epigynum

[ ih-pij-uh-nuh m ]

/ ɪˈpɪdʒ ə nəm /

the chitinous plate in arachnids that covers the opening to the female genital tract.

Also ep·i·gyne

[ep-i-jahyn] /ˈɛp ɪˌdʒaɪn/.

Origin of epigynum

1890–95; < New Latin, equivalent to epi- epi- + -gynum < Greek -gynon, neuter of -gynos; see -gynous

The tracheal opening is not as far forward as in bimaculata, being nearer the spinnerets than the epigynum.

The Common Spiders of the United States |James Henry Emerton
The epigynum (fig. 350) is long and straight, extending backward close to the abdomen for half its length.

The Common Spiders of the United States |James Henry Emerton
The plainest difference between the females is in the epigynum, the hard and dark parts of which are larger and longer in incerta.

The Common Spiders of the United States |James Henry Emerton
Its size and markings are the same, and the epigynum is like that of longipes.

The Common Spiders of the United States |James Henry Emerton

The epigynum (fig. 346) is large and extends obliquely backward away from the abdomen and curves inward again at the end.

The Common Spiders of the United States |James Henry Emerton