Frontinella

F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1902

Bowl and Doily Spiders

Frontinella is a of dwarf in the Linyphiidae, first described by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1902. The genus contains nine described distributed across China, El Salvador, Mexico, and the United States. The best-known member, F. communis (formerly F. pyramitela), is recognized by its distinctive bowl-and-doily web architecture. These spiders are small-bodied, with mature females measuring 3–4 mm. Some species exhibit behavioral through solar orientation and cohabitation between males and females.

Frontinella pyramitela by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Frontinella pyramitela by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Frontinella: /fron.tiˈnɛl.la/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

in this are distinguished by their distinctive web architecture: a concave "bowl" suspended above a flat "doily" or sheet platform. The hangs inverted beneath the bowl. F. communis has bold black and abdominal stripes, , and brownish legs. Body length is small (3–4 mm for females, slightly smaller for males). Web size is only a few inches across. F. huachuca occurs in Arizona and may be distinguished by geographic range. F. pyramitela and F. communis have been confused historically; F. communis is the currently accepted name for the widespread North bowl and doily spider.

Images

Habitat

Webs are constructed well above ground, stretched between twigs, suspended from fences, and other elevated objects. Found at forest edges and in pine woodlands. Also occurs in yards, gardens, and orchards.

Distribution

China, El Salvador, Mexico, and the United States. F. communis is widespread across North America. F. huachuca occurs in Arizona and Mexico. F. pyramitela is recorded from North and Central America. F. laeta is the from Mexico. F. omega occurs in El Salvador. F. hubeiensis and F. zhui are known from China. F. bella is recorded from Hispaniola.

Seasonality

Males share female webs in late summer and fall.

Behavior

Constructs distinctive bowl-and-doily webs: a concave bowl suspended by tangled scaffolding above a flat sheet. The hangs inverted on the underside of the bowl. likely hits scaffolding threads and falls onto the upturned sheet. F. communis has been observed to pull prey through the bowl bottom and retire to the doily to feed. Exhibits behavioral : when insolation and ambient temperature are high, aligns oral- axis with sun rays, reducing body temperature by at least 0.5°C compared to perpendicular orientation. This solar orientation is not visually mediated. Males and females cohabitate in webs; multiple webs are often found in close proximity, which may facilitate mating.

Human Relevance

Not dangerous to humans. Common and widespread in North America, frequently encountered in residential settings.

Similar Taxa

NerieneRelated in Linyphiidae; also constructs sheet webs but lacks the distinctive bowl-and-doily architecture of Frontinella

More Details

Nomenclature history

Earlier references treated the widespread North bowl and doily as Frontinella pyramitela; this is now recognized as F. communis. F. pyramitela remains a valid species recorded from North and Central America.