Mastophora timuqua
Levi, 2003
Bolas spider
Mastophora timuqua is an -weaver in the Araneidae, notable for its unique hunting strategy. females are bolas spiders that capture using sticky droplets suspended on a single rather than constructing a traditional web. The is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Like other members of the Mastophora, this species exhibits pronounced in hunting .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mastophora timuqua: //mæsˈtɒfərə tɪˈmuːkwə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
females can be identified by their bolas and : they lack the typical -web architecture of related Araneidae and instead produce one or more sticky droplets on a single dragline. Males and females are smaller and capture directly with their legs, lacking the bolas apparatus. The may be cryptically colored, resembling bird droppings as observed in like M. cornigera, though specific coloration for M. timuqua is not documented. sacs are black and mottled, similar to other Mastophora species.
Distribution
United States; North America. Specific state or regional records are not documented in available sources.
Life Cycle
Males emerge from sacs as , undergoing only one before reaching maturity; this results in males being substantially smaller than females. females also capture directly with their legs rather than using a bolas.
Behavior
females are sit-and-wait that actively swing their sticky globule to capture approaching . Males and females hunt actively using their legs. The is in its hunting activity.
Ecological Role
of flying ; females are known to specialize on male in , though specific for M. timuqua is not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Mastophora cornigeraOnly other Mastophora found in California; M. timuqua distinguished by geographic separation and potentially by subtle morphological differences, though specific diagnostic features require expert examination.
- Other Araneidae orb-weaversM. timuqua lacks the characteristic web; instead uses bolas hunting method, and females have highly reduced web-building compared to typical orb-weavers.