I'm not sure it's in the genus Araneus, because there is no scape on the epigyne. That would rule out A. corticarius, which has a large scape ... unless this spider has somehow lost hers. You might ask Rod about that: is it possible for a female A. corticarius to somehow lose her scape, perhaps during mating? Has he ever seen something like that?

Sorry I couldn't be more help right now. I'm stumped! Tom has taken an excellent picture of the epigyne, however, so we should be able to ID this spider eventually.

My line of thinking is paralleling that of the two of you. I'm also leaning toward A. corticarius (yes, I think it is possible for the scape to be missing/broken off -- I believe I've seen examples of this); however Dondale et al say that the abdominal humps extend "prominently to the sides" and in their dorsal illustration this is most certainly evident.

Regarding the scape, it is also possible that Tom's view of the epigyne is slightly from the posterior, which can make a big difference in appearance (see Dondale et al for examples of the posterior view).

So, my preliminary conclusion: I feel certain that it is Araneus, and most likely A. corticarius. But I'd want to do some more work before I'd commit to this, and I'd really like to see the specimen under a microscope and/or get another view or two of the epigyne with lots of light. :-)

-Kevin

I'll save this one for you to get under a microscope. I just got back from a 3 day work trip to Vermont, so I'm catching up on all the emails:-)

Okay, spending a couple extra minutes actually reading what Dondale et al have written, I think that a good case for Araneus corticarius can be made (my emphasis): "Scape... sometimes lost; posterior plate V-shaped ... basal lamellae slender".

Look at Tom's ventral habitus view and compare the overall shape, tones, and proportions of the epigyne to fig. 483 in Dondale et al (you'll need to mentally replace the missing epigyne).

-Kevin

[Added]

With respect to distinguishing characters, Levi (1971, available online) writes that "Araneus corticarius has highly distinctive abdominal shape and coloration .... It cannot be confused with any other North American species."

> (you'll need to mentally replace the missing epigyne).

I agree. The structures that lie underneath where the scape would be seem to match the Dondale diagrams for A. corticarius.. I'd say the scape would normally be prominent enough that I don't think it's because of the angle the picture was taken that we don't see it in this specimen. It is clearly missing. Personally, I'd want to examine the actual spider to confirm a scape was broken off (I believe I can see a point of attachment/piece left in the picture, however), but otherwise I think we've built up a good hypothesis that this is A. corticarius (not just from the epigyne, but also based on habitus).

Sorry, "the missing scape" is what I meant to write.

-K

I just measured it at 6mm including the head.

Rod looked at it, but could not place it either. Sorry.

Lynette, do you need any other angles to help with the identification?

A general ventral shot as well as a close-up epigyne shot is very helpful. The key also talks about the hairs on the legs. Here is what it says "..coxa I with hook, coxa II without spur; tibia II stout, with several stout macrosetae. You know the plastic bag trick, I assume?

I didn't know about the plastic bag trick, but I'll have to try it next time I get a spider that wants to run. This girl must have been paralyzed by a wasp, because when I got her a few days ago, she didn't move, and today she's still alive but not moving.

I'll get back to you when I know more. Thanks.

I've been combing the net for a name for this guy, just found him in my yard yesterday. If you guys can figure out what the actual name is it would be awesome. the one I have is a golden yellow with two horns kind of behind the head..so where shoulders would be. thanks!
link to a pic: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3394225&l=6ab2017fa4&id=535639461

oh and mine is in NM.

You can see our info page here. If you want to post a request like this it's best to put them in the general discussion here. Thanks.