Oreophantes recurvatus
(Emerton, 1913)
Oreophantes recurvatus is a dwarf spider and the sole member of its . Described in 1913 by James Henry Emerton and later assigned to the new genus Oreophantes by K.Y. Eskov in 1984, this is known only from the United States and Canada. As a member of the sheet-web weaving Linyphiidae, it constructs horizontal webs for prey capture. The species remains poorly documented with no verified observations in major biodiversity databases.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oreophantes recurvatus: /ɔːˌreɪ.əˈfæntiːz ˌrɪˈkɜːr.və.təs/
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Identification
This is distinguished from other linyphiids by its generic assignment to the Oreophantes, characterized by specific genitalic features established by Eskov (1984). Identification requires microscopic examination of male and female ; the specific epithet "recurvatus" refers to a recurved structural feature, likely of the male copulatory organ. Field identification to species is not feasible without specimen collection and expert taxonomic analysis.
Distribution
Recorded from the United States and Canada. Specific Canadian records include the province of Alberta. The precise range boundaries and associations remain undocumented due to limited collection and observation data.
Ecological Role
As a linyphiid spider, it likely functions as a micro- of small flying and crawling in its local , contributing to nutrient cycling through prey consumption and serving as prey for larger arthropods and small vertebrates.
Similar Taxa
- Other LinyphiidaeSheet-web weaving spiders in the same share general body plan and web architecture; Oreophantes recurvatus is distinguished by unique genitalic and geographic distribution in the Nearctic region.
- Other Oreophantes speciesNone; this is the only in the Oreophantes, making generic assignment definitive for identification.