Mastophora timuqua
Levi, 2003
Bolas spider
Mastophora timuqua is an orb-weaver spider in the Araneidae, notable for its unique hunting strategy. females are bolas spiders that capture prey using sticky silk droplets suspended on a single line 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 spider and : they lack the typical orb-web architecture of related Araneidae and instead produce one or more sticky silk droplets on a single dragline. Males and females are smaller and capture prey 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 white 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 penultimates, undergoing only one before reaching maturity; this results in males being substantially smaller than females. females also capture prey directly with their legs rather than using a bolas.
Behavior
females are sit-and-wait that actively swing their sticky silk globule to capture approaching prey. Males and females hunt actively using their legs. The is in its hunting activity.
Ecological Role
of flying insects; females are known to specialize on male noctuid in , though specific prey 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 orb web; instead uses bolas hunting method, and females have highly reduced web-building compared to typical orb-weavers.