Hypochilus gertschi
Hoffman, 1963
Gertsch's lampshade-web spider
Hypochilus gertschi is a lampshade weaver spider in the Hypochilidae, to the United States. Like other members of its , it constructs distinctive flat, circular webs that resemble lampshades. The was described in 1963 and is one of the few representatives of this relictual spider family in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hypochilus gertschi: /hɪˈpɒkɪləs ˈgɛrtʃi/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Hypochilus by geographic range and subtle morphological differences in genitalia; precise identification requires examination of in males or in females. The lampshade-shaped web is diagnostic for the but not species-specific.
Images
Distribution
United States; specific range details within the U.S. are not well documented in available sources.
Behavior
Constructs characteristic flat, circular 'lampshade' webs. The 1969 study title references predatory , but specific behavioral details are unavailable without access to the full source text.
Similar Taxa
- Hypochilus pocockiOverlaps in general and web structure; distinguished by geographic distribution and genitalic characters
- Hypochilus thorelliShares lampshade web architecture and characteristics; requires detailed morphological examination for separation