Cryphoeca exlineae
Roth, 1988
Cryphoeca exlineae is a of true spider in the Cybaeidae, first described by Roth in 1988. It is a small, cryptic spider found in forested regions of western North America. The Cryphoeca was formerly classified within the family Hahniidae but is now placed in Cybaeidae based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cryphoeca exlineae: //krɪˈfiːkə ɛksˈlaɪni.iː//
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Identification
Identification to requires examination of genitalia. The Cryphoeca can be distinguished from other Cybaeidae by subtle morphological characters including features of the male and female genitalia. Cryphoeca species lack the distinctive comb-like arrangement of found in Hahniinae (the 'comb-tailed spiders'), instead having spinnerets arranged in two staggered rows. Cryphoeca exlineae is one of several species in this genus restricted to western North America.
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Habitat
Cryphoeca are associated with chronically moist forest . Cryphoeca montana, a , has been collected from under bark on dead trees, in leaf litter, moss, and under stones. Cryphoeca exlineae likely occupies similar microhabitats in forested environments.
Distribution
Recorded from the United States (specific localities not detailed in sources) and Canada (Alberta and British Columbia). The Cryphoeca is restricted to North America west of the Rocky Mountains, with most found in Canada and northern states.
Behavior
Cryphoeca are . Related species in the construct small sheet webs or occupy cryptic microhabitats rather than building conspicuous webs.
Similar Taxa
- Cryphoeca montanaCongeneric with similar preferences and geographic range; distinguished by genitalia and subtle morphological differences
- Hahnia species (Hahniidae)Formerly classified in the same ; Hahnia has six arranged in a single comb-like row across the , while Cryphoeca has two staggered rows
- Neoantistea species (Hahniidae)Small sheet-web building spiders formerly grouped with Cryphoeca; Neoantistea builds thin, sheet-like webs across small depressions and has the diagnostic comb-like arrangement of Hahniinae
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Cryphoeca was formerly placed in the Hahniidae (comb-tailed spiders or dwarf sheet spiders) but has been reclassified to Cybaeidae. This reflects ongoing refinement in spider family-level based on morphological and molecular data. The family Hahniidae is now restricted to smaller spiders with the diagnostic comb-like arrangement.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'exlineae' honors a person, likely an arachnologist or contributor to spider , though the exact honoree is not specified in available sources.