Praestigia
Millidge, 1954
Praestigia is a of sheet-weaving ( Linyphiidae) described by Alfred Frank Millidge in 1954. The genus is distinguished by a unique male cephalic projection bearing a detachable cap composed of interconnected fibers bound with a waxy substance. Eight are recognized, distributed across and regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The etymology combines Latin 'prae' (before/in ) and Greek 'stigios' (awl), referencing this distinctive projection.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Praestigia: //praɪˈstɪdʒ.i.ɑː//
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Identification
Males are distinguished from all other linyphiid by a projection extending from the ocular region, which terminates in a cap of interconnected fibers adhered with a waxy substance. The cap is easily detached and lost; specimens lacking the cap may be difficult to assign to this genus. The form of the projection varies among .
Distribution
and regions of the Northern Hemisphere. occur in Europe (Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway), Russia (including Siberia and the Urals), Japan, Mongolia, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska (USA).
More Details
Etymology
The generic name derives from Latin 'prae' (meaning 'in ' or 'before') and Greek 'stigios' (meaning 'an awl'), referring to the awl-like projection from the male ocular region.
Type species
Praestigia duffeyi Millidge, 1954, from Europe.