Homalonychus selenopoides
Marx, 1891
Homalonychus selenopoides is a true spider in the Homalonychidae, found in desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Males perform distinctive courtship involving vibratory drumming on the substrate and spinning silk threads embedded with sand grains. Females construct silk retreats incorporating sand for -laying and exhibit maternal care by guarding egg sacs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Homalonychus selenopoides: /hoʊˌmæl.oʊˈnaɪ.kəs sɪˌlɛn.oʊˈpɔɪ.diːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
Rocky in desert regions, specifically the Sonoran Desert.
Distribution
Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Life Cycle
Females construct silk retreats for -laying and guard egg sacs; maternal care is present.
Behavior
Males perform vibratory on the substrate, drumming with the first two pairs of legs. During courtship, males spin threads with sand grains embedded in them. Females incorporate sand into -sac construction.
More Details
Sand incorporation in silk
Both sexes incorporate sand grains into silk structures: males during courtship thread construction, females during -sac spinning. This appears to be an to the desert environment.