Agelenopsis oregonensis

Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935

Agelenopsis oregonensis is a funnel-web in the Agelenidae. It is found in the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of its , it constructs sheet webs with a funnel-shaped retreat. The was described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1935.

Agelenopsis oregonensis by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agelenopsis oregonensis: //ˌædʒəˌlɛˈnɒpsɪs ˌɒrɪɡoʊˈnɛnsɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Agelenopsis are distinguished from the related western Hololena by their long , which are typically held parallel to each other; Hololena has short spinnerets directed somewhat inward. Agelenopsis oregonensis averages substantially larger than Hololena, with mature females typically 10–20 mm in body length compared to 9–12 mm for Hololena females. Most Agelenopsis share a color pattern of two parallel or converging dark stripes on a pale , a central reddish or brownish abdominal often bordered by pale wavy , and annulated legs with alternating light and dark bands. Definitive identification to species level requires microscopic examination of .

Images

Distribution

United States and Canada. Specific records include Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. North distribution is present in both countries.

Behavior

Constructs a thick, flat, hammock- or bowl-shaped web with a funnel-like retreat in one corner. The web is not sticky; a tangle of threads above the platform intercepts flying and knocks them onto the sheet. The is highly sensitive to vibrations and rapidly emerges to subdue , dragging it back into the retreat to feed.

Similar Taxa

Hololena spp.Both are agelenid funnel-web weavers with similar web architecture and general body plan. Distinguished by length and body size: Agelenopsis has long, parallel spinnerets and larger body size (10–20 mm females), while Hololena has short, inward-directed spinnerets and smaller size (9–12 mm females).
Calilena spp.Another western agelenid with long similar to Agelenopsis. Calilena is distinguished by other morphological features visible under microscopic examination.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The Agelenopsis is in need of taxonomic revision according to some arachnologists. -level identification is challenging and typically requires examination of .