Clubiona kastoni

Gertsch, 1941

Kaston Sac Spider

Clubiona kastoni, commonly known as the Kaston Sac Spider, is a of sac spider in the Clubionidae. It is found in the United States and Canada. As a member of the Clubiona, it shares characteristics typical of sac spiders, including the construction of silken retreats rather than capture webs. The species was described by Gertsch in 1941.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Clubiona kastoni: //kluːˈbaɪənə ˈkæstəni//

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Identification

Clubiona can be distinguished from the superficially similar Cheiracanthium (longlegged sac spiders) by two key characters: Clubiona possesses a distinct groove in the center of its (the portion of the ) and has an obvious tuft of curved setae on the front edge of the . Cheiracanthium lacks both of these features. Additionally, Clubiona species are less frequently encountered indoors compared to Cheiracanthium.

Distribution

United States and Canada. Canadian provincial records include Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.

Behavior

As a sac spider, Clubiona kastoni constructs silken retreats ('sleeping bags') rather than webs for prey capture. These retreats are typically found in concealed locations. The spider hunts actively on foot for small insects, using tarsal claw tufts—densely packed hairs on the leg tips—to grip surfaces and facilitate climbing.

Ecological Role

of small insects. Documented as prey for the spider wasp Priocnemis minorata.

Similar Taxa

CheiracanthiumCheiracanthium (longlegged sac spiders) resemble Clubiona in general habitus but lack the central groove and abdominal setal tuft present in Clubiona. Cheiracanthium are also more commonly encountered indoors.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The Clubionidae has undergone revision, with some former members (such as Cheiracanthium) reassigned to other families. Cheiracanthium was moved to Eutichuridae in 2014, having previously been classified in Miturgidae and before that in Clubionidae.