Ceraticelus atriceps
(O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1874)
Ceraticelus atriceps is a of dwarf spider in the Linyphiidae, Erigoninae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from the United States and Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba). As a member of the dwarf spiders, it belongs to a group characterized by small body size and male cephalic modifications used in courtship.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceraticelus atriceps: //sɛrəˈtɪsɛləs ˈætrɪsɛps//
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Identification
Members of the Ceraticelus are distinguished from other erigonine dwarf spiders by specific male cephalic modifications, including elevated or modified regions. The specific epithet "atriceps" (black-headed) suggests dark coloration of the . Accurate identification to level requires examination of male and epigynal structures; the small size typical of linyphiids necessitates microscopic examination.
Distribution
United States; Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba)
Similar Taxa
- Florinda (Linyphiidae: Linyphiinae)Both are small, brightly colored linyphiid spiders that can be confused in the field; Florinda belongs to the sheetweb spider rather than dwarf spiders, and builds sheet webs rather than the simple webs or habits of Ceraticelus
- Hypsosinga (Araneidae)Small, brightly colored spiders that may resemble Ceraticelus atriceps in general appearance and use on vegetation; however, Hypsosinga are orb-weavers with distinct web architecture and different arrangement