Genus Eris

See the World Spider Catalog.

Eris C.L. Koch, 1846

Eris is Greek (Ερις, meaning "strife", or "discord") and was goddess embodying strife, discord, and rivalry (Wikipedia--Eris (mythology), Theoi Greek Mythology--Eris). The goddess Eris was associated closely with Enyo ("horror" or "warlike"), whose name was bestowed upon a sphinx moth.

There are 4 species in BugGuide's range:

E. flava

E. floridana

E. militaris

Eris flava males typically shows a white band below the eyes that other Eris males do not.

See notes on distinguishing E. floridana from E. rufa here.

Male palps (left to right):

E. flava, E. floridana, E. militaris, E. rufa

Pelegrina - Eris has proportionately smaller palps, and a carapace that's more robust compared to Pelegrina. Also, I don't think any Eris have white scales under the ALE. Overall size is probably the easiest way to tell the difference. Once you've seen both genera you'll wonder how you ever got them mixed up.

… Jay Barnes, 17 February, 2008 - 12:54pm

I believe most (or all) male Pelegrina also have white scales beneath the ALE.

… Jay Barnes, 10 December, 2005 - 9:56am