Clubiona janae
Edwards, 1958
Clubiona janae is a of sac spider in the Clubionidae, described by Edwards in 1958. The Clubiona is characterized by the presence of a distinct groove in the center of the and a tuft of curved setae on the front edge of the , features that distinguish it from the superficially similar genus Cheiracanthium. Like other sac spiders, members of this genus do not construct prey-capture webs but instead hunt actively on foot. They construct silken retreats or "sleeping bags" for shelter.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clubiona janae: //kluˈbaɪoʊnə ˈdʒɑːni//
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Identification
Clubiona can be distinguished from the similar longlegged sac spiders ( Cheiracanthium, Eutichuridae) by two key characters: a distinct groove in the center of the (the portion of the ), and an obvious tuft of curved setae on the front edge of the . Cheiracanthium lacks both of these features.
Distribution
USA
Behavior
Members of the Clubiona, like other sac spiders, do not construct silken snares for prey capture. Instead, they hunt "on foot" for small insects they can overpower. They construct silken retreats for shelter and rest.
Ecological Role
of small insects.
Similar Taxa
- CheiracanthiumCheiracanthium (longlegged sac spiders) are superficially similar but lack the distinct groove in the center of the and the tuft of curved setae on the front edge of the that characterize Clubiona.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Clubionidae has undergone significant revision. The Cheiracanthium, once placed in Clubionidae, was moved to Miturgidae and is now classified in Eutichuridae (as of 2014). Clubiona remains in Clubionidae.