Cesonia bilineata

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cesonia bilineata: /sɛˈsoʊniə ˌbaɪlɪˈniːətə/

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.

Summary

Cesonia bilineata, commonly known as the two-lined stealthy ground spider, is a species from the family Gnaphosidae, first described in 1847. It inhabits various environments across North America, primarily in regions from New England to parts of Canada and southern states including Florida and Texas.

Physical Characteristics

Cesonia bilineata is characterized by its ground-dwelling behavior and distinct two-lined appearance on its body.

Identification Tips

Look for the two prominent lines along the abdomen; they are distinctive features of this species.

Habitat

Forests, prairies, and urban areas.

Distribution

New England west to Manitoba and south to Florida, Texas, and New Mexico, including Mexico.

Diet

Primarily feeds on small insects, capturing them using its silk draglines and ambush techniques.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg sac production in the summer, with females laying eggs under stones or leaves.

Reproduction

Females produce egg sacs under rocks or foliage during summer.

Predators

Natural predators include various bird species and larger predatory arthropods.

Ecosystem Role

As a ground spider, it plays a role in controlling insect populations in its habitat.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collecting
  • Using pitfall traps
  • Sweep netting

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Dry preservation techniques

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • spider
  • gnaphosidae
  • ground spider
  • North America
  • habitat diversity