The genera of North American dictynidae

Inasmuch as it seems desirable to postpone the printing of a more extensive treatise on the Dictynidae, now in manuscript, in order to amplify it, the author is publishing for use in the interim the present synoptic account of the genera which he recognizes in the family. Opportunity is taken to clarify the characters of these genera, particularly those of Dictyna sen. str. and Emblyna, by means of drawings of the copulatory organs of series of new species that have been detected in the course o f the study. Sincere appreciation is here expressed to Dr. W. J. Gertsch of the American Museum of Natural History for his generous and unfailing cooperation. He has placed at my disposal a considerable amount of material, including a number of forms which he had recognized as new together with several drawings of these, made by W. Ivie, and here reproduced as figs. 16, 26, and 48-53.