Agroeca minuta

Banks, 1895

Agroeca minuta is a of liocranid sac spider in the Liocranidae, first described by Banks in 1895. It is a small spider known from the United States. As a member of the sac spider family, it likely constructs silk retreats for shelter, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented. The Agroeca is part of a group of ground-dwelling spiders often associated with leaf litter and similar microhabitats.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agroeca minuta: /ˌæɡroʊˈiːkə mɪˈnjuːtə/

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Identification

Agroeca minuta can be distinguished from other Agroeca by its small size, as suggested by its specific epithet "minuta." Within the Liocranidae, Agroeca species generally exhibit a somewhat flattened and cylindrical . Precise identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and other microscopic characters. The species may be confused with other small, ground-dwelling spiders in families such as Gnaphosidae (ground spiders) or Clubionidae (sac spiders), from which it can be separated by family-level characters including arrangement and structure.

Habitat

Found in the United States, likely in terrestrial typical for the . Members of Agroeca are generally ground-dwelling spiders associated with leaf litter, soil crevices, and other ground-level microhabitats.

Distribution

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

Behavior

Constructs silk retreats or "sacs" for shelter, a characteristic of the Liocranidae. These retreats are typically made in concealed locations such as under bark, stones, or within leaf litter.

Ecological Role

Likely functions as a of small in ground-level , contributing to the regulation of soil and litter .

Similar Taxa

  • Agroeca brunneaAnother in the same , differing in size and coloration; A. minuta is notably smaller.
  • Liocranum rupicolaIn the same Liocranidae; can be distinguished by -level characters including body proportions and arrangement.
  • Gnaphosa spp.Ground spiders in Gnaphosidae that share similar preferences; separable by arrangement (Gnaphosidae have eyes that are enlarged and often contiguous) and .

Sources and further reading