Erigone autumnalis
Emerton, 1882
Autumn Money Spider
Erigone autumnalis is a dwarf spider in the Linyphiidae, commonly known as the Autumn Money Spider. Native to North and Central America, it has been introduced to multiple regions including the Azores, continental Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and New Caledonia. The species is small-bodied and typical of the money spider group, though specific biological details remain limited in published literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erigone autumnalis: /ˈɛrɪˌɡoʊni ˌɔːtəmˈnælɪs/
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Identification
As a member of the Linyphiidae , E. autumnalis is a small-bodied spider with the general characteristics of money spiders: compact build, relatively long legs in proportion to body size, and often subtle coloration. Distinguishing this from and other linyphiids requires examination of genitalic structures and other fine morphological details not readily apparent without magnification.
Images
Distribution
Native range: North and Central America. Introduced to: Azores (with records from Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, and São Jorge islands), continental Europe, United Arab Emirates, and New Caledonia.
Similar Taxa
- Other Erigone speciesCongeneric share the general body plan and small size characteristic of the , requiring careful examination of diagnostic characters for separation.
More Details
Introduction History
The has established in the Azores archipelago, with confirmed records on five islands. The timing and mechanism of its introduction to Europe, the UAE, and New Caledonia have not been documented in detail.