Scopoides
Platnick, 1989
Species Guides
3Scopoides is a of ground spiders ( Gnaphosidae) established by Norman I. Platnick in 1989. The genus is native to North America, specifically Mexico and the United States. A 2023 taxonomic revision removed all Chinese from Scopoides; these were reassigned to the newly described genus Platnickus and to Allozelotes. As of October 2025, the genus contains twelve species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scopoides: //skəˈpɔɪdiːz//
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Identification
Scopoides possess a preening comb (pecten) on III and IV, distinguishing them from the related Platnickus, which has a preening brush instead. The claw on IV has 8 teeth with a well-developed claw tuft. Platnickus is further distinguished by the presence of a radix, a medially originating embolus, copulatory opening, and long ducts to secondary spermathecae with numerous glands.
Images
Distribution
Mexico and the United States. Former records from China (Xizang Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province) were removed in 2023 and reassigned to other .
Similar Taxa
- PlatnickusNewly described (2023) established for three formerly placed in Scopoides; distinguished by preening brush (not comb) on III and IV, presence of radix, and distinct copulatory structures.
- AllozelotesOne formerly in Scopoides (S. gyirongensis) was transferred to Allozelotes based on genitalic characters including long convoluted copulatory ducts and fist-shaped accessory glands.