Barronopsis jeffersi
(Muma, 1945)
Barronopsis jeffersi is a funnel-web spider ( Agelenidae) native to the southeastern United States and Cuba. It belongs to the large-bodied B. texana group, characterized by robust genital distinct from the smaller B. barrowsi group. Phylogenetic analysis places B. jeffersi as sister species to B. texana. The species was originally described from Cuba and later recognized as distinct from B. cesari, which was synonymized under it.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Barronopsis jeffersi: /bæˌrɒnəˈpsɪs ˈdʒɛfərsi/
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Identification
Member of the B. texana group distinguished by large body size relative to B. barrowsi group species. Distinguished from B. texana by specific genitalic ; male palpus and female structure differ in details of shape and duct configuration. Differs from B. floridensis and B. arturoi in morphometric proportions and genitalic characters. Detailed examination of male palpal bulb and female internal genitalia required for definitive identification; see Zootaxa revision for diagnostic illustrations.
Distribution
Southeastern United States; Cuba. Records indicate presence in Florida and broader Caribbean region.
Similar Taxa
- Barronopsis texanaSister in phylogenetic analysis; similar large body size and general ; distinguished by male palpal bulb structure and female genitalic configuration.
- Barronopsis floridensisSympatric member of same group; differs in specific genitalic characters and morphometric proportions.
- Barronopsis arturoiCuban member of B. texana group; similar size but distinct genitalic .
- Barronopsis barrowsiPreviously confused due to synonymy issues; belongs to small-bodied group with distinctly smaller size and different genitalic structure.