Fig. 1: Growth rate of P. antipodiana. Points plotted on the graph are mean, and the upper and lower ends of the range found in each age group that was measured. Numbers of spiders measured were as follows: 3 months, 110; 6 months, 80; 9 months, 68; 12 months, 45; 24 months, 31. The upper growth limits at 12 and 24 months are the ones referred to in the text for determining age structures of populations. Note how the growth curve flattens during the winter months of the first year. After sexual maturity is reached by the end of year two, the growth rate appears to slow down but not enough measurements were available to reliably plot the curve beyond this point.