Pityohyphantes tacoma

Chamberlin & Ivie, 1942

Pityohyphantes tacoma is a of sheetweb spider in the Linyphiidae. It belongs to the Pityohyphantes, commonly known as hammock spiders. The species was described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1942. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic classification and geographic occurrence in the United States.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pityohyphantes tacoma: /ˌpɪ.ti.oʊˈhaɪ.fæn.tiːz təˈkoʊ.mə/

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Identification

-level identification of Pityohyphantes tacoma requires examination of external genitalia. The Pityohyphantes can be recognized by a consistent abdominal pattern: a brown or reddish jagged-edged band down the middle of the back on an ivory background. Members of this genus are distinguished from cobweb weavers (Theridiidae) by having prominent setae on the legs, whereas cobweb weavers have legs free of spines. The webs are also distinctive: hammock spiders construct slightly convex sheet webs suspended by a maze of threads above, rather than the irregular tangles typical of cobweb weavers.

Distribution

United States. Specific state or regional records are not documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Other Pityohyphantes speciesSixteen occur in North America, mostly in coniferous forests of the west and north. Reliable separation requires examination of genitalia.
Bowl and Doily Spider (Frontinella pyramitela)Another linyphiid sheetweb weaver, but constructs a distinct bowl-shaped web with a doily-like platform below, unlike the hammock web of Pityohyphantes.
Cobweb weavers (Theridiidae, e.g., Steatoda)Some Steatoda spin sheet-like webs, but lack the prominent leg setae characteristic of Linyphiidae and typically have more irregular web architecture.

More Details

Etymology

The name Pityohyphantes is Greek for 'pine weaver,' reflecting the typical coniferous forest of many in the genus. The specific epithet 'tacoma' likely refers to Tacoma, Washington, suggesting the type locality.

Web architecture

Unlike the 'hammock spider' might suggest, Pityohyphantes webs are more often slightly convex rather than concave. The silken platform is suspended by a maze of threads above it and does not typically sag.