Zelotes

Gistel, 1848

ground spider

Zelotes is a large of ground in the Gnaphosidae, with approximately 400 described distributed worldwide. These small to -sized spiders (5-10 mm) are typically dark reddish to nearly black in color. They are characterized by distinctive arrangements and frequently display a pale on the inner surface of the first . The genus was first described by J. Gistel in 1848 and represents one of the most species-rich genera within the ground spider family.

Zelotes lasalanus by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Zelotes by (c) sydney yuse, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by sydney yuse. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zelotes: //zɛˈloʊtiːz//

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

Identification

Zelotes can be recognized by several distinctive morphological features. The is ovate and narrower anteriorly, with a present. The are circular and dark, while the are irregular and light in color. The is ovate in shape. The is IV, I, II, III (fourth leg longest, third shortest). A pale is frequently present on the inside of I, and a preening occurs on III and/or IV. These characters help distinguish Zelotes from other gnaphosid , though species-level identification typically requires examination of .

Images

Habitat

Specific preferences for Zelotes as a are not well documented in the provided sources. One , Zelotes azsheganovae, has been recorded from meadow steppe, forest edges, and glades in the wood and steppe belt of the East European Plain.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution. Specific regional records include: East European Plain (Ukraine, Russia) for Z. azsheganovae; Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (GBIF records). The as a whole has been described as .

Life Cycle

A two-year has been documented for Zelotes asiaticus: overwintered females from spring to early summer; spiderlings emerge in summer and develop to 2nd-5th by winter; first-year hibernate, develop to the following summer, and mature in autumn; adults overwinter. This likely matures after 8 molts during more than a year after from the egg sac. Whether this pattern applies to other Zelotes species is unknown.