Zelotes pinos
Platnick & Shadab, 1983
Zelotes pinos is a of ground in the Gnaphosidae, described by Platnick and Shadab in 1983. As a member of the Zelotes, it shares characteristics typical of this diverse group of wandering hunters. The specific epithet "pinos" likely refers to the locality in the Pinos Altos region of New Mexico, where the species was first documented. Like other gnaphosids, this spider is a ground-dwelling .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Zelotes pinos: /zɛˈloʊtiːz ˈpaɪnɒs/
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Identification
Zelotes pinos can be distinguished from other Zelotes through examination of genitalic structures, particularly the male and female , as described in the original species description. The Zelotes is characterized by cylindrical with the spinnerets notably longer than the spinnerets. Species-level identification within Zelotes typically requires microscopic examination of reproductive structures rather than coloration or body proportions alone.
Distribution
Known from the Pinos Altos area in Grant County, New Mexico, USA. The has been documented at approximately 7,000 feet elevation in dry, mixed conifer forest with oaks.
Behavior
As a ground ( Gnaphosidae), Zelotes pinos is likely a wandering hunter that does not build a permanent web for capture. Members of this family are generally , actively searching for prey on the ground surface or in ground-level vegetation.
Similar Taxa
- Zelotes sp. (other species)Numerous Zelotes occur in North America; distinguishing Z. pinos requires examination of genitalic characters described by Platnick and Shadab (1983)
- Other Gnaphosidae generaGround in related such as Drassyllus or Cesonia share general body form but differ in proportions and genitalic structure
More Details
Type locality
The was described from specimens collected in Pinos Altos, Grant County, New Mexico, at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet in dry, mixed conifer forest .
Taxonomic history
Described by Norman I. Platnick and Mohammad Umar Shadab in 1983 as part of their extensive revisionary work on the Zelotes.