Mastophora stowei
Levi, 2003
Bolas spider
Mastophora stowei is a of bolas spider in the orb-weaver Araneidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 2003. Like other members of the Mastophora, this species has abandoned the construction of traditional orb webs in favor of a specialized hunting technique using a single sticky silk globule suspended on a dragline. The species occurs in the United States and is one of approximately 15 Mastophora species found in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mastophora stowei: /ˌmæstəˈfɔːrə ˈstoʊwi/
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Identification
Mastophora stowei can be distinguished from other Mastophora by specific morphological features established in Levi's 2003 revision, though detailed diagnostic characters are not provided in available sources. The Mastophora is recognizable by the highly modified hunting and associated : females possess a reduced compared to typical orb-weavers and specialized silk-producing structures for manufacturing the sticky bolas. Juveniles and differ markedly in size, with mature females being substantially larger than males. Males emerge from sacs as penultimates, undergoing only one before maturity, resulting in adult males that are notably smaller than females.
Images
Habitat
Available sources do not specify preferences for M. stowei specifically. Members of the Mastophora are generally cryptic, hiding during daylight hours and becoming active hunters.
Distribution
United States; North America. The was described from material collected in the USA, with GBIF records confirming presence in the United States.
Behavior
As a member of the Mastophora, M. stowei likely exhibits the characteristic bolas hunting : females produce a single droplet of adhesive silk suspended from a dragline, which they swing to capture prey. This behavior represents a derived alternative to the ancestral orb-web construction typical of the Araneidae.
Similar Taxa
- Mastophora cornigeraThe only Mastophora found in California; M. stowei can be distinguished by geographic distribution and morphological features described in Levi's 2003 revision.
- Other Mastophora speciesApproximately 15 occur in the United States; accurate identification requires reference to Levi's taxonomic revision and examination of specific morphological characters.