Micaria foxi

Gertsch, 1933

Micaria foxi is a small -like in the Gnaphosidae, first described by Gertsch in 1933. It belongs to the M. rossica/M. foxi group, which forms a phylogenetic clade sister to M. formicaria. Like other Micaria species, it is distinguished by piriform gland similar in size to major ampullate gland spigots. The species is known from North America, with records from the United States and Canada including Alberta and British Columbia.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Micaria foxi: /mɪˈkɛəriə ˈfɒksaɪ/

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Identification

Micaria foxi is a small -mimicking , typically 1.85–5 mm in body length. As with other Micaria , it can be distinguished from other gnaphosid spiders by its piriform gland that are similar in size to the major ampullate gland spigots. Specific diagnostic features for M. foxi relative to other Micaria species are not detailed in available sources; examination of and comparison with the closely related M. rossica would likely be required for definitive identification.

Distribution

North America: recorded from the United States and Canada, specifically from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. The precise range within the United States is not well documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Micaria rossicaForms a group with M. foxi; the two are phylogenetically closely related as sister within a clade that is itself sister to M. formicaria. Distinguishing features between the two species are not specified in available sources.
  • Micaria formicariaSister to the M. rossica/M. foxi clade; shares -like and similar gland characteristics, but phylogenetically distinct.

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