Cryphoeca montana

Members of the subfamily Cryphoecinae, including Cryphoeca montana, differ from Hahniinae spiders in spinneret arrangement: Cryphoecinae have spinnerets in two staggered rows rather than the single row of six spinnerets characteristic of Hahniinae. Identification of Cryphoecinae genera relies primarily on features of male and female genitalia and dentition of the cheliceral fang furrow. Cryphoeca montana reaches nearly eight millimeters in body length as an adult, larger than most hahniids.

Forest habitats, specifically under bark on dead trees, in leaf litter, moss, and under stones. The species occurs in chronically rainy forest habitats and montane regions.

United States and Canada. Distribution records include Vermont and other localities in North America. Most Cryphoecinae species are restricted to areas west of the Rocky Mountains, principally in Canada and northern states.

Nocturnal in activity pattern.

• Cryphoeca nivalisCongeneric species in the same genus, distinguished by subtle genitalic characters and geographic distribution.
• Cryphoeca silvicolaAnother congeneric species sharing similar habitat preferences and nocturnal habits, requiring examination of genitalia for definitive separation.
• Hahnia spp.Members of the same former family (Hahniidae) but distinguished by spinneret arrangement in a single row and generally smaller body size.

• spider
• Araneae
• Cybaeidae
• Cryphoecinae
• nocturnal
• forest-dwelling
• North America
• montane

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