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Small Cephalothorax: Spiders have but two divisions to the body. The head and thorax are fused into one structure called the cephalothorax, which means head and thorax. The forward portion of the cephalothorax bears the eyes, the mouthparts, and the pedipalps; the remainder bears the eight jointed legs. Trie cephalothorax is joined to the abdomen by a stalklike pedicel, which means little foot, and bears no appendages.
Gray or brown; all have long, slender legs covered with short hairs; body covered with shorter hairs which give velvety appearance; 4 small eyes on cephalothorax, in a row in front, and 4 larger ones on top forming a square; reaches i inch or more in body length depending upon species.
Female is shiny, jet black, with large, round abdomen, small cephalothorax, and long, slender legs; usually has characteristic red hourglass pattern on under surface of abdomen; occasionally this mark is missing; sometimes a series of red patches along back; body length Y2 inch; male is very small with narrow abdomen marked with red and yellow, plus 4 pairs of stripes along sides
Habitat: In old logs, at bases of tree trunks, under large stones or loose bark, in shrubbery, corners of little-used buildings, dark corners of basements, attics, barns, sheds, outdoor toilets; solitary creature; battles to kill any others that come within range.
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