Hololena dana

Chamberlin & Ivie, 1942

Hololena dana is a funnel-web weaving spider in the Agelenidae, native to the United States. This constructs characteristic sheet-like webs with a funnel-shaped retreat and hunts by detecting vibrations from prey that fall onto the web platform. It belongs to a of medium-sized spiders primarily distributed across the western third of North America. The species has been documented in verifiable bite cases involving humans, though reactions are generally mild and self-limiting.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hololena dana: //ˌhoʊloʊˈliːnə ˈdænə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from the similar Agelenopsis by : Hololena has short spinnerets often directed inward, while Agelenopsis and Calilena possess longer spinnerets held parallel to each other. Hololena dana is also smaller than typical Agelenopsis, which average 10–20 mm in body length versus 8–12 mm for Hololena. Definitive identification to level requires microscopic examination of specific body parts. The genus Hololena is restricted to the western United States, which can help narrow identification geographically.

Appearance

Medium-sized spider with mature females measuring 9–12 mm in body length, males 8–9 mm. bears two parallel or converging dark stripes on a pale background. displays a central reddish or brownish band running its length, often bordered by pale, wavy lines. Legs are annulated with alternating bands of light and dark coloration. are notably short and often directed somewhat inward toward each other, distinguishing the from related with longer, parallel spinnerets.

Habitat

Found in gardens, yards, hedges, and other human-modified environments; also occurs in natural terrestrial . Webs are constructed in vegetation such as hedges, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Juveniles and mature males may wander away from webs and occur indoors.

Distribution

United States. The Hololena is restricted to the western third of the country, ranging from Washington and Idaho south to southern California and New Mexico. Specific records for H. dana confirm presence in the United States, with documented observations in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Seasonality

Mature males actively seek females from summer through late fall, with observations documented as late as October 29. Activity likely extends across warmer months, with web-building females present during spring through autumn.

Diet

Feeds on insects intercepted by the web. Flying insects strike a tangle of threads above the sheet web and fall onto the platform, where the spider detects vibrations and subdues the prey.

Life Cycle

Males locate females by wandering and court them through vibrational signals on the female's web. Courtship involves the male bouncing his legs and to create 1–6 vibrations; receptive females enter a cataleptic state with legs drawn in. The male approaches, grasps her hind legs, and drags her into the retreat for mating. Females lay , with juveniles dispersing and eventually constructing their own webs.

Behavior

Constructs thick, flat, hammock- or bowl-shaped sheet webs with a funnel-like retreat in one corner. The web is non-sticky; prey capture relies on a tangle of threads above the platform to knock flying insects onto the sheet. The spider is extremely sensitive to vibrations and rapidly dashes out to subdue prey, dragging it back into the retreat to feed. Males exhibit deliberate, cautious courtship with -specific vibrational signals. Juveniles and mature males wander and may enter buildings.

Ecological Role

of flying insects; contributes to in gardens and natural . Webs may provide microhabitat for other small organisms. Serves as prey for birds and other vertebrate predators.

Human Relevance

Occasionally enters homes, where encounters with wandering males or juveniles may startle residents. Documented in three verified bite cases: two males bitten by females experienced headaches and vomiting for approximately four hours; one adult woman bitten by a male experienced mild reaction. All recovered without medical treatment within days. Bites are rare and generally not medically significant.

Similar Taxa

AgelenopsisLarger body size (10–20 mm versus 8–12 mm), longer held parallel rather than short inward-directed spinnerets, and broader geographic distribution across North America rather than western U.S. restriction.
CalilenaShares long, parallel with Agelenopsis, distinguishing it from Hololena's short, inward-directed spinnerets.

More Details

Taxonomic Status

The Hololena contains approximately thirty recognized but is in need of taxonomic revision according to arachnologists.

Web Characteristics in Weather

Hololena webs can collect snow or dew, making them visible in conditions when they might otherwise be overlooked.