Ebo

Keyserling, 1884

running crab spider

Species Guides

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Ebo is a of running crab spiders in the Philodromidae, first described by German arachnologist Eugen von Keyserling in 1884. These small spiders are distinguished by their extremely elongated second pair of legs, which are at least twice the length of the other legs. The genus formerly contained 22 North American , but recent taxonomic revisions reassigned most to the genus Titanebo, leaving seven species in Ebo sensu stricto. The genus has a broad distribution including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, India, and Russia, with highest diversity in the southwestern United States.

Common Spiders U.S. 111 by James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931). Used under a Public domain license.Ebo pepinensis, female (F Philodromidae) (4131858085) by Marshal Hedin from San Diego. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ebo: /ˈɛboʊ/

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Identification

Ebo is most readily identified by the extraordinary length of the second pair of legs, which is at least double that of the other legs—more extreme than in other Philodromidae. This creates the greatest leg span-to-body-size ratio of any North American spider . The genus can be distinguished from the closely related Titanebo (which now contains many former Ebo ) by subtle morphological characters requiring expert examination. Within Philodromidae, Ebo differs from other genera by this extreme leg elongation pattern.

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Appearance

Small spiders with body lengths between 2–6 mm. The second pair of legs is dramatically elongated, at least twice as long as all other legs, giving the spiders an exceptionally wide 'wingspan' relative to their body size. Body form is typical of running crab spiders: somewhat flattened with laterigrade legs oriented horizontally rather than vertically.

Habitat

Found among grasses and foliage where they actively hunt prey. At least two frequent pecan groves in Texas, suggesting agricultural use. The specimen documented by Eric was found on the edge of a bathtub in a Tucson, Arizona apartment, indicating adaptability to human-altered environments.

Distribution

North America (United States and extreme southern Canada), Mexico, Argentina, India, and Russia. Greatest occurs in the southwestern United States.

Diet

Active that prowl for prey among vegetation. Specific prey types are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

Active hunters that prowl for prey rather than building webs. At least some provide minor natural pest control in pecan groves.

Ecological Role

Predatory in grassland and foliage ; minor natural pest control agent in some agricultural settings.

Human Relevance

Occasionally encountered indoors. Some contribute to natural pest control in pecan .

Similar Taxa

  • TitaneboRecently separated from Ebo; many former Ebo now placed here. Distinguished by subtle morphological differences requiring expert identification.
  • Other Philodromidae generaOther running crab spiders have elongated second legs but not to the extreme degree seen in Ebo (second legs at least twice as long as others).

More Details

Etymology

The name 'Ebo' was apparently derived from a common medieval German name, a diminutive of 'Ebur' meaning 'prince' or 'lord.' Keyserling provided no explicit indication of the derivation when he established the genus in 1884.

Taxonomic History

The formerly contained 22 recognized North American . Recent revisions reassigned most species to Titanebo, leaving seven species in Ebo sensu stricto.

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Sources and further reading