Micaria gertschi
Barrows & Ivie, 1942
Micaria gertschi is a of ground spider in the Gnaphosidae, first described by Barrows & Ivie in 1942. It is a small, active hunter found in North American terrestrial . The species belongs to a characterized by -mimicry and rapid movement.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Micaria gertschi: /mɪˈkɛə.ri.ə ˈɡɜrtʃ.i/
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Identification
Micaria gertschi can be distinguished from other Micaria by details of the and male , as described in the original species . As with other members of the , it likely shows the characteristic -like body form with narrow and rapid, erratic movement patterns. Precise identification requires examination of genitalia under magnification.
Images
Habitat
Found in terrestrial in the United States and Canada. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented.
Distribution
United States and Canada. Documented from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada; distribution within the United States is not specified in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Micaria speciesShare -mimic appearance and rapid ground-dwelling habits; require genital examination for definitive separation.
- Ant-mimicking spiders in other families (e.g., Myrmarachne, Synemosyna)Convergent -mimicry in body shape and movement, but differ in arrangement and other -level characters.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Barrows & Ivie in 1942. The specific epithet honors arachnologist Willis J. Gertsch.