Erigone
Audouin, 1826
dwarf spiders
Species Guides
7- Erigone aletris(Miller Dwarf Weaver)
- Erigone atra(Post Dwarf Weaver)
- Erigone autumnalis(Autumn Money Spider)
- Erigone blaesa
- Erigone capra
- Erigone dentigera(Teethed Dwarf Weaver)
- Erigone dentosa(Hook-toothed Money Spider)
Erigone is a of dwarf spiders in the Linyphiidae, first described by Jean Victoire Audouin in 1826. Members of this genus are small-bodied spiders characterized by distinctive teeth bordering the . They are , preying on small insects. The genus is well-represented in temperate regions with numerous described .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erigone: //ˈɛrɪɡoʊˌniː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The presence of teeth bordering the is a key diagnostic feature distinguishing Erigone from similar linyphiid . Examination of genitalic structures is typically required for -level identification. Small body size and compact build place them among dwarf spiders, but carapace separates them from genera lacking this trait.
Images
Appearance
Small-bodied spiders with compact builds typical of Linyphiidae. A distinctive character is the presence of teeth bordering the . As dwarf spiders, they generally measure only a few millimeters in body length. Coloration and detailed vary among .
Distribution
Widespread in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Individual distributions vary; some are Holarctic while others have more restricted ranges.
Diet
, preying on small insects. Specific prey records include Psylla (jumping plant lice) and flies.
Ecological Role
of small insects in ground-layer and vegetation . Contribute to regulation of of minute herbivorous insects such as psyllids.
Similar Taxa
- Other Linyphiidae generaShare small body size and sheet-web building habits, but lack the distinctive teeth bordering the present in Erigone.
- OedothoraxAnother of dwarf spiders with overlapping distribution and ; distinguished by and genitalic .
More Details
Taxonomic note
Erigone is a well-established within Linyphiidae, the sheet-web weavers. The genus name has been used in other contexts (Greek mythology, asteroid , and as a synonym for a tachinid fly genus Panzeria), but in arachnology refers exclusively to this spider genus.