Apollophanes

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Philodromidae
Genus: Apollophanes

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apollophanes: /ˌæpəˈlɒfəˌniːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Apollophanes margareta 2 by Gergin Blagoev 2010, Unspecified. Used under a CC0 license.

Apollophanes margareta 1 by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Apollophanes is a genus of medium-sized spiders that are characterized by their flattened, long-legged, speckled appearance. They inhabit various plant or ground habitats primarily in mountainous regions of western North America.

Physical Characteristics

Flattened, long-legged, and speckled bodies of medium size. Average males: 3.8-8.8 mm, Average females: 5.6-10 mm.

Identification Tips

Posterior median eyes (PME) about as far from posterior lateral eyes (PLE) as from each other, or closer to each other than to PLE. Carapace distinctly longer than wide.

Habitat

Plant or ground habitats in the mountains and plateaus of western North America.

Distribution

North America north of Mexico; A. margareta found from central British Columbia to California, Arizona, and New Mexico; A. punctipes in Arizona & southern Texas; A. texanus from California to Texas.

Diet

Ambush predators; webs not used in prey capture.

Ecosystem Role

Predators in their habitats, contributing to pest control.