Hololena tentativa
(Chamberlin & Gertsch, 1929)
Hololena tentativa is a funnel-web weaver spider in the Agelenidae, found in the United States. Like other Hololena , it constructs flat, sheet-like webs with a funnel-shaped retreat. The is restricted to the western third of the U.S. and contains approximately thirty recognized species in need of taxonomic revision.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hololena tentativa: /ˌhɒloʊˈliːnə tɛnˈtətɪvə/
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Identification
Distinguished from related Agelenidae by short that are often directed somewhat inward toward each other, unlike Agelenopsis and Calilena which have long, parallel spinnerets. Medium-sized: mature females 9–12 mm body length, males 8–9 mm. Typical funnel-web weaver coloration includes two parallel or converging dark stripes on a pale , a central reddish or brownish abdominal band often bordered by pale wavy lines, and annulated legs with alternating light and dark bands. Definitive identification to requires microscopic examination of genitalia.
Habitat
Constructs flat, hammock- or bowl-shaped sheet webs with a funnel-like retreat in one corner, often in vegetation such as hedges, yards, and gardens. Webs are frequently observed on damp mornings when dew makes them visible.
Distribution
United States; specifically the western third of the U.S. from Washington and Idaho south to southern California and New Mexico.
Seasonality
Mature males wander in search of females deep into the fall; one specimen observed on October 29 in Colorado Springs. Active period extends into November in some regions.
Behavior
Extremely sensitive to vibrations; dashes out immediately from the funnel retreat to subdue prey that lands on the web sheet, then quickly drags the victim back into the retreat to feed. Juveniles and mature males wander away from webs and may enter buildings. Male courtship involves bouncing legs and on the female's web to create one to six vibrations; receptive females respond by drawing in legs and entering cataleptic paralysis. The male then crawls over her back, grasps her hind legs, and drags her deeper into the retreat for mating.
Ecological Role
of flying insects; webs intercept prey through a tangle of threads above the silken platform that knocks insects onto the sheet. May contribute to control of pest insects such as mosquitoes in residential areas.
Human Relevance
Occasionally enters buildings, where juveniles and wandering males may appear on walls. Documented cases of bites exist: three verified instances of Hololena spiders biting people resulted in headaches and vomiting episodes lasting approximately four hours (two cases from female spiders), or very mild reactions (one case from male spider). All victims recovered without medical treatment within days. The web silk is durable enough to collect and hold light snow.
Similar Taxa
- AgelenopsisAgelenopsis average substantially larger (10–20 mm body length) and possess long held parallel to each other, versus Hololena's short, inward-directed spinnerets.
- CalilenaCalilena also has long, parallel unlike Hololena's short, inward-directed spinnerets.