Calilena
Chamberlin & Ivie, 1941
funnel weavers
Calilena is a of North funnel-web in the Agelenidae. The genus was established in 1941 and currently contains 21 recognized distributed primarily across the western and southwestern United States, with some species extending into Mexico. These spiders construct sheet-like webs with funnel-shaped retreats and are characterized by long held parallel to each other.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calilena: /ˌkæ.lɪˈleɪ.nə/
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Identification
Calilena is distinguished from the similar Hololena by : Calilena possesses long spinnerets typically held parallel to each other, whereas Hololena has short spinnerets often directed somewhat inward toward each other. Both genera share the general funnel-weaver body plan with 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.
Distribution
Western and southwestern United States (California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico (Baja California, mainland). distributions vary: some are restricted to single states (e.g., C. arizonica, C. yosemita, C. umatilla), while others span multiple regions (e.g., C. angelena in USA and Mexico).
Similar Taxa
- HololenaBoth are western North Agelenidae with similar coloration and web architecture; distinguished by length and orientation (Calilena: long, parallel; Hololena: short, converging).
- AgelenopsisAgelenopsis average substantially larger (10–20 mm vs. 9–12 mm for Calilena/Hololena females) and share the long trait with Calilena; geographic overlap and microscopic examination required for definitive separation.