gives visual IDs but says the only reliable way to ID these is to check the epigynum. In discussing gemmoides vs. gemma in his WA species list, he says "Araneus gemmoides Chamberlin and Ivie Ref.: Levi 1971. Levi's key and descriptions suggest that A. gemmoides differs from A. gemma in the female by its smaller epigynum; but I have found by image superposition that the epigyna of the two species are essentially the same size. That of A. gemmoides appears smaller because the abdomen is much larger. A. gemma's epigynum is less triangular and its border is less marked; compare Levi's figures 195 and 203."
I think he also mentioned to me that he finds gemma to usually be hairier. However, as we know the outer appearance varies from one individual to another.

we move this one to the genus level?