Hypochilus bonneti
Gertsch, 1964
lampshade weaver
Hypochilus bonneti is a of lampshade ( Hypochilidae) first described by Gertsch in 1964. It is one of several species in the Hypochilus, which are known for their distinctive flat, circular webs that resemble lampshades. The species occurs in the United States, though specific details about its biology and remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hypochilus bonneti: //haɪpoʊˈkaɪləs ˈbɒnɛti//
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Identification
Members of Hypochilus are distinguished from other by their unique web architecture: flat, circular, slightly domed webs with a spiral pattern, suspended in dark, moist microhabitats such as caves, rock overhangs, or cliff . Specific diagnostic features for H. bonneti relative to (such as H. thorelli and H. pococki) have not been clearly established in accessible literature.
Habitat
Hypochilus generally occupy dark, humid environments including caves, mines, rock shelters, and moist cliff . The specific microhabitat preferences of H. bonneti have not been separately documented.
Distribution
United States. Specific state or regional records are not clearly established in the provided sources.
Behavior
Constructs characteristic 'lampshade' webs—flat, circular, spiral webs suspended vertically or near-vertically in sheltered, humid locations. The typically occupies the center or hub of the web.
Similar Taxa
- Hypochilus thorelliOverlaps in geographic range and shares the distinctive lampshade web architecture; differentiation requires examination of morphological details not summarized here.
- Hypochilus pocockiAnother congeneric lampshade with similar web-building ; -level identification relies on subtle morphological characters.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The Hypochilus is the sole representative of Hypochilidae, considered one of the most lineages of araneomorph . The family's phylogenetic position makes it of significant interest for understanding spider evolution.
Data Limitations
As of the available sources, H. bonneti is known from only 5 iNaturalist observations and minimal published biological data. Most ecological and behavioral information is inferred from -level characteristics.