — Female, length 8.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 4.5, extended legs
12.5. Carapace thickly coated in interocular quadrangle with silvery gray
scalelike hairs, and with long, black anteriorly directed bristles; sides, and rear
of middorsal area of carapace chestnut, with paler yellowish brown area in
intervening space, which has shape of much thickened W; abdomen has pale
yellowish-tan middorsal strijie with irregular borders, and with broader dark
brown area on either side of it; sides of abdomen brown mottled with tan;
legs reddish brownn vdth numerous black bristles and with coating of pale
scalelike hairs; anterior legs slightly iridescent.
Male markedly smaller, with brighter more sharply defined pattern.
Fig. 86. Habronattus cf. sabulosus, male,
X2.
Fig. 87. Zygoballus bettini, female, X 4.
Spiders
169
Genus Hentzia Marx
In the small, flattened jumping spiders of this genus the ocular quadrangle
occupies tuo-fifths of the length of the carapace, and is narrower in front than
behind. The small eyes are midway between the eyes of the anterior and
posterior rows. The abdomen is elongate. The first pair of legs is the longest;
the remaining three pairs of legs are white and translucent. The genus is
confined to southeastern Canada and the eastern half of the United States.
Hentzia ambigiia ( Walckenaer )
Long-jawed Jumping Spider
.A//((.v tini})ifiuus \\alckcnaer. 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insects Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 467.
\\ ala })almarum; SchefFer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 125.
Hentzia amhigua; Chamberlin and Ivie. 1944. Bull. Univ. Utah Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5), p. 201.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Southeastern Canada and eastern United States in the Decithious
Forest Formation.
Description. — Male, length 6.0, carapace 2.5, abdomen 3.5, extended legs
12.5. Legs of first pair enlarged, powerful, dark
brown; remaining legs pale amber; chelicerae greatly
enlarged, protruding forward from body; anterior
face of each chelicera flattened almost all in same
plane, its surface slightly rugose; carapace and ab-
domen golden brown, with lateral zone of dense,
white, scalelike hairs; fringe of orange hairs extended
along ocular area in spaces between eyes; body shiny
and iridescent (see Fig. 88).
Female slightly larger, with chelicerae scarcely
protruding, colors duller, all legs pale and translucent,
and with faint dusky chevrons on dorsum.
Habitat and Habits. — Several of these
spiders N\'ere collected from sweepings of
brome grass and coralberry, and others were
seen climbing on the walls and ceiling of the
porch. In Nebraska, Worley and Pickwell
(1931:123) found them in forest shrubbery
Adults are found through most of the summer.
Fig. 88. Hentzia ani-
bigua, male, X 6.
and about houses.
Hentzia mitrata (Hentz)
Mitre Jumping Spider
Attus mitratus Hentz, 1845, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 363;
pi. 22, fig. 9.
Hentzia mitrata; Kaston, 193S, Bull. Connecticut Geol. and Nat. Hist. Sur\'.,
vol. 60, p. 195.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
170 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Range. — Southeastern Canada and eastern United States in the Deciduous
Forest Formation.
Description. — Female, length 6.0, carapace 2.4, abdomen 3.6, extended legs
10. Carapace reddish brown, with black areas around eyes; and having sparse
coating of anteriorly directed, short black bristles; abdomen oval, much more
bulky than cephalothorax; cream-colored, with four pairs of faint, pale brown
chevrons; legs cream colored, with many heavy dark brown bristles.
Male slightly smaller than female, with white lateral bands on carapace.
Genus Icius Simon
In the small jumping spiders of this genus the body is flattened, with the
sides of the carapace nearly parallel. The ocular quadrangle occupies less than
half the length of the carapace, and is not quite so wide in front as behind.
The small eyes are midway, or a little less, from the anterior row of eyes to
the posterior row. The abdomen is elongate. In order of length the legs
are first, fourth, second, third in males, and fourth, first, second, third in
females. There are small iridescent scales on the bod>'. The genus is cosmo-
politan.
Icius hartii Emeiton
Hart's Jumping Spider
Icius hartii Emerton, 1891, Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci., vol. 8, p. 235,
pi. 18, figs. 5-5d.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — United States chiefly in northern part, from New England west to
Washington.
Description. — Male, length 4.0, carapace 1.9, abdomen 2.2, extended legs
10. Carapace and abdomen dark grayish brown with yellowish-gray pubes-
cence, and metallic iridescent sheen; first leg remarkably large, heavy and
powerful; fringe of bristles on median side of tibia of first leg, and extending
onto distal part of patella; ocular quadrangle occupies half length of carapace.
Female averages slightly larger than male but otherwise resembles him.
Habitat and Habits. — Only one specimen has been found on the
Reservation, and nothing was recorded concerning the circum-
stances of its capture, in the summer of 1952. Worley and Pickwell
(1931:110) recorded this spider from the high plains in Nebraska,
but Kaston (1948:490) stated that in Connecticut it was most
commonly found running over the bark of trees, from ground level
up to the highest branches.
Genus Maevia Koch
The cephalothorax is high, and its width is about two-thirds its length.
The ocular quadrangle occupies from two-fifths to one-half the length of the
carapace, and is slightly wider in front than behind. The small eyes are mid-
way between the anterior and posterior eye rows. The first leg is slightly
heavier than the others, and its tibia has four pairs of ventral spines. The
genus occurs throughout the tropical regions of tlie World, and north into the
Temperate Zone.
Spiders
171
Maevia inclemens (Walckenaer)
Black-bodied Jumping Spider
Atftis inrh'tiiens Walckenaer, 1837, llistoire Xaturclle des Insectes Apteres,
\()1. 1, p. 46.5.
Maevia ciftata; Selu-tter, ]906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 125.
Maevia inclcDiciis; Chamberlin and T\ic. 1944. Bull. Univ. I'tali Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5), p. 201.
Identifications.— MUM, RLG, AB.
Ranf^e. — Recorded chiefly from the eastern liiited Stah ^; also from Colora lo.
Fir;. 90. Maevia inclemens,
female, X 3.
Fig. 89. Maevia inclemens,
male, X 5.
Description. — Female, length 8.5, carapace 3.0, abdomen 4.8, extended legs
14.5. Carapace cream-colored, with black in ocular area; numerous black
hairs scattered over carapace, most numerous anteriorly; legs cream colored,
having black spots on dorsal surfaces, and having many spines; dorsum having
sublateral pair of brown stripes extending for its entire length, and series of
irregular, dusky spots against cream-colored background; posterior portion of
abdomen having series of chevronlike bro\\n marks; venter immaculate cream-
colored (see Fig. 90).
Male darker, averaging approximately three-fourths of female's length
(.see Fig. 89), more slender, ^\itIl relatively longer legs.
Genus Marpissa Koch
The members of this genus are small- to medium-sized salticids having the
carapace flattened, its width is approximately two-thirds of its length. In
172
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
the anterior row of eyes tlie medians are twice the diameter of the laterals, or
slightly less; the ocular area is 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the length of the
carapace; the first leg is two to three times as large as the remaining legs. In
order of decreasing length the legs are: 1, 4, 3, 2 or 1, 4, 2, 3. On the first
leg the tiba has four pairs of ventral spines, and the metatarsus two pairs. The
genus occurs in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and North
Africa.
Marpissa bina ( Hentz )
Attus binus Hentz, 1846, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 352, pi.
21, fig. 2.
Morpissa hiinis; Banks, 1910, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., vol. 72, p. 73.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Male, length 6.2, carapace 2.8, abdomen 3.4, extended legs
13.4. Carapace dark brown, nearly black, with purplish iridescence; first leg
relatively large and powerful, dark brown; other legs dark brown basally
paling to tan on distal segment; abdomen elliptical, approximately twice as
long ( not including spinnerets ) as broad, dark brown, with purplish iridescence
on dorsum, and with two pairs of elongate white spots on posterior half of
dorsum; venter cream colored with mid-ventral dark area and dark streaks
laterally.
Female resembles male, but larger, perhaps by one-third.
Habitat and Habits. — The only specimen obtained on the Res-
ervation, an adult male, was swept from brome grass in August
1960. Worley and Pickwell (1931:108) in Ne-
\ braska recorded the species in high and low
prairie and on gooseberry bushes.
Marpissa pikei ( Peckham and Peckham )
Long-bodied Jumping Spider
Htjctia pikei Peckham and Peckham, 1888, Trans. Wis-
consin Acad. Sci., vol. 7, p. 79, pi. 1, fig. 59; pi.
5, fig. 59; pi. 6, fig. 59a.
Hijctia pikei; 1904, Scheff^er, Industrialist ( Kansas State
Agr. Coll.), vol. 30, p. 6.
Marpissa pikei; Barnes, 1958, Amer. Mus. Novit., no.
1867, p. 15.
Identification. — HSF.
Range. — Recorded chiefly in the eastern United States,
but also in Texas, New Me.xico, Arizona, and in Cuba.
Description. — Male, length, 8.0, carapace 2.7, abdomen
6.4, extended legs 9.4. Broad median stripe begins in
anterior eye region, extending for length of carapace, and
becoming more distinct on abdomen; eye region enclosed
'.• „ •;^- ^ " in black; remainder of carapace dull orange; first pair of
pissa ptkei, ' ^u i i Vj v
male X 5- ^^^ ^ orange, other legs pale cream; abdomen has
Spiders 173
broad black metlian stripe Hanked by pale eream areas. (See Fig. 91.)
Female resembles male in size and otherwise except for duller pattern;
carapace cream with orange shading and duskier gray markings forming thin
median line along thoracic groove, with lines radiating from this axis; eyes
enclosed in black area; gra\' strip(>s (extending from posterior lateral eyes to
posterior edge of carapace; abdomen pale cream-colored speckled with black;
legs pale cream.
Ilahifaf and Habits. — These peculiarly elongate little jumping
spiders were found only in grassland and were obtained only by
sweeping with a net. They iue so well concealed that they escape
attention ordinarily. Even when contents of a net were emptied
into an enamel pan, these spiders were usually overlooked until
they moved. The movements are exceedingly quick and jerky.
The spiders were first obtained in 1953 in the patch of original
blue-stem prairie in the northwest corner of the Reservation but
in later years they were found in reestablished prairie and in brome
grass meadows. When at rest the first and second pairs of legs
are extended forward and the third and fourth pairs are extended
posteriorly, so that the spider is not easily seen when clinging to
a stem or blade of grass. The enlarged legs of the first pair are
not used in walking, but are extended anteriorly and held clear of
the ground.
Adults have been collected each month from May to October
inclusive. In most samples there was also a smaller number of
immature spiders. When sweepings from a net were emptied into
a pan, the spiders were sometimes active in preying upon the other
small arthropods concentrated there. They would approach with
catlike stalking movements, and pounce upon a leaf hopper or
a small crab spider. In August 1961, when many of these spiders
were collected by sweeping tall grass, a male and female were
placed together in a vial. Almost immediately courtship began,
the male approaching the female with his front legs extended and
waving, and within a few minutes mating was consummated.
Genus Metacyrba Cambridge
The members of this genus are medium-sized to small salticids in which
the carapace is relatively flat, its width fifty per cent to eighty per cent of its
length; the eyes of the anterior row are subcontiguous, with the median eyes
about twice the diameter of the laterals or slightly less; the ocular area is
wider than long and occupies 40 to 55 per cent of the carapace's length; the
first pair of legs are at least twice as large as the remaining legs. The genus is
cosmopolitan.
174
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist,
Metacyrba undata (DeGeer)
Tree Trunk Spider
Aronea undata DeGrer, 1778, Mem. Hist. Insectes, vol. 7, p. 320, pi. 39,
fig. 8.
Marptii.ssa familiaris; Schefter, 1904 Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 5.
Metacyrba undata; Barnes, 1958, Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1867, p. 36.
Identifications.— MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States, and soutlivv ard to Guatemala.
Description. — Female, length 7.5, carapace 3.2, abdomen 4.3, extended legs
17. Carapace reddish-brown with black
connecting anterior and posterior eyes, and
black stripe on lateral edge; carapace hairy
with black tufts behind minute posterior
median eyes and below posterior median
eyes; abdomen gray-brown, with a broad
middorsal whitish band having irregular
scalloped edges; venter tan with median
darker lanceolate mark; legs hairy, brown
with traces of yellow, and with dusky
markings; male somewhat smaller, other-
wise resembling female (see Fig. 92).
Habitat and Habits. — These dull
gray flat-bodied jumping spiders
seem especially well adapted for liv-
ing on the trunks of shag-bark hick-
ory (Carya ovata) and have been
seen most often in this situation,
though they have also often been
noted on the trunks of other kinds of
trees, on fence posts, rocks, and the
walls of buildings. I have often
found these spiders or their cocoons,
by flaking off the loose bark of hickories. They form aggregations
with many cocoons close together in a spot favorable for hibernating.
For example on September 30, 1952, I found a group of 12 adults
in separate cocoons within a space 2/2 inches square beneath loose
bark of a dead elm. At the disturbance each spider broke free
from its cocoon and scuttled away. Several times within the next
few minutes as two spiders moving about happened to approach
each other, the first one to sense the other's presence, would back
away rapidly to avoid contact. One that was more aggressive,
spread its front legs widely in what may have been courtship be-
havior, and advanced slowly as another retreated. In January,
Fig. 92. Metacyrba undata,
female, X 4.
Spiders 175
1954, a pt'iuiltiinale was fouiicl hil)iMiiating in a cell of a mud-
dauber's iiest beneath a bridge. lndi\iduals newly emerged from
hibernation ha\e been seen in the second week of April, and females
distended with eggs ha\e been recorded in late April. Often these
spiders ha\ e been seen carrying their prey, including various dip-
terous insects, aphids, and spiders. Prey is captured by stealthy
stalking in which the spider takes full advantage of its cryptic
coloration. Besides \arious insects including moths, flies, leaf-
hoppers, other spiders are sometimes eaten. On one occasion a
Mctacyrha seen on the outside wall of the house was carrying the
carcass of a somewhat smaller Achaearanea. On \arious other oc-
casions Mc^acijrba ha\'e been seen dead in the webs of Achaearanea.
Genus Metaphidippus Cambridge
In the small jmnpintf spiders of tliis ueniis tlie cephalothorax is high and
convex, with sides nearly parallel but bulging slightly in the cephalic region.
The greatest width is about three-fourths the length. The ocular quadrangle
occupies about two-fifths of the length of the carapace and is slightly wider
behind than in front, with the small eyes midway between those of the anterior
and posterior rows. The genus occurs in the Neotropical Region and north
into the United States.
Metaphidippus castaneus ( Hentz )
Chestnut Spider
Atftis castaneus Hentz, 1845, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 353.
Mctapliidippiis castaneus; Petrunkevitch, 1911, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,
vol. 29, p. 626.
Idcntificalioi. — \\"JG.
Range. — Virginia and North Carolina west to Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 8.5, carapace 3.0, abdomen 5.5, extended legs
15. Carapace dark chestnut, nearly black; abdomen purplish gray dorsally
with whitish crescent at anterior end and pale flecks arranged in oblique rows;
legs of first pair much larger and more powerful than others, reddish chestnut,
with broad black annulation on distal half of tibia, another on metatarsus,
and incomplete one on patella; second, third and fourth legs dull yellow, marked
with black, especially on femora; venter with alternate gray (3), and whitish
(4) stripes medially, and mottled laterally with gray and white.
Metaphidippus galathea ( Walckenaer)
Attus galathea Walckenaer, 1805, Tableau des Araneides, p. 23.
Metaphidippus galathea; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Univ. Utah Bull., Biol.
Ser., vol. 8(5), p. 208.
Identifications. — MHM, AB.
Range. — Southeastern Canada througliout most of the United States and
south into Mexico and the Antilles.
176
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Description. — Male, length 3.6, carapace 1.9, abdomen 2.5, extended legs
10.3. Carapace dark chestnut, with black in ocular area; abdomen reddish
brown above with white margin, and with five pairs of indistinct white spots;
legs short and stout, brown, with darker and lighter annulations.
Female averages slightly larger, with duller pattern.
Metaphidippus piotervus ( Walckenaer )
Attus protervus Walckenaer, 1837, Ilistoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, p. 443.
Dendri/phantes capitatus; Scheffer, 1904 Industrialist ( Kansas State Agr.
Coll.), vol. 30, p. 8.
Metaphidippus protervus; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah
Biol. Sen, vol. 8(5), p. 204.
Identifications. — MHM, AB.
Ran^e. — Throughout the United States but more common in the north than
south (Kaston, 1953:125).
Description. — Female, length 4.1, carapace 1.6, abdomen 2.4, extended
legs 6.8. Carapace reddish-brown, dusky along sides and black in eye region;
abdomen light cream with brown markings —
central longitudinal stripe with transverse ex-
tensions forming four pairs of large spots;
venter cream, with broad median brown stripe
extending from behind epigastric furrow pos-
teriorly almost to spinnerets; legs pale cream,
with darker reddish brown annulations and
irregular spots; male averages somewhat
smaller, with dorsum mostly dark, not show-
ing distinct spots (see Fig. 93).
Habitat and Habits. — These minute
jumping spiders are abundant through-
out the sinnmer in prairie and pasture
habitat. They usually stay on the
leaves of tall, broad leafed herbs, such
as milkweed (Asclcpias kansana), iron-
weed, compass plant, or in Hower
heads. Often they have been seen
carrying prey — leafhoppers and small dipterous insects.
Fig.
93. Metaphidippus pro-
tervus, female, X 9.
Genus Myrmarachne MacLeay
In the small antlike jumping spiders of this genus the cephalothorax is
long and narrow (only a little more than half as wide as long); the cervical
groove is well defined and the cephalic area is much higher than the steeply
sloping thoracic part of the carapace. The abdomen has a transverse denression
in the male, and has a dorsal scutum in both sexes. In the female the tibia
and tarsus of the palp are swollen. These spiders mimic ants in their
behavior, and are often found associated with ants. The genus occurs through-
out the tropics, and northward through the eastern half of the United States.
Sl'lDERS
177
Fig. 94. Myrma-
rachne hentzi,
female, x 4.
Myrmaraclme lientzi Banks
Hentz's Ant Spider
Mt/nmirachnc })cntzi Banks, 1913, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, vol. 65,
■p. 188.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest
Formation, south to Brazil.
Description. — Female, length 6.0, carapace 2.5, abdo-
men .3.5, extended legs 12. Pale yellowish brown witli,
on the alxlomen, a grayish suffusion and with no well-
defined marking except that area immediately surrounding
each eye is black; hair short, sparse, hardly noticeable;
spider slender, having antlike appearance (see Fig. 94).
Male markedly smaller, 4.5 mm. long, of which one
mm. consists of chelicerae protruding in front of carapace;
pattern like that of female but darker.
Habitat and Habits. — An adult female captured
on June 19, 1952, is the only indi\ idual of this
species seen on the Reservation. She was in a
nest made of a broad leaf of grass (Paniciim clan-
destinum) rolled into a tube, approximately two
feet above ground, amid dense herbaceous vege-
tation beneath a large walnut tree at the edge of the woods. The
spider had been discovered in the same nest two days earlier, but
on this occasion it dropped to the ground and escaped among
grass stems.
Genus Paraphidippus Cambridge
The jumping spiders of this genus are of medium size, resemble those of
the genus Phidippus, but are smaller, of more slender build, and less hairy.
The length of the carapace is about 1^4 times the width. The small eyes are
between one-third and one-half the distance from those of the anterior row
to those of the posterior row. The third row of eyes is little wider than the
first row. In males the chelicerae are large and powerful, projecting forward
prominently from the anterior end of the body. Most of the species occur in
Central America, but a few range nortln\ ard into tlie United States, and occur
throughout most of the country.
Paraphidippus aurantius (Lucas)
Changeable Spider
Salticus aurantius Lucas, 1833, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, vol. 2, p. 480.
Paraphidippus aurantius; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah, vol.
34, p. 205.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — "Delav\are and Illinois south to Florida and west to Arizona"
178
University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
(Kaston, 1953:114); extends into Neotropical Region to Costa Rica and tlie
West Indies.
Description. — Female, length 10, carapace 4.0, abdomen 6.0, extended legs
20. Carapace reddish brown, black with some iridescence in ocular area, and
with broad dorsolateral yellowish brown
band on each side formed by close-set
scalelike hairs; carapace elsewhere
sparsely clothed with short browTi hairs,
and with few longer black hairs an-
teriorly; abdomen brown, with patches
of iridescent scales on dorsum and with
tliree pairs of white spots; anterior one-
third of abdomen rimmed with pale red
area; two broad vertical bars of same
color on each side of posterior half; legs
yellowish brown, faintly annulated with
darker brown, clothed with whitish hairs,
and sparser black hairs and armed with
black spines; entire ventral surface pale
brown, with sparse whitish hairs (see
Fig. 95).
Fig. 95. Paraphidippus aurantius,
female, X 3.
Habitat and Habits. — This spe-
cies, less common than P. margina-
tus, has been found on shrubs and tall herbaceous vegetation in
woodland and woodland edge situations.
Paraphidippus marginatus ( Walckenaer )
Aitiis marginatus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire
Naturelle des Insectes Apteres, vol. 1, p.
466.
Philacus militaris; Schefter, 1905 Trans. Kan-
sas Acad. Sci., vol. 19, p. 119.
Paraphidippus marginatus; Crosby and
Bishop, 1928, Cornell Univ. Agric. Exp.
Sta., Mem., vol. 101, p. 1072.
Identifications.— MHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Southern Canada throughout most
of the United States and southward into Mexico.
Description. — Male, length 7.0, carapace 2.8,
abdomen 3.8, extended legs 20. Carapace dark
chestnut, almost black in interocular region,
with iridescent scutum and with longitudinal
l)and of white hairs on each side; abdomen
bronze, iridescent dorsally, with two pairs of
faint white spots, with a white rim anteriorly,
and with two large white spots laterally on
posterior part; legs dark chestnut paling to light
brown on terminal segments; cheHcerae elongated and project anteriorly from
carapace as seen from abo\e ( see Fig. 96 ) .
Fig. 96. Paraphidippus mar
ginatus, male, X 3.
Spiders 179
Female, kngtli S.G, carapace 4.2, abdomen 4.4, extended legs 21.5. Cara-
pace shiny light brown, darker in interocvilar region, with flattened iridescent
hairs appearing pink and green; abdomen bronze with iridescent hairs dorsally,
and with two pairs of white spots, with white anterior margin, and with two
large trans\erse spots on sides posteriorly; legs shiny, light brown, paler on
terminal segments, and with faint dark annvdations.
Habitat and Habits. — These showy and medium-large spiders are
hiiily common on the Reservation, and have been found occasionally
in grassland but more often in woodland or woodland edge. In
late simimer they have been obtained in numbers by sweeping tall
weeds and other understory vegetation in dense mesic woodland
on a north slope. This species occurs regularly, though in relatively
small numbers compared with orbwea\ers and flower spiders in
the mud nests of the wasp SccJipliron.
Paraphidippus pineus Kaston
Pine Jmnping Spider
Parapliidippiis jiineus Kaston, 1945, Anier. Mus. Novit., no. 1290, p. 11,
figs. 54-58.
Identification . — AB .
Range. — Poorly known; reaches Massachusetts, Connecticut and Kansas.
Description. — Male, length 6.3, carapace 3.0, abdomen 3.3, extended legs 18.
Carapace black with pair of white stripes extending posteriorly for two-thirds
of its length, just lateral to ocular area; few rusty hairs in anterior ocular area,
and few iridescent scales in middorsal region of carapace; abdomen almost
twice as long as broad, pointed posteriorly, with conspicuous scutum of iri-
descent scales; hairy, rimmed with white anteriorly, and having pair of wliite
transverse marks near posterior end; and two pairs of white dots in its mid-
portion; legs dark brown, almost black on proximal segments, paling to light
brown terminally, having patches of scalelike white hairs; chelicerae relatively
long, projecting anteriorl>-, with long sinuate fangs; female larger (length 9
mm.), more robust, with shorter legs and swollen abdomen, her color pre-
dominantly pale brown rather than black.
Genus Peckhamia Simon
In the small antlike jumping spiders of this genus the length of tlie cephalo-
thorax is about twice the width and 2/2 times the height. The sides of the
carapace are almost parallel; the ocular cjuadrangle is from half to three-fifths
the length of the carapace, and is slightly narrower posteriorly than at its
anterior end. The small eyes are much nearer to the anterior lateral eyes
than to the rear eyes. The labium is as long as wide. There is a well defined
cervical furrow behind the posterior pair of eyes, and there is a well de-
veloped constriction on the abdomen. The tibia of the first leg has three
pairs of ventral spines. The genus occurs in the United States and the
Neotropical Region.
180 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Peckhamia americana ( Peckham )
Peckham's Ant Spider
Synagcles americana Peckham, 1892 Occas. Papers Nat. Hist. Soc. Wiscon-
sin, vol. 2(1), p. 65.
Peckhamia americana; Simon, 1903 Hist. Naturelle des Araignees. Tome 2,
fasc. 4, p. 868.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — United States, chiefly in southern half; southward to Vera Cruz.
Description. — Male, length, 4.1, carapace 1.7, abdomen 2.3, extended legs
8.0. Anterior half of carapace dorsally covered with fine, iridescent scales;
first pair of legs large and powerful; overall aspect remarkably antlike; ab-
domen constricted behind anterior one-fourth, and even enlarged posterior part
narrower than anterior fourth; white hairs on thorax, especially in area of
anterior eyes, between posterior lateral eyes, at margin of carapace above
bases of second pair of legs, and ventrolaterally on abdominal constriction;
portion of abdomen behind constriction shiny and slate colored.
Female resembles male in most respects but averages larger.
Habitat arid Habits. — An adult male taken in July, 1960, was
the only specimen found. It was in open oak woods on a north
slope. In New York and Wisconsin the species has been found
in forests. It is remarkable for its low reproductive potential; sev-
eral observers have reported that there are only three or four eggs
per sac produced by members of this genus but several sacs may
be produced in the course of a season.
Genus Phidippus Koch
The members of this genus are medium to large stocky and hairy salticids.
The posterior row of eyes is one and one-fourth times as wide as the anterior
Fig. 97. Phidippus fraudidentus, female, X 3.
Fig. 98. Phidippus whitmanii, female, X 3.
Spiders 181
row. The small c>es are approximately one-third the distance from the an-
terior row to the posterior row of eyes. The ccphalothorax is wide and
bulging laterally, its width only a little less than its length. The males have
prominent tufts of hair in the ocular region, and in many the chelicerae are
more or less iridescent. The pattern is variable, but most species have a light
band on the base of the abdomen, and paired light spots on the abdomen
dorsally. The genus has many species, mostly in the United States and Mexico,
but the range e.xtends from southern Canada south to Brazil and Peru, with
one species recorded from Japan and another from the Nicobar Islands.
Phidippus apacheanus Chambeilin and Gertsch
Apache Jumping Spider
P]iidippus apacheanus Chamberlin and Gertsch, 1929, lour. Ent. and Zool.,
vol. 23, p. 108.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Southwestern United States, northeast to Wisconsin.
Description. — Female, length 11.8, carapace 5.0, abdomen 6.8, extended
legs 24. Large jet-black jumping spider having anterior three-fifths of dorsal
side of carapace, and dorsal surface of abdomen ( except for a broad middorsal
band on posterior half) brilliant scarlet from coatings of close-set scalelike
hairs ; legs hairy with some long white hairs and scalelike hairs especially on
palp, fewer on first legs, and relatively few on second leg, chelicerae greenish
blue on anterior surface, deepening to indigo distally.
Habitat and Habits. — Few individuals were found in the area of
my study, and all were in hot and dry situations — ^bare ground
of an eroded field, on a gravel road, on a fence post, and on the
outside wall of the old barn on the Rockefeller Tract. Another
specimen was found in open woods, on a limestone slab of the
hilltop ledge within a few yards of the northwest corner of the
Reservation, on an adjoining farm. A rocky habitat, with loose
boulders or slabs, in short-grass prairie or pasture seems to be the
preferred habitat. Many of the spiders were found under such
conditions on a farm four miles north of the Reservation in Sep-
tember, 1961, and in the same month, the species was found to be
even more numerous at various localities in the Flint Hills, aj)-
proximately 80 miles southwest.
Phidippus f raudulentus ( Walckenaer )
Dotted Jumj)ing Spider
Attus f raudulentus Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes
Apleres, vol. 1, p. 442.
Phidippus f raudulentus; Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol.
Ser., vol. 8(5), p. 208.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
182 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Range. — Eastern United States.
Description. — Male, length 8.0, carapace 4.0, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
19. Dorsal coloration deep purplish brown, almost black on carapace, slightly
paler on legs; abdomen having arc of white hairs on dorsal surface near an-
terior end; farther posteriorly dorsum densely clothed with red hairs except
for median area; entire ventral surface, legs, and sides of carapace clothed
with white hairs; hornlike tuft of black hairs anterior to posterior lateral eye
on each side.
Female averaging slightly larger, lacking white bands on carapace, which
is brown rather than black, and having duller pattern (see Fig. 97).
Pliidippus pius SchefFer
Kansas Jumping Spider
Phidippu.s piiLS Scheffer, 1905, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 123.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Kansas and adjoining states.
Description. — Male, length 8.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 4.5, extended legs
22. Dorsal coloration on carapace and abdomen bright red, because of dense,
short, flat, red hairs; median ocular area dark; pair of dark longitudinal bands
on abdomen, each with two red spots in its posterior half; sparse black hairs
over carapace and abdomen; legs light brown with abundant yellowish-brown
hairs; sparse tuft of black hair between posterior median eyes and posterior
laterals; ventral surface light brown; abdomen elliptical.
Female larger by perhaps one-fourth, with pattern resembling that of male,
but w ith duller colors.
Habitat and Habits. — This relatively rare but brightly colored
and conspicuous species was always found in xeric situations,
chiefly on barren soil of eroded upland fields on the Reservation
and Rockefeller Tract. Several were found on the outside wall
of the barn, on the south side, at the Rockefeller Tract, and on
nearby fence posts. The species was first recorded by Scheffer
(1905:128) from the northern Flint Hills, in rocky grassland
habitat.
Pliidippus princeps (Peckham)
.\//(/s prini-rps Peckham, 1883, Descriptions of new or little known spiders
of the family Attidae from various parts of the United States, p. 18.
Pliidippus princeps; Peckham, 1901, Trans, ^^'isconsin Acad. Sci. Arts and
Letters, vol. 13(1), p. 288.
Identifications. — TBK, MHM, RLG.
Range. — Eastern linited States.
Description. — Male, length 8.5, carapace 4.0, abdomen 4.5, extended legs
20. Cephalothorax and legs dark puri:)lish brown, with fine grayish pubes-
cence; abdomen rimmed with white anteriorly, orange red over remainder of
dorsal surface because of dense covering of fine scalelike hairs; white hairs
on dorsal surface of palp and on medial surface of first leg.
Spiders 183
Fcinalr larger !)>■ pcrliaps one-foiiifli, liax injf liglitcr eoloi', w itli gray pii-
ht'sccncc.
Habitat and Habits. — This is the least common species of the
genus on the Resei\ation. It lias been found chiefly in dry, fairly
open woodland, in late April, May and June.
Phidippus putnami ( Peckham )
Putnam's Jumping Spider
Atttis ptiliiamii Pockham, 1883, Descriptions of new or little known spiders
of tlie famih' Attidae from \arious parts of North .\merica, p. 1.
PJiidippui piitnaniii, Peckham, 1888, Trans. Wisconsin Acad. Sci. Arts and
Letters, vol. 7, p. 417.
Idcntificcit io n . — W J G .
Ran^c. — Midwestern states including Ohio, Kentucky, Iowa and Kansas.
Description. — Male, length 7.0, carapace 3.5, abdomen 3.5, extended legs
17.5. Carapace dark chestnut, almost black, witli large, middorsal, arrowhead-
shaped white mark just behind level of posterior eyes, and with many pale,
gra\^ish brown hairs projecting anteriorly; white streak on each side behind
and below small eye; prominent black hair tuft in front of posterior eye on
each side; abdomen dark chestnut, almost black, with large central white
spot and with four irregularly arranged pairs of smaller white spots, and
with white border anteriorly; legs and pedipalps \eIlowish brown, abundantly
clothed with white hairs, which, on tibiae of first legs, especially, form
prominent tufts.
Habitat and Habits. — The only specimen seen was an adult male
obtained on the gra\'el driveway of the Rockefeller Tract, in re-
established prairie in August 1961.
Phidippus rimator Walckenaer
Red and Black Jumping Spider
Attiis rimator \\'alckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturcllc dcs Insectes Apteres,
vol. 1, pp. 446, 488.
PJiidippus midtiformis; SchefFer, 1906, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr.
Coll.), vol. 30, p. 124.
Identifications. — xMHM, RLG, AB.
Range. — Throughout most of United States.
Description. — Male, length 9.0, carapace 4.0, abdomen 5.0, extended legs
25. Carapace deep purplish brown, almost black, and this color extends onto
anterior end of abdomen; arc of white hairs dorsally on abdomen, short of
its anterior end; farther posteriorly abdomen covered with bright red hairs
except for bare middorsal area, colored like carapace; legs also dark purplish
browTi, but with faint annulations of lighter brown, clothed with black hairs;
pedipalps densely covered with white hairs on dorsal surfaces; abdomen pear-
shaped, bluntly pointed posteriorly, but little smaller than cephalothorax;
anterior legs especially long and powerful; sternum and coxae slightly paler
than carapace; venter having two faint dark stripes converging posteriorly
(see Fig. 99).
Fig. 99. Phidippus rimator,
male, X 3.
184 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Female approximately same size as male, but legs are stubbier, abdoinen
broader, more nearly flat, and less pointed behind; yellowish brown dorsally
with ocular area suffused with black and
with irregular dark marks on ocular area,
and with sparse covering on both body and
legs of pale yellow hairs; faint dark annula-
tions on legs.
Habitat and Habits.— This large
and colorful jumping spider is char-
acteristic of grassland habitats, and
is abundant both in tall-grass prairie
and in brome grass pastures. It is
sometimes even more numerous in
old fields having broad-leafed herbs
such as sunflower and ironweed. The
spiders are active and alert, and at
the approach of a person, one will
dart to the opposite side of a stem
or leaf, concealing itself, and usually
escaping attention. However, they
can be obtained in numbers by sweep-
ing the vegetation with a net. In April and May most of those
seen were penultimates. On many occasions in the latter half of
Tuly and in earlv August pairs have been found. In almost every
instance the female was enclosed in a filmy cocoon and the male
was beside it. .
The prey includes a wide variety of insects, some nearly as large
as the spiders themselves, including lepidopterous larvae, moths,
butterflies, hemipterans, dipterans, and occasionally other spiders.
Phidippus variegatus ( Lucas )
White-spotted Jumping Spider
Sdticus variegatus Lucas, 1833, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, vol 2 p. 478^
Attus audax; Hentz, 1844, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 199, pi. 17,
Fhidippus'morsitans; Scheffer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 6.
Jffenii/icafions.— TBK, MHM, RLG, AB.
Range.-Southeastern Canada and eastern United States west to Colorado,
south into Cuba and Mexico.
De.crip«on.-Female, length 15.0, carapace 7.0, abdomen 8.0, extended legs
31 Body robust; dark reddish brown, almost black; body and legs hairy;
chelicerae iridescent green; large white spot in center of dorsum; pair of well
Spiders
185
separated smaller white spots between large spot and posterior end of abdo-
men (see Fig. 100 and outside oi front eover).
Male similar in most respects but slightly less bulky, with legs relatively
longer, and with fringe of white hairs on first leg.
Habitat and Habits. — This common large blackish jumping spider
has been found in a wide range of
habitat conditions. It requires ex-
posed surfaces of wood, rock, or
soil to prowl over, and niches or
crevices for escape. It is most
abundant in dry open woods, and,
in grassland, in rocky situations, as
where there are outcrops, rock
piles, or stone walls. Usually it is
numerous on the outside walls of
buildings, and occasionally makes
its way inside by way of cracks
along the edges of windows or
doors.
Some of these spiders may over-
winter as adults, but most do so
in the penultimate stage. Kaston
(1948:483) has described hibernat-
ing aggregations of as many as 30
individuals. Each keeps to its own
sac, a cottony web mass open at botli ends. Eggs are laid in June
and July. For nests, broad-leafed herbs such as ironweed ( Vernonia
interior) or milkweed (Asclepias kansana) often are used; the
growing leaves are used as a protective covering, either by rolling
one into a cylindrical shape, or by binding two or more leaves to-
gether. Inside the shelter thus formed, a thick cocoon encloses
the eggs. On July 2, 1952, a female with her newly hatched brood
of young was found inside the nest box attached to a mouse trap.
On October 2, 1952, a cocoon was found beneath loose bark of an
old red haw stump, and it contained an adult female and the
sloughs of numerous spiderlings that were no longer present.
On May 30, 1953, courtship was observed; a male on a rock ledge
with his front legs extended and twitching repeatedly sidled up to
a larger female. The female was sluggish and unresponsive, but
would back away or move off sideways, facing the male. From
time to time when he came close, she would advance threateningly,
driving him back. On May 30, 1961, a male placed in a container
Fig. 100. Phidippus variegatus,
female, X 3.
186 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
witli a larycr female courted her and mated, but later in the day
she had killed and eaten him. On several other occasions when
two adults of either sex were put together, the larger (usually a
female) killed and ate the other. The demeanor was always men-
acing when one was aware of another's proximity. Finally, with
a sudden lunge, one would catch the other unaware, sink its fangs
into his body and soon kill and devour him.
The insect prey is often larger than the spider itself. A high
proportion consists of flying insects, dipterans, lepidopterans and
others, which are caught by speed and stealth. In stalking prey
the spider's movements are swift, jerky and catlike. On numerous
occasions it has been seen to miss. Once an adult female perched
on a flat rock was seen to jump several inches high in an unsuc-
cessful attempt to catch a dragonfly many times as large as the
spider itself. On other occasions these spiders have been seen
carrying dragonflies, moths, or butterflies of considerably greater
size. Caterpillars and grasshoppers are important food sources.
Other spiders also are frequently preyed upon. An adult female
entered the laboratory building and there caught and killed a purse
web spider (Afypiis-) only a little smaller, which was confined in
a jar. Another time, one was seen dragging the body of a wolf
spider (Lycosa rahida) nearly as large as itself. A large female
jumping spider was noticed on the wall of the porch, beside the
web of a house spider (Achaearanea tepidarionini). The jumping
spider was poked with a stick and lunged forward momentarily en-
tangling herself in the web, but broke free before the approaching
house spider could further entangle her, then dropped to the floor
and escaped in a crack. Several hours later, a jumping spider, pre-
sumably the same, was again beside the web, and was feeding on
the body of the smaller Achaearanea.
On numerous other occasions remains of the jumping spiders have
been found in the webs of the house spiders, which, despite their
smaller size, seem to have the advantage when their webs are
intact. This jumping spider is a favorite prey of certain lizards.
Among 738 prey items of the five-lined skink from the Reservation,
334 were spiders, and of these P. variegattis was the most frequently
represented, although many were not definitely identifiable. Of
456 prey items identified from fecal pellets of the collared lizard
{Crofaphiftm coUaris), 38 were P. variei^atus and 17 others identi-
fied merely as Pliidippus probably represented this jumping spider
mainly or entirely.
Spiders 187
Phidippus whitmanii Peckham
Whitman's Jumping Spider
Phidippus- ichitmanii Peckham, 1909, Trans. Wisconsin Acad. Sci. Arts and
Letters, vol. 16(1), pp. 383, 386, 394.
ldentijications.^\mM, RLG, AB, WJG.
Range. — Southeastern Canada and New England states, west to Wisconsin
and Kansas.
Description. — Female, length 13.0, carapace 5.0, abdomen 8.0, extended
legs 23. Carapace black in ocular region; dark reddish-brown immediately
behind posterior lateral e>es; darker laterally and posteriorly; dorsum light
brown with horseshoe-shaped cream colored band beginning near base and
running laterally and ventrally about liaU length of abdomen; indistinct lighter
cream colored foliimi in center of dorsum; epigastric plate \ell<)w with gray
striations; venter finely spotted reddish brown with lighter >cllowish color
forming background; dark brown band underlining epigastric furrow and ex-
tending along sides to spinnerets forming elongate triangle with median stripe
of same color extending from apex and not (niite reaching base; legs reddish
brown witli femora darkest and almost black on anterior pair of legs ( see
Fig. 98).
Male averages somewhat smaller, mostly bright red dorsalK', black in
cephalic region, and with basal \cllowish stripe on abdomen; hea\\' fringe of
while hairs on first leti.
Uahilat and Habits. — These large jumping spiders ha\e been
found chiefly in dry, open phices, especially on broad-leafed herbs
( ironweed, milkweed ) in old pastures, but also on the side of a
barn, and on fence posts. The species is not common and onK a
few individuals have been seen.
Genus Sassacus
Tile members ot this genus are small, short-legged jumping spiders having
the body covered with iridescent scales which give it a shiny metallic bluish,
greenish or coppery appearance. The tibia of the first leg is armed with two
or three pairs of spines. The width of the carapace is about five-sixths of the
length, and the height about half the length. The ocular quadrangle is wider
behind than in front, and occupies half the length of the cephalothorax. The
small eyes are slightb- closer lo tlie anterior row than to the posterior. The
genus occurs from the northern I'lu'ted States southward to Paraguay; the
majority of species are in the Neotropical Region.
Sassacus papenhoei Peckham
Papenhoe's Jumping Spider
Sassacus papenhoei Peckham, 1895, Occas. Papers Nat. Hist. Soc. Wiscon-
sin, vol. 2(3), p. 177.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — Tennessee and Ohio, west to the Pacific Coast, north to Wisconsin
and \\''ashington.
188 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
T- 1 l»,-.o-fln =^0 caramce 2.2, abdomen 3.2, extended
J^rSl^I^, ^^fert:'tw:Zds eovered c^rsally with granular
ilJeent ^cut.^ short white, flattened hairs on sides o carapace; abdomen
at rtar^ed wi h white (from band of dense flattened wh.te ha.rs), with
t^; iXxent hairs on the dorsal surface; legs dark redd.sh brown, wrth
•; l..,r. nahi coated with white hairs on its anterior surface.
^^%e^:m;rr ra^^^^^^^ one-fourth, lacking light bands on sides of abdomen.
Habitat and Habits.-These small, active jumping spiders were
not common on the Reservation, but were found from time to time
on broad-leafed weedy vegetation, such as milkweed and ironweed,
in open situations in J"ly and August.
Genus Thiodina Simon
The small compactly built jumping spiders of this genus resemble members
of S ge"u Hahronaitus in most respects, but differ in having on each tibia
o the fi'rst pair of legs, two pairs of bulbous setae which a- believ^^ o^
a sensory function. Members of the genus are found m North America and
South America, chiefly in the tropics.
Thiodina iniquies ( Walckenaer )
Pale Jumping Spider
Attus iniquies Walckenaer, 1837, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
Thiodina slivtna- Scheffer, 1906, Industrialist Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol.
TModina l^nes; Chamberfin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5), p. 216.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. ^Southern New England, Iowa, Utah
and California southward to Panama and the
Antilles.
Description.— Male, length 7.0, carapace 2.3,
abdomen 4.5, extended legs 14. Carapace shmy
dark brown with broad, rectangular tan mark
behind anterior median eyes, narrowing to halt
this width between posterior lateral eyes, contmu-
ing posteriorfy to edge of thoracic slope; pair of
broad lateral bands of same tan color from behmd
anterior lateral eyes to below posterior lateral eyes;
abdomen yellow with broad median black stripe,
traces of yellow extending to spinnerets, which are
also black; lateral areas of dorsum predominantly
black lined with yellow; venter black with latera
yellow stripes; chelicerae black except for dista
portions and fangs, which are brown; first and
second pairs of legs black; third and fourth pairs
having bases of femora yellow (see Fig. 101).
Fig. 101. Thiodinaini-
quies, male, X 4.
Spiders 189
Thiodina puerpera Hentz
Hentz's Jumping Spider
Attus puerperus Hentz, 1846, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 5, p. 360.
Thiodina puerpera; SchefFer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30 (24), p. 8.
Thiodina puerpera; Peckham, 1909, Trans. Wisconsin Acad. Sci. Arts and
Letters, vol. 16, p. 449.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Southern and central United States, north to Kansas and Pennsyl-
vania.
Description. — Male, length 7.0, carapace 3.0, abdomen 4.0, extended legs
13.5. Carapace dark brown, almost black, with median patch of white scales
between posterior eyes, larger patch lateral to each ot small eyes; fringe of
brown bristles above anterior eyes; abdomen liea\i]y coated with brown hairs,
dark olive with broad middorsal band mottled with black, bordered on each
side by white band; legs dark brown, nearly black, except for pale tan tro-
chanter and proximal half of femur anteriorly; female relatively large ( length
10) and pale — light yellowish tan, with ocular area opaque, whitish, having
each eye rimmed with black; carapace narrowly rimmed with black.
GeniKs Tutclina Simon
The small iridescent jumping spiders of this genus are much like members
of the genus Icius in most respects, but have the sternum truncated in front
and narrower at its anterior end than is the adjacent base of the labium. The
chelicerae are relatively small, and the fangs are sliort, cspccialK' in females.
The genus occurs in North America and South America, and in the Old World
Tropics.
Tutelina elegans (Hentz)
Iridescent jumping Spider
Attus I'legans Henitz, 1846, |our. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. .5 p. 353,
pi. 21, fig. 6.
Tutelina elegans; Simon. \W\. Ilistoire Naturelle des .\raignees, vol. 2,
pp. 544, 549, 554.
Identification . — A B .
Range. — Southeastern Canada; United States, chiefly in the eastern part,
in the Deciduous Forest Formation, but also in the state of Washington;
Kurile Islands in northeastern Asia.
Description. — Immature female, length 4.6, carapace 1.8, abdomen 2.8,
extended legs 7.0. Carapace dark chestnut, abdomen plumbeous; many scale-
like iridescent green or purpl(> hairs over entire dorsal surface; femora of first
pair of legs black; legs otherwise pale brownish yellow with dark dorsal line
on each for most of its length; similar lines on prolateral and retrolateral aspects
of tibiae and metatarsi of fourth pair of legs; palps pale yellow.
Male smaller by perhaps one-fourth, having cephalic tufts of hair, and
lacking white basal band on abdomen; fringe and black spots on first tibia.
190 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Habitat and Habits.— Peckham and Peckham (1909:500) stated
that in Wisconsin this species matures about July 10, and from ten
days to two weeks thereafter it is abundant and conspicuous. They
collected many from hazel bushes. Worley and Pickwell (1931:109)
in Nebraska found this spider on coralberry bushes, and under dung
on the high plains.
Genus Zygoballus Peckham
In the small jumping spiders of this genus the eephalothorax is high with
a steep deelivity a little ])ehin(l the posterior eyes. The oeular quadrangle oc-
cupies three-fifths of the length of the carapace, and is wider behind — ap-
proximately !/■! times as wide as long. The small eyes are much nearer to the
anterior row than to the posterior. The first leg is the heaviest and has three
pairs of spines on the ventral surface of its tibia. The chelicerae are long
and slender and in the male a peculiar stout process is developed on the lower
surface near the retrolateral edge. The genus is mainly neotropical in its
distribution.
Zygoballus bettini Peckham
Hammer-jawed Spider
Zijgohallus hettini Peckham, 1888, Trans. Wisconsin Acad. Sci., Arts and
Letters, vol. 7, p. 89, pi. 1, figs. 68-69a; pi. 6, figs. 68-68b.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Eastern United States in the Deciduous Forest Formation.
Description. — Male, length .5.0, carapace 2.5, abdomen 2.5, extended legs
14. Carapace dark brown; abdomen slightly paler, with band of whitish hairs
around its anterior end, and with faint pale chevronlike markings on its dorsal
surface; eephalothorax liigh and arched; abdomen flattened, and somewhat
pointed posteriorly, with spinnerets protruding; both carapace and abdomen
higlily iridescent, with fine, sparse, amber-colored hairs on their dorsal surfaces;
chelicerae, palps, and coxae and femora of first pair of legs chestnut; tarsi of
first pair of legs mostly black; legs of second, third and fourth pairs pale
amiier, with faint suggestions of dark annulations; chelicerae much enlarged;
projecting anteriorly from cephalic region; pair of remarkably large teeth on
each chelicera, one on each margin of fang furrow (see Fig. 87).
Female larger by perhaps one-third, lacking iridescence, and abdomen has
white transverse band.
Habitat and Habits. — This spider is moderately common on the
area. It has been found throughout most of the summer, chiefly
in mesic forest habitat and at woodland edge. Most of those seen
have been swept from foliage of shrubby vegetation such as dog-
wood, elderberry or coralberry; others have been found climbing
on the screen or ceiling of the Reservation residence, and still
others were climbing on the outside wall of the house after the
adjacent lawn had been sprinkled. In September, 1961, when a
Spiders 191
patch of dayflower was cleared, at the southwest corner of my
residence in the shade of a large elm, a sizable colony of these
spiders was found, and man\- were collected as they moved over
the walls of the building. In Nebraska, Worley and Pickwell
(1931:124) likewise found the species on foliage and shrubbery in
deep deciduous forest. Kaston (1948:497) found it under stones
and bark, and in sweeping from tall grass and bushes. He noted
that it overwinters in the adult state.
Family DiCTYNmAE Cambridge
Mesh Web Spinners
These small crihellate spiders ha\e eight e>('s in two rows, or there may
be only six with the anterior median eyes laeking. The chelieera has bos.s
and scopula, and the margins of the fang furrows have teeth. The labium
is free. There are few triehobolhria on the tibiae and metatarsi and none on
the tarsi, whieh have three claws. The sternum extends posteriorK- between
the hind coxae. The cribellum is undivided.
Ki:v TO THE Species of the Famu.y Dictymuae ok the Resehv.\tion
1. Abdomen having pale, broad middorsal band, with irregular edges,
but lacking paired black spots on its posterior half 2
1'. Abdomen lacking pale middorsal band with irregular edges, but
having four pairs of black spots on its posterior half 3
2. Length usualK more than 2 mm. in males and 2.7 mm. in females.
Dictijna suhlata, p. 1 '.)-'
2'. Length usualh' less than 2 nun. in males and 2.7 mm. in females.
Dictyna foliacea, p. 191
3. Length more than 2.5 mm Dictyna volucripes, p. 192
3'. Length less than 2.0 mm. Dicttjtui formidolosa, p. 192
Genus Dictyna Sundcvall
A well marked cer\ical groo\e divides the cephalic region from the thoracic
region. The abdomen is o\al, and almost white, with a pattern of brown and
yellow areas. The entire bod\' i.s clothed in long hairs, which are longest on
the carapace. The calamistrum occupies the middle half to two-thirds of the
length of metatarsus on the fourth leg. In males the chelicerae are long,
concave in front and bowed outward near the middle. The genus is cosmo-
politan.
Dictyna foliacea (Hentz)
Theridion foliaceum Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., \ol. 6, p. 277,
pi. 9, fig. 14.
Dictyna foliacea; Kaston, 1948, Banks, 1895, Jour. New York Ent. Soc., \ol.
3, p. 83.
Identification . — ^^7G.
Range. — Most of United States, southeastern Canada, and Mexico.
DescriiHinn. — Female, length 1.7, carapace .7, abdomen 1.0, extended legs
192
Universit\' of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
4.4. Carapace pale brown, yellowish in cephalic region; abdomen brownish
gray with broad niiddorsal yellowish band extending from posterior end almost
to anterior, deeply notched on each side near anterior end; legs pale yellow.
Dictyna formidolosa Gertsch and Ivie
Dictyna annata Banks, 1911, Proc. Acad.
Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, vol. 63, p. 444.
Dictyna formidolosa; Gertsch and Ivie,
1936, Anicr. Mns. Novit., no. 858, p.
10.
Identification. — AB.
Range. — United States.
Description. — Female, length 1.8, cara-
pace .7, abdomen 1.2, extended legs 4.2.
Carapace brown, palest in cephalic region,
darker lateralK, having naiTOW dark brown
stripe; abdomen cream colored, with median
dark stripe extending from base about one-
third of distance to posterior end, and series
of dark spots near i^osterior end; abdomen
having many stout bristles; \ enter iniifoniily
cream colored; legs pale translucent yellow;
male averaging slightK- smaller (see Fig. 102).
Fig. 102. Dictyna formidolosa,
female, X 17.
Dictyna sublata ( Hentz )
Theridion stiblatum Hentz, 1850, Jour. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., vol. 6, p. 276.
Dictyna suhlata; Marx, 1883, Araneina ;/i Howard (L.O.). A list of the
invertebrate fauna of South Carolina. Charleston, p. 23.
Identification. — WJG.
Range. — Southern Canada, entire United States, and south into Mexico.
Description. — Male, length 2.7, carapace 1.4, abdomen 1.2, exiended legs
7.5. Carapace reddish brown; abdomen oval, smaller than cephalothorax,
slaty; legs pale amber; eyes small and almost vmiformly spaced, with both
rows recurved, anterior more strongly; cymbiimi brown, broader than cephalic
portion of carapace.
Dictyna volucripes Keyserling
Dictyna volucripes Keyserling, 1881, Verb. Zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, vol. 31,
p. 286; pi. 11, fig. 11.
Dictyna volucripes; Schelfer, 1904, Industrialist (Kansas State Agr. Coll.),
vol. 30, p. 2.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Probably almost the entire United States; southeastern Canada.
Description. — Female, length 3.0, carapace 1.7, abdomen 1.7, extended
legs 7.5. Carapace dark reddish brown, dull or with faint lustrous sheen;
short dense forward-directed yellowish hairs in transverse arc following
cervical groove; tuft of similar hairs on clypeus, with few extending into ocular
region; abdomen oval, only little larger than carapace, well clothed with
covering of dense, short, flattened hairs, which give it characteristic pattern;
Spiders 193
hairs are yellowisli on sicl('^ of al:)cl()men. which has \\ide irregular middorsal
band beginning short distance back from anterior end and extends for remain-
ing length, expanding onto sides posteriorly; within this band, little anterior
to its mid-point are pair of small, oblique, o\al hairless areas appearing as
spots; legs brown, with paler hairs.
Male averages smaller by approximateh' one-third.
Habitat and Habits. — This is one of the most abundant species
of spiders on tlie Reservation, but is so small that but for its web
it would usualK- be overlooked. The web is in a vertical plane
on the head of an old dry stalk of grass or a weed. False red-top
(Triad la fiavens), sweet clover (Melilotus alba) and ragweed
{Ambrosia artemisiacfoUa ) provide favorite sites for the webs.
The spider has a more closely woven retreat in a sheltered situation
near the center of the web. Prey consists of minute Diptera and
other small insects that become entangled in the web. ('omstock
(1948:285) stated that in mid-summer, the pairing season, the male
lives with the female in her web, and that in autumn the female
shares her web with her brood of hatchlings.
Family ULOBORmAE Cambridge
Feather-legged Spiders
In the spiders of this small family a cribcllum is present and is undivided.
There are eight homogeneous dark eyes arranged in two well-separated rows.
A boss may be present or lacking on the chclicera, and the fang margins
usually have several teeth but may have only one tooth. The labium is free.
Trichobothria are present in a row on the femur, one or two on the tibia,
and on the metatarsus, and none on the tarsus. There are three tarsal claws.
The metatarsus of the fourth leg is compressed, concave above, and bears
several spines on the ventral side of its distal third. The feather-legged spiders
are peculiar in lacking venom glands. The pre>' is captured in a web of the
orb type, peculiar in that it often is incomplete consisting merely of sectors
of orbs.
Genus Uloborus Latreille
The two rows of eyes are approximately the same length, with eyes sub-
equal, and are strongly recurved. The first pair of legs are much larger and
more robust than the other legs, and they bear, on the distal halves of their
tibiae the characteristic featherlike tuft of hairs. The genus is cosmopolitan.
Uloborus glomosus ( Walckenaer )
Feather-footed Spider
Epeira glomosa Walckenaer, 1841, Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres,
vol. 2, p. 143.
Ulohonts pittmipcs: Scheffer, 1906, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., vol. 20, p. 121.
Uloborus plomosus- Chamberlin and Ivie, 1944, Bull. Univ. Utah Biol. Ser.,
vol. 8(5), p. 34.
7—8530
194 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Southeastern Canada and eastern United States, southward to South
America.
Description. — Female, length 5.5, carapace 1.6, abdomen 3.7, extended legs
15. Carapace brown, with coating of anteriorly directed gray hairs; abdomen
several times bulk of cephalothorax, high anteriorly and has pair of prominent
dorsal tubercles one-third distance back from anterior end; abdomen cream
colored with irregular brown markings in middorsal area
and on sides; legs browTi, faintly banded with darker
and lighter areas; first leg relatively large and robust,
bears prominent brush of hairs on distal two-thirds (see
Fig. 103).
Male slightly more than half female's length, lacking
elevations on abdomen and featherlike cluster of hairs
on tibia of first leg.
Habitat and Habits. — This spider is uncom-
mon on the area and has been found only in
mesic woodland on heavily shaded north slopes.
Several young have been found in their webs
in cavities in limestone outcrops, and beneath
ghmo.ms, female^ *^® edges of logs. Such well protected sites are
X 3. preferred, but on August 29, 1961, a female was
found in a more open situation, in a web four
feet above the ground. Kaston (1948:513) recorded egg sacs with
60, 30 and 30 eggs respectively.
Family Amaurobiidae Thorrell
Hackled Band Weavers
These cribellate spiders have eight homogeneous eyes in two rows. Che-
licerae are powerful provided with boss and scopula and have both fang
margins toothed. The labium is free. The legs are spiny and lack scopulae.
The tarsi have only one row of trichobothriae, and there are three tarsal
claws. The cribellum is divided into two parts.
Genus Titanoeca Thorell
The anterior median eyes are a little smaller than the posterior medians.
The tarsal trichobothria are short, little longer than the ordinary hairs, and
not increasing in length toward distal part of tarsus. The calamistrum oc-
cupies almost the entire length of the fourth metatarsus. The genus is mainly
holarctic but with a few species extending into the tropics.
Titanoeca americana Emerton
Titanoeca americana Emerton. 1888. Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci.. vol. 7.
p. 453, pi. 10, figs. 4. 4d.
Amattrohiiis arncncanus: Scheffer. 1904. Industrialist (Kansas State Agr.
Coll.) vol. 30, p. 2.
Spiders
195
Fig. 104. Titanocca
uniericana, female,
X5.
Identifications. — RLG, AB.
Range. — Southern Canada throughout much of the United States except
the southern part.
Description. — Female, length 6.0, carapace 2.7, abdomen 3.5, extended
legs 12. Carapace shiny, chestnut brown, its posterior half widened; legs shiny
dark brouTi becoming paler distally; abdomen dull gray much more bulky
than cephalothorax; palp and facial region hairy;
carapace and abdomen almost bare and legs only
sparsely haired; chelicerae chestnut, darker than
carapace; calamistrum composed of single row of
bristles extending for almost entire length of meta-
tarsus of fourth leg (see Fig. 104).
Male resembles female except that tibia and
metatarsus of first leg are much elongated and ha\e
numerous short spines vcntralb'.
Habitat and Habits. — Oiil\ three speci-
mens have been collected, of which two
were immature. An adult female was ob-
tained on June 1, 1960. Kaston (1948:518)
cited an instance of large numbers of these
spiders living together in rotting logs in the
Chicago area. Kaston also reported finding
the spiders under stones and leaves in Con-
necticut. He found egg sacs in Jul\-. and counted 78, 58 and 44
eggs in three.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Through intermittent collecting oxer a thirteen-year period, a
total of 192 species of spiders of 21 families and 114 genera were
obtained on the 750 acres of the combined Uni\'ersity of Kansas
Natural History Reservation and Rockefeller Experimental Tract.
The area of the study is approximately half deciduous forest and
half grassland ( or with a coxer of herbaceous \egetation ) . and is
situated in the region of the ecotone between the original forest
of the eastern United States and the grasslands of the Great Plains.
Of the 192 species of spiders present, 119 are judged to be most
characteristic of a deciduous forest habitat whereas 56 are kinds
associated with grassland; for the remaining 18 species nothing
is known of habitat preferences. The relative numbers of kinds
associated with woodland and with grassland are in line with the
ratios determined for other groups of animals on the same area
(Fitch and McGregor, 1956:101). The forest, with its abundant
shelter and stratified vegetation, has a larger number of ecological
196 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
niches than the grassland. In tliis region the prairie is a fire sub-
climax, and, in general, is inhabited only by those animals having
specialized adaptations to escape or resist incineration when the
dry grass is bnrned off in late fall or spring.
Of the various habitat types, leaf litter in woodland is the most
productive of spiders, both in numbers of species and numbers of
individuals. The 85 species found in leaf litter include all of the
13 erigonids; also 11 theridiids, 11 clubionids. ten species each of
salticids and lycosids, seven thomisids. six gnaphosids, five argiopids,
four agelenids, four linyphiids, and one each of pisaurid and
amaurobiid.
Twenty-nine species are considered arboreal or partly so. These
kinds spin tlu>ir wehs liigh in trees, or else forage over foliage or
tree trunks. They include ten salticids, eight argiopids, seven
thomisids, t\\'0 clubionids. one gnaphosid and one anyphaenid.
Many other spiders, including various grass living species, are
scansorial to some extent, but climb chiefly on low vegetation n'ithin
a few feet of the ground. Fifteen species are considered burro wers.
Some of these are to be found beneath massive simken rocks. The
burrowers include seven lycosids. four gnaphosids, t\\'o atxpids,
and one each of ctenizid and agelenid.
Among the 116 genera known from the area, each of 78 has only
one representative there, each of 18 has two species, each of 14
has three, each of two has four, one (Castiancira) has five, another
(Lycosa) has seven, and each of two others (P]}i(U))piis and
Xysficiis) has eight. The many instances of congeneric species
existing together afford abundant material f(M- the study of over-
lapping ecological niches and the effects of resultant competition
on the species involved. No such instances ha\e been thoroughh-
studied on the area as yet, but seemingly all degrees of overlapping
and competition exist. Divergence in size, microhabitat, and sea-
sonal schedule all reduce competition and permit closely related
species to thrive in sympatric situations. In the genus Lycosa, for
instance, the seven abundant species form a graded series from the
largest, L. corolincnsis, which is as much as 35 millimeters long,
to the smallest, L. avara, as little as six millimeters in length. Fur-
thermore, three species are characteristic of woodland, three are
usually found in open situations, and one is found in either type
although perliaps it is more partial to woodland. In the orbweaver
genus MicnitJicna, the three abimdant species occur together in
the same habitat, but M. sagiftota usually makes its webs within
a few inches of the ground whereas M. gracilis and M. niifrata
Spiders 197
usually have their webs several feet above the ground. Although
these last two species coexist in the same stratum, gracilis is
markedly larger, and competition is doubtless further reduced by
the fact that gracilis matiu-es weeks earlier than mitrata. In each
of the genera Ceraticehis, Mefaphidippus, Misiimenops, Faraphi-
dippiis, Phidippus, Phriirotimpns, Pirata, Schizocosa, and Xysticus
there are abundant species much alike in size and habitat pref-
erences, which probabh' compete with each other more or less
intensively with resultant unilateral or bilateral effects on popula-
tion densities and local distributions.
The ecological effect of any species depends to a large extent
on its population density. Relatively few of the species of spiders
found were seen in large mmibers and for many species only one
record or a few were obtained. However, most of these seemingly
rare species probably are present in substantial numbers, still not
revealed because of mv failure to make intensive search at the
proper time and place. In general spiders are most in evidence
in late summer and autimm, when the majority of species are
present as adults. Earlier in the growing season most of the species
are much more numerous, but, because of their relatively small
size, they usually escape attention. There are several species of
large spiders that are so abundant as to become obtrusive in late
summer when they have matured. These species include: Age-
lenopsis naevia, Argiope aiirantia, A. trifasciata, Lijcosa aspcrsa,
L. rahida and Neoscona henjamina. All of these regularly attain
concentrations of many hundreds per acre under fa\()rablc cir-
cumstances. In general, the largest kinds of insects are their prey.
Several medium-sized spiders including Coriarachnc versicolor,
Eustala anastera, Lijcosa gulosa, Micrathena gracilis, M. sagittata,
Misinnenoides formosipes, Phidippus rimator, P. cariegatus, Schi-
zocosa crassipes, S. saltatrix, Thanatus formicinus, Tetragmitha
laboriosa, and Verrucosa arenata, are in general even more abundant
than those of the first named group, but attract less attention
because they are not so conspicuous. In a still smaller size range,
spiders usually less than fi\e millimeters long, which are extremely
abundant, are Fronfinclla pyramitcla, Mangora ornafa, MetapJu-
dippus protervus, Micrathena mitrata, Pardosa milvina, Phruro-
timpus alariiis and Singa pratensis. Because of their small size
these spiders are so inconspicuous that they usually escape the at-
tention of the casual observer. But a few strokes of a net in tall
grass or in woodland herbage may catch dozens of the small orb-
weavers ; the bowl and doily spider is so abundant that one small
188 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
busli may bear the webs of many individuals, and careful examina-
tion of damp soil at the edge of a pond may disclose many small
wolf spiders on a square foot. Most abundant of all are the truly
minute spiders, especially the erigonids. A handful of leaf litter
or sod usually will be found to contain some minute spiders if
careful examination is made. Naturally, many of these small
spiders are juveniles. The larger argiopids, lycosids, pisaurids,
thomisids and salticids are tremendously prolific, laying hundreds
or even thousands of eggs at one time, whereas some of the smaller
spiders are comparatively conservative in their reproduction, pro-
ducing relatively larger young in smaller numbers.
The lists of families, genera, and species of spiders compiled
from my study in northeastern Kansas provide a basis for com-
parison of the fauna with those of other regions. In the United
States the fauna of southern New England has had by far the
most intensive study, and the accumulated information gained by
several generations of araneologists has been set forth in Kaston's
( 1945 ) excellent monograph of the Spiders of Connecticut. Through
the recent work of Levi and Field ( 1954 ) and Levi, Levi and
Kaspar (1958), Wisconsin is one of the best known states araneo-
logically, but doubtless the list for the state is still much less com-
plete tlxm that for Connecticut. Chamberlin's and Ivie's (1944)
Spiders of the Georgia Region of North America has made fairly
well known the abundant spider fauna of the southeastern United
States. No study comparable to any of these three has been made
in the western half of the country. Worley's (1932) publication
on the spiders of Washington is much less complete, and perhaps
includes less than one third of the species actually occurring in the
state. Although the lists compiled in these studies, and in my
own, are all incomplete in varying degrees, they permit comparisons
of sorts. The following table shows extent of correspondence on
the area of my study with the known faunas of the other four areas
mentioned. Connecticut, Georgia, and Wisconsin all show a con-
siderable degree of correspondence with the Kansas fauna, as all
are in the Deciduous Forest Formation. Resemblance is strongest
in the case of Connecticut, which, though more remote than either
Wisconsin or Georgia, is nearest the latitude of northeastern Kansas.
There is much less correspondence between the faunas of Kansas
and Washington.
Spiders
199
Table 1. Extent of Correspondence of the Spider Fauna of the Res-
ervation IN Northeastern Kansas With Faunas of Other Areas in the
United States Where Intensive Studies Have Been Made.
Families
Genera
Species
Washinglon:
Total number recorded
17
83
173
Per cent occurring on Reservation
SL'
65
16
Per cent of Reservation spiders
occurring in state
67
47
14
Wisconsin:
Total number recorded
25
195
438
Per cent occurring on Reservation
68
46
28
Per cent of Reservation spiders
occurring in state
81
76
64
ConnecHcid:
Total nunil)er recorded
26
220
585
Per cent occurring on Reservation
73
47
25
Per cent of Reservation spiders
occurring in state
91
90
77
Georc/ia:
Total number recorded
33
172
497
Per cent occurring on Reservation
55
57
26
Per cent of Reservation spiders
occurring in state
86
84
68
200 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
LITERATURE CITED
Banks, N.
1910. Catalogue of Nearctic spiders. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., 72:i-iii, 1-80.
Banks, N., Newport, N. M., and Bird, R. D.
1932. Oklahoma spiders. Publ. Univ. Oklahoma Biol. Surv., 4(1) :7-49.
Baunes, R. D.
1958. North American jumping spiders of the subfamily Marpissinae
(Araneae, Salticidae). Amer. Mus. Novit., no. 1867:1-50.
Baumows, W. M.
1919. The taxonomic position of Mysmena bulbifera {Glenognatha biilbi-
fera ) ( Banks ) , with some obsei-vations on its habits. Ohio Tour.
Sci., 19:210-212.
Bishop, 8. C.
1924. A revision of the Pisauridae of the United States. New York State
Mus. Bulk, 252:1-140.
Bonnet, P.
1945. Bibliographia Araneorum. Analyse methodi(iue de toute la litera-
ture araneologique jusqu'en 1939. Toulouse ( L'Imprimerie Doula-
doure). Tome 1, .wii -f 832 pp., pis. 1-28.
1955. Ibid. Tome 2 ( pt. 1 ) , 918 pp.
BliAUN, E. L.
1950. Deciduous forests of eastern North America. The Blakiston Co.,
Philadelphia, .\iv + 596 pp.
CllAMUEHLIN, R. V. AND IviE, W.
1944. Spiders of the Georgia region of North America. 13ull. Univ. Utah
Biol. Ser., 8 (5): 1-267.
Chickeiung, a. M.
1939. Anyphaenidae and Clubionidae of Michigan. Papers Michigan
Acad. Sci. for 1938, 28:49-84.
Comstock, J. H.
1940. The spider book. Revised and edited hv W. 1. Gertsch. New
York, 729 pp.
Chosby, C. R., AND Bishop, C. R.
1936. Aereonautic spiders with a description of a new species, lour.
New York Ent. Soc, 44:43-49.
l''lTCH, H. S.
1952. The University of Kansas Natural History Reservation. Univ. Kan-
sas Mus. Nat. Hist., Misc. Publ., 4:1-38, 4 pis., 3 figs.
1958. Home ranges, territories and seasonal movements in vertebrates of
the Natural History Reservation. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat.
Hist., 11 (3):63-326.
1960. Autecology of the copperhead. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat.
Hist, 13 (4):85-288, pis. 13-20, 26 figs.
Fitch, H. S., and McGregob, R. L.
1956. The forest habitat of the University of Kansas Natural History
Reservation. Univ. Kansas Publ. Mus. Nat. Hist., 10 (3):77-127.
Gertsch, W. J.
1934. Notes on American Lycosidae. Amer. Mus. Novit., 693:1-25, 49
figs.
1939. A revision of the typical crab spiders ( Misumeninae ) north of
Mexico. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., 76:277-442.
1949. American spiders. D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc., Princeton, N J., xiv
+ 285 pp., 32 pis.
1953. The spider genera Xysticus, Coriarachne, and Oxyptila (Thomisi-
dae, Misumeninae) in North America. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.,
102 (4):417-482.
Spiders 201
1958. The spider genus Loxosceles in North America, Central America,
and the West Indies. Amer. Mus. Novit., 1907, 46 pp.
Kastox, B. J.
1948. Spiders of Connecticut. Connecticut State Geol. and Xat. Hist.
Surv., Bull. 70, 874 pp., 144 pis.
1953. How to know the spiders. \Vm. C. Brown Co., Dubuque, Iowa,
\ i + 220 pp., 552 figs.
Leonahu, A. B., AND Coble, C. R.
1952. Mollusca of the University of Kansas Natural History Reservation.
Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull. 34:101,3-10.53, 3 pis.
Levi, II. W.
1955. The spider genera Coressa and Achacaranca in America north of
Mexico (Araneae, Theridiidae). Amer. Mus. Novit., 1718, 33 pp.
1957a. The spider genera Enoplofiuutliu, Thcridion, and Paidisca in Amer-
ica north of Mexico (Araneae. Theridiidae). Bull. Amer. Mus.
Nat. Hist., 112 (1):1-123, 141 figs., 41 maps.
1957b. The spider genera Crustulina and Steatodu in North America, Cen-
tral America and the West Indies ( Araneae, Theridiidae ) . Bull.
Mus. Comp. Zool., 117 (3):367-438, 156 figs., 19 maps.
1959. Problems in the spider genus Steatoda (Theridiidae). Svstem.
Zool., 8:107-116, 20 figs.
Lem. H. W., and Field, H. M.
1954. The spiders of \\isc()nsin. Amer. Midi. Nat.. 51:440-467.
Levi, H. W., Levi, L. R., and Kaspar, J. L.
J 958. Harvcstmen and spiders of Wisconsin: additional species and notes.
Wisconsin Acad. Sci. Arts and Letters, 47:43-52.
Low luE, D. C.
1942. The ecology of the spiders of the xeric dunelands in the Chicago
area. Bull. Chicago Acad. Sci., 6: 161-189.
Mac:i"ai)ven. A.
1957. Animal tcology, aims and methods. Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons,
London, xx -|- 264 pp.
Packard, R. L.
1956. The tree squirrels of Kansas: I'cologv and economic importance.
Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Misc. P'ubl.. 11:1-67, 2 pis.. 11 figs.
Peckham, G. W., and Pkckham, E. G.
1909. Revision of the .Attidae of North America. Trans. Wisconsin Acad.
Sci., 16:693-748.
Petrunkevitch, a.
1911. A synoinniic index-catalogue of spiders of North, Central and
South America with all adjacent islands, Greenland, Bermuda, West
Indies, Ticrra Del Fuego, Galapagos, etc. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat.
Hi!;t., 24:1-809.
1933. An inquiry into the natural classification of spiders based on a
study of their internal anatomw Trans. Connecticut Acad. Sci.,
31:299-389.
1946. Fossil spiders in the collection of the American Museum of Natural
History. Amer. Mus. Novit., 1328:1-36, 80 figs.
1952. Principles of classification as illustrated b\' studies of Arachnida.
System. Zool., 1 (n:l-19.
Scheffer, T. H.
1904. A preliminarv list of Kansas spiders. Industrialist (Kansas State
Agr. Coll.), 30:371-386.
1905. Additions to the list of Kansas spiders. Industrialist (Kansas State
Agr. Coll.), 31:435-444.
202 University of Kansas Publs., Mus. Nat. Hist.
1905. List of spiders in the entomological collection of the Kansas State
University. Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., 3 (3) : 117-120.
1906. Additions to the list of Kansas Arachnida. Trans. Kansas Acad.
Sci., 20:121-130.
Shelford, V. E.
1945. The relative merits of the life zone and biome concepts. Wilson
Bull., 57:248-252, 1 map.
W'alckenaer, C. a.
1837-1841. Histoire Naturelle des Insectes Apteres. Paris. Tome I
( 1837 ), 680 pp.; Tome II ( 1841 ) , 548 pp.
WORLEY, L. G.
1932. The spiders of Washington. Univ. Washington Publ. Biol., 1 ( 1 ) :
1-63.
WORLEY, L. G., AND PlCKVi^ELL, G. B.
1931. The spiders of Nebraska. Univ. Nebraska Studies. 27:1-127.
Transmitted, June 24, 196S.
D
29-8530
University ot Kansas Museum of Xatural History, Miscellaneous Publications
Institutional libraries interested in publications exchange may obtain this
series by addressing the Exchange Librarian, University of Kansas, Lawrence,
Kansas.
Requests of individuals are handled instead by the Museum of Natural His-
tory, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. There is no provision for sale of
this series either by the Library' or the Museum. However, when individuals
request copies from the Museum, the amount indicated below should be in-
cluded for the purpose of defraying some of the costs of producing, wrapping
and maihng.
Nos. 6, 12, 17 and 27 obtainable only from the Arctic Institute.
*1. The Museum of Natural History, the University of Kansas. By E. R. Hall and Ann
Murray. Pp. 1-16, illustrated. January 5, 1946.
*2. Handbook of amphibians and reptiles of Kansas. By Hobart M. Smith. Pi). 1-336,
233 figures in text. September 12, 1950.
*3. In memoriam, Charles Dean Bunker, 1870-1948. By E. Raymond Hall. Pp. 1-11,
1 figure in text. December 15, 1951.
*4. The University of Kansas, Natural History Resrrvation. By Henry S. Fitch. Pp. 1-38,
4 plates, 3 figures in text. February 20, 19.52.
*.5. Prairie chickens of Kansas. By Maurice F. Baker. Pp. 1-68, 4 plates, 15 figures in
text. March 10, 1953.
6. The barren ground caribou of Kccwatin. By Francis Harper. Pp. 1-163, 28 figures.
October 21, 1955. Copies, paperbound, $1.50 postpaid from the Arctic Institute of
North America, 1530 P Street, NW, Washington 5, D. C.
7. Handbook of mammals of Kansas. By E. RajTnond Hall. Pp. 1-303, illustrated. De-
cember 13, 1955. Paperbound, $1.50 postpaid.
8. Mammals of northern Alaska, on the arctic slope. By James W. Bee and E. Ravmond
Hall. Pp. 1-309, frontispiece colored, 4 plates, 127 figures in text. March 10, 1956.
Paperbound, $1.00 postpaid.
9. Handbook of amphibians and reptiles of Kansas. 2nd [revised] edition. Bv Hobart
M. Smith. Pp. 1-356, 253 figures in te.\t. April 20, 1956. Paperbound, $1.50 post-
paid (cloth $4.00).
'10. The raccoon in Kansas. Bv Howard J. Stains. Pp. 1-76, 4 plates, 14 figures in text.
July 6, 1956.
"11. The tree squirrels of Kansas. By Robert L. Packard. Pp. 1-67, 2 plates, 10 figures
in text. August 20, 1956.
12. The mammals of Keewatin. By Francis Harper. Pp. 1-94. 6 plates, 8 figures in text,
1 map. October 26, 1956. Copies, paperbound, 75 cents postpaid from the Arctic
Institute of North .\merica, 1530 P Street, NW, Washington 5, D. C.
*13. Museum of Natural History . . . University of Kansas. By Roy R. Moore and
K. H. Hall. lAn unpaged, illustrated "flier," 14Vi in. x 8y2 in., printed on both sides,
and folded twice.] June 1, 1957.
14. Vernacular names for North American mammals north of Mexico. By E. Ra\niond
Hall, Sydney Anderson, J. Knox Jones, Jr., and Robert L. Packard. Pp. 1-16. June
19, 19.57.
*15. The ecology of bobwhites in south-central Kansas. B>- Thane S. Robinson. Pp. 1-84,
2 plates, 11 figures in te.xt. September 6, 1957.
*16. Natural history of the prairie dog in Kansas. By Ronald E. Snnth. Pp. 1-36, 4
plates, 9 figures in text. June 17, 1958.
17. Birds of the Ungava Peninsula. By Francis Harper. Pp. 1-171, 6 jilates, 26 figures
in text. October 15, 1958. Copies, paperbound, S2.()0 postpaid from the Arctic
Institute of North .\merica, 1530 P Street, NW, Washington 5, D. C.
18. Fnrbearers in Kansas: A guide to trapping. By Howard J. Stains and Rollin H. Baker.
Pp. l-IOO, 2 plates, 13 figures in text. November 19, 1958. Paperbound, 50 cents
postpaid.
*19. Natural History Museum. By Roy R. Moore and E. R. Hall. [An unpaged, illustrated
"flier," 14V-; in x 8li in., printed on both sides, and folded twice.] Slay 29, 1959.
(Continued on outside of back cover)
(Continued from inside of back cover)
20. Handbook of gastropods in Kansas. By A Byron Leonard Pp. I'^i^l- P'^^t^s 1-11,
87 figures in text. xVovember 2, 1959. Paperliound, $1.00 (cloth $2.00) postpaid.
21. Management of channel catfish in Kansas. By Jackson Davis. Pp. 1-56, 8 figures
in text. November 2, 1959.
22 Hand-list of the liuds of Kansas. By Richard F. Johnston. Pp. 1-6 [folded twice].
May 7, 1960.
23 Directorv to the bird-life of Kansas. By Richard F. Johnston. Pp. 1-69, 1 figure m
text. August 31, 1960.
24. Natural Historv Museum. By Roy R. Moore and E R- Hall [An unpaged, ill"Stiated
■■•Hier," 14ii.. in. x S'^ in., printed on both sides, and folded twice.] October 19, 1960.
05 Guide to tlic Panorama of North American Mammals. By E. Raymond Hall, et al.
Pp 1-31, silhouettes in black and white of Panorama, life-zones, and taped com-
mentarv for each zone. December 15, 1960.
26. Beaver' in Kansas. By F. Robert Henderson. Pp. 1-85, illustrated. December 16,
1960.
■^7 Land and fresh-water mammals of the Ungava Peninsula. By Francis Harper. Pp.
" 1 17S nlites 1-8 3 figures in text. August 11. 1961. Paperbound, $2.00 postpaid
from the Arctic Institute of North America. 1530 P. Street, NW, Washington 5, D. C.
Handbook of unionid mussels in Kansas. By Harold D. Murray and A. Byron Leonard.
Pp 1-184 45 plates, 42 figures. May 10, 1962. Paperbound, $1.00 postpaid.
Farm ponds in Douglas County, Kansas. By Claude E. Hastings and Frank B. Cross.
Pp. 1-21. May 17, 1962.
30 Collecting and preparing study specimens of vertebrates By E. Raymond Hall. Pp.
1-46 34 figures. Mav 21, 1962. Paperbound, 50 cents postpaid.
31 Natiual Historv Museum. By Roy R. Moore and E. R. Hall [An unpaged il-
iustratcd -flier;" 14'/-; in. x SVi in., printed on both sides, and folded twice.] June
1 1962
32. The Bobwhite in Kansas. By Gary Packard. Pp. 1-12, illustrated. November 16,
1962.
nn c • 1 „f tlio TTniversitv of Kansas Natural Historv Reservation and Rockefeller
'■'• ^L^i^TrS T\i:^yT:Acl.. Pp. 1-202, 104 figs. December 20, 1963.
Paperbound, $1.00 postpaicL .
* Out of print.
28.
29.
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