Neoantistea riparia
(Keyserling, 1887)
Neoantistea riparia is a small true spider in the Hahniidae, one of eleven in the Neoantistea found throughout most of North America. Like other members of this genus, it constructs thin, sheet-like webs that are typically stretched across small depressions in soil, including mammal footprints. The species is found in the United States, with the specific epithet 'riparia' suggesting association with riparian or streamside .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neoantistea riparia: /ˌneɪ.oʊˌæn.tiˈstiːə rɪˈpɛəriə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Neoantistea can be distinguished from other Hahniidae by the combination of: six arranged in a single transverse row across the (the 'comb-tailed' arrangement characteristic of Hahniinae); and specific genitalic features including the placement of the tracheal on the underside of the abdomen and relative size of the . Separation from the related Hahnia (which also occurs throughout North America with seven ) requires examination of male spurs and female structure. are small, typically under 4 mm in body length.
Habitat
Based on the epithet 'riparia' and the of , this species likely inhabits riparian zones and moist areas near water. Related Neoantistea species construct their thin sheet webs across small soil depressions, including mammal footprints, often in areas where dew makes the webs visible. The spider typically sequesters itself at the web edge among moss or soil particles, traveling on the underside of the web to capture prey.
Distribution
United States. Specific state or regional records are not documented in available sources.
Behavior
Constructs small, thin sheet-like webs across depressions in soil. The spider hides at the web margin among moss or soil debris, moving on the underside of the web to secure prey. This is inferred from documented habits of in the Neoantistea.
Similar Taxa
- Neoantistea magnaAnother member of the same , distinguished by size and genitalic features; both share the characteristic six in a single row and similar web-building in soil depressions.
- Hahnia spp.Members of the same Hahniidae with similar 'comb-tailed' arrangement; distinguished by differences in tracheal placement, size ratios, and genitalic structures.
- Antistea brunneaA related hahniid with overlapping range in parts of North America; distinguished by subtle morphological differences in segment lengths and genitalic features.
More Details
Taxonomic Context
Neoantistea riparia belongs to the 'marronoid' clade of spiders, a recently recognized united by genomic data despite lacking obvious morphological synapomorphies. The Hahniidae was historically classified within Agelenidae (funnel-web weavers) until recognized as a distinct family. The Neoantistea contains 11 in North America.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'riparia' derives from Latin, meaning 'of the riverbank' or 'riparian,' suggesting the ' ecological association with streamside or waterside .