Agelenopsis utahana

(Chamberlin & Ivie, 1933)

Utah Funnelweb Spider

Agelenopsis utahana is a of funnel-web spider 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-like webs with a funnel-shaped retreat and hunts prey through rapid pursuit rather than passive entrapment.

Agelenopsis utahana 9845810 by ENR GNWT Suzanne Carriere. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Agelenopsis utahana 9845807 by ENR GNWT Suzanne Carriere. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agelenopsis utahana: /ˌæɡəˌlɪˈnɑpsɪs ˌjuːtəˈheɪnə/

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

Identification

Agelenopsis utahana can be distinguished from the related Hololena by its long , which are typically held parallel to each other; Hololena have short spinnerets directed somewhat inward. Within Agelenopsis, A. utahana is one of several North American species, though precise field identification to species level requires microscopic examination. Members of the genus generally display two parallel or converging dark stripes on a pale , with a central reddish or brownish abdominal band often bordered by pale wavy lines, and annulated legs with alternating light and dark bands.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from the United States and Canada. Canadian distribution includes Alberta and British Columbia. The Agelenopsis occurs across North America, with individual having more restricted ranges.

Behavior

Constructs a flat, sheet-like web with a funnel-shaped retreat at one corner. The web lacks sticky capture threads; instead, a tangle of threads above the sheet intercepts flying insects, knocking them onto the platform. The spider detects vibrations through the silk and rapidly emerges to subdue prey with a venomous bite, then drags the victim into the retreat for feeding.

Similar Taxa

Hololena spp.Also funnel-web weavers in Agelenidae, but distinguished by short, inward-directed versus the long, parallel spinnerets of Agelenopsis. Hololena is primarily western North American, while Agelenopsis has broader distribution.
Agelenopsis pennsylvanicaCongeneric with similar web architecture and general appearance; microscopic examination of genitalia and other features is required for reliable separation.

More Details

Taxonomic note

Agelenopsis utahana was originally described as Agelena utahana by Chamberlin & Ivie in 1933. The Agelenopsis is in need of taxonomic revision according to some arachnologists.