Clubiona mixta
Emerton, 1890
Mixed Sac Spider
Clubiona mixta is a in the Clubionidae, described by Emerton in 1890. It is one of many in the Clubiona, which are characterized by having a distinct groove in the center of the and a tuft of curved on the edge of the . These features help distinguish Clubiona from the superficially similar genus Cheiracanthium (longlegged sac spiders), which lacks both characters. Sac spiders in this family are active hunters that do not build webs to capture .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Clubiona mixta: /kluːˈbaɪ.ə.nə ˈmɪks.tə/
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Identification
Clubiona can be distinguished from the similar longlegged (Cheiracanthium, Eutichuridae) by two characters: a distinct groove in the center of the , and a tuft of curved (hairs) on the edge of the . Cheiracanthium lacks both of these features. Within Clubiona, species-level identification typically requires examination of and other subtle morphological features.
Distribution
Recorded from Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario) and the United States. The broader Clubiona occurs in forested across North America.
Behavior
in the Clubionidae are active hunters that do not construct webs to capture . They spin silken retreats for resting and for depositing sacs.
Ecological Role
are of small and other . They serve as for (); the Clubiona obesa has been documented as a for the spider wasp Priocnemis minorata.
Human Relevance
Clubiona are not commonly encountered indoors, unlike the related longlegged (Cheiracanthium). They pose minimal direct interaction with humans.
Similar Taxa
- Cheiracanthium spp.Longlegged are superficially similar in body shape and hunting , but lack the groove and abdominal setal tuft present in Clubiona. They are also more commonly found indoors.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Bug Eric: One Night, One House, Seventeen Spider Species
- Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Longlegged Sac Spiders
- Bug Eric: Priocnemis minorata
- 2018 New Mexico/Texas Insect Collecting Trip “iReport” | Beetles In The Bush
- Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Coras