Ceraticelus bulbosus
(Emerton, 1882)
dwarf spider
Ceraticelus bulbosus is a of dwarf spider in the Linyphiidae. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North America and Eurasia, including the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Finland, and Russia from Europe to the Far East. The species was first described by Emerton in 1882. As a member of the Erigoninae, it belongs to a diverse group of small spiders commonly known as dwarf or money spiders.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceraticelus bulbosus: //sɛˌrætɪˈsiːləs bʌlˈboʊsəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
As a dwarf spider in the Ceraticelus, C. bulbosus is likely small-bodied with characteristics typical of the Erigoninae, including a compact and relatively short legs compared to some other linyphiids. The specific epithet "bulbosus" suggests a bulbous or swollen structure, possibly referring to a morphological feature such as an enlarged or abdominal structure in males. Definitive identification requires examination of genitalic , as is standard for linyphiid .
Distribution
Recorded from North America (including Alberta, Canada), the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Finland, and Russia from European Russia through Middle Siberia to the Russian Far East. The transcontinental distribution suggests broad ecological or possible cryptic diversity requiring further study.
Similar Taxa
- Ceraticelus fissicepsCongeneric with overlapping distribution in North America; distinguished by cephalic and male structure
- Florinda coccineaSimilar bright red coloration and small size led to historical confusion; Florinda belongs to Linyphiinae (sheetweb spiders) and constructs sheet webs rather than the irregular webs typical of erigonines