Metepeira comanche
Levi, 1977
Metepeira comanche is an orb-weaving spider in the Araneidae. It is one of approximately thirteen Metepeira recognized in North America north of Mexico. Like other members of its , it constructs a distinctive web architecture consisting of a small orb web connected to a tangled labyrinth of silk lines surrounding a debris-decorated retreat. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with the genus showing highest diversity in western and southwestern regions of North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metepeira comanche: /ˌmɛtɛˈpaɪrə koʊˈmæn.tʃi/
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Images
Distribution
United States and Mexico. Records indicate presence in southwestern U.S. and Middle America. The Metepeira is most diverse in the western and southwestern United States, with some occurring in arid .
Behavior
Based on -level characteristics: constructs a composite web consisting of a small orb web and an extensive tangled labyrinth of silk lines surrounding a thimble-like retreat decorated with debris. The spider occupies a tent-like retreat connected to the orb web hub by a signal thread, emerging to capture prey that impacts the orb. Mature males wander in search of females and may be encountered without webs.
Similar Taxa
- Metepeira labyrintheaThe only Metepeira formally called "Labyrinth Spider," distinguished by its eastern U.S. and southern Ontario distribution, versus the southwestern U.S.-Mexico range of M. comanche. M. labyrinthea is found in shrubs and low tree branches along forest edges.
- Other Metepeira speciesColor pattern is highly variable across the , making identification difficult without associated web structure or geographic context. Thirteen species occur in North America north of Mexico, with greatest diversity in the west and southwest.