Emertongone montifer
(Emerton, 1882)
Lineweaving Spider
Emertongone montifer is a dwarf spider and the sole in the Emertongone. Originally described as Lophocarenum montiferum in 1882, it was later transferred to Oedothorax before being placed in its current genus in 2022 based on phylogenetic work by Lin, Lopardo & Uhl. It is a member of the sheet-web weaving Linyphiidae and is known only from the United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Emertongone montifer: /ˌɛmərˈtɒŋɡoʊn ˈmɒntɪfər/
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Identification
As a linyphiid, it possesses the 's characteristic features: small body size, enlarged in males, and a complex copulatory bulb structure. Distinction from other linyphiid requires examination of genitalic ; the genus Emertongone was erected based on distinct phylogenetic placement and morphological characters separating it from Oedothorax.
Distribution
United States of America. Records are sparse, with only six observations documented.
Behavior
As a member of Linyphiidae, it has been observed constructing sheet webs for prey capture, though specific behavioral details for this remain undocumented.
Ecological Role
Functions as a small in ground-level and vegetation-dwelling .
Similar Taxa
- Oedothorax speciesE. montifer was formerly classified in this ; separation requires genitalic examination and phylogenetic analysis.
- Other LinyphiidaeMany dwarf spiders share small size and sheet-web building habits; definitive identification relies on microscopic examination of reproductive structures.
More Details
Taxonomic History
This has undergone three -level transfers: from Lophocarenum (1882) to Oedothorax, then to the newly erected Emertongone in 2022. The 2022 revision by Lin, Lopardo & Uhl used molecular and morphological data to establish its distinct generic placement.