Zelotes

Gistel, 1848

ground spider

Species Guides

Zelotes is a large of ground spiders in the Gnaphosidae, with approximately 400 described distributed worldwide. These small to medium-sized spiders (5-10 mm) are typically dark reddish brown to nearly black in color. They are characterized by distinctive arrangements and frequently display a pale patch 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 fovea present. The median are circular and dark, while the median eyes are irregular and light in color. The is ovate in shape. The leg formula is IV, I, II, III (fourth leg longest, third shortest). A pale patch is frequently present on the inside of I, and a preening comb occurs on III and/or IV. These characters help distinguish Zelotes from other gnaphosid , though species-level identification typically requires examination of genitalia.

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 deposit from spring to early summer; spiderlings emerge in summer and develop to 2nd-5th instar by winter; first-year juveniles hibernate, develop to penultimates the following summer, and mature in autumn; adults overwinter. This likely matures after 8 during more than a year after from the egg sac. Whether this pattern applies to other Zelotes species is unknown.