Cesonia

Cesonia

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cesonia: //sɛˈsoʊ.ni.ə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Common Spiders U.S. 012-3 by James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931). Used under a Public domain license.
Ground Spider - Cesonia bilineata, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Cesonia classica by Kat Halsey. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Cesonia josephus-2 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cesonia josephus-3 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cesonia josephus-1 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Cesonia is a genus of ground spiders characterized by diverse morphological traits, primarily found in North America, with several species showing distinct abdominal coloration. The genus is known for its ecological role in pest control and exists across various habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Distinctive abdominal patterns vary by species, including longitudinal black and white lines across the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Identify Cesonia species by examining the abdominal patterns; the bilineata group has 4 black lines, the elegans group at most 3, and the lugubris group has white lines extending beyond the middle of the abdomen.

Habitat

Ground spiders primarily found in various habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas across their distribution range.

Distribution

Found across North America, with recorded species in the USA, Canada, Jamaica, Cuba, and parts of Central America such as Mexico and Panama.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various small insects and other arachnids.

Life Cycle

Female ground spiders typically display a maternal care phase, where they guard their egg sacs until the spiderlings emerge.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs via direct mating, with females laying eggs in silk-constructed sacs.

Predators

Natural predators include birds, larger spiders, and other arthropods.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in pest control by preying upon insects.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collecting
  • Pitfall traps
  • Sweep nets

Preservation Methods

  • Alcohol preservation
  • Pinning

Evolution

Cesonia is categorized in the family Gnaphosidae and evolved adaptations for ground-dwelling life, including camouflage and burrowing behaviors.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Despite their appearance, ground spiders do not pose a significant threat to humans and are often beneficial due to their predatory behaviors.

Tags

  • spiders
  • Araneae
  • Gnaphosidae
  • ground spiders
  • North America