Linyphantes
Chamberlin & Ivie, 1942
dwarf spiders
Linyphantes is a of dwarf ( Linyphiidae) native to North America. First described in 1942, it currently contains nineteen and one distributed across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The genus name reflects its membership in the sheet-web weaving dwarf spider family. Most species were described by the original authors Chamberlin and Ivie in their 1942 monograph.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Linyphantes: //ˌlɪnɪˈfæntiːz//
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Identification
As a of Linyphiidae, members likely possess the 's characteristic small body size and sheet-web building . Specific diagnostic features for Linyphantes versus other linyphiid genera require examination of genitalic , particularly male and female . The type is Linyphantes aeronauticus (Petrunkevitch, 1929).
Distribution
North America: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Individual have more restricted ranges, with some limited to single countries or regions (e.g., Linyphantes tragicus in Mexico, Linyphantes victoria in Canada).
Similar Taxa
- Other Linyphiidae generaLinyphantes shares the general and web-building typical of dwarf . Distinguishing features require detailed examination of reproductive structures rather than general habitus.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was erected by Ralph Vary Chamberlin and Vaine Wilton Ivie in 1942. Most (fifteen of nineteen) were described in the original monograph. The type species, Linyphantes aeronauticus, was originally described under a different genus by Petrunkevitch in 1929.
Species Diversity
As of May 2019, the contains nineteen and one (Linyphantes s. verdugo). Species names often reflect type localities (e.g., anacortes, delmarus, eureka, laguna, natches, nehalem, santinez, verdugo, victoria).