Microneta
Menge, 1869
Species Guides
1- Microneta viaria(Small Sheet-web Weaver)
Microneta is a of dwarf spiders ( Linyphiidae) established by Anton Menge in 1869. The genus contains eleven described distributed across North America, Europe, South America, and parts of Asia. One species, Microneta viaria, has an exceptionally broad distribution spanning multiple continents. Most species have more restricted ranges, with several to specific regions such as Sweden, Peru, or Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microneta: /ˌmaɪ.krəˈniː.tə/
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Identification
Members of Microneta can be recognized as linyphiid spiders by their small body size and characteristic web-building , though -level identification requires examination of genitalic structures. The genus is distinguished from other linyphiid genera primarily through subtle differences in male and female epigynal . -level identification is challenging and typically requires microscopic examination of reproductive structures.
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Distribution
The has a wide but patchy distribution. Microneta viaria occurs across North America, Europe, Turkey, North Africa, the Caucasus, Russia (European to Far East), China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. Other have restricted ranges: M. caestata and M. inops in Sweden; M. disceptra in Peru; M. flaveola and M. orines in the USA; M. formicaria in New Guinea; M. semiatra in Brazil; M. sima and M. watona in Mexico; and M. varia in St. Vincent.
Similar Taxa
- Other Linyphiidae generaMicroneta is morphologically similar to many other dwarf spider ; definitive separation requires examination of genitalic characters rather than general body form.
More Details
Species diversity
The contains eleven described as of 2019, with Microneta viaria designated as the type species.
Taxonomic history
The was established by German arachnologist Anton Menge in 1869, reflecting early systematic work on European spiders.