Micropholcus

Deeleman-Reinhold & Prinsen, 1987

cellar spiders

Species Guides

1

Micropholcus is a of cellar spiders (Pholcidae) characterized by long legs and relatively fragile bodies. It is one of only two pholcid genera with both Old and New World distributions, though morphological and ecological differences exist between geographic groups. The genus currently contains at least 29 , with major taxonomic revisions in 2014 (transfers from Leptopholcus) and 2024 (description of twelve new Old World species). The type species M. fauroti has a pantropical distribution and has been introduced globally.

Micropholcus fauroti by (c) Franz Anthony, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Franz Anthony. Used under a CC-BY license.Micropholcus fauroti by (c) Gerard Chartier, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gerard Chartier. Used under a CC-BY license.Micropholcus fauroti by (c) Gerard Chartier, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gerard Chartier. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Micropholcus: /maɪˌkroʊˈfɒlkəs/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Pholcidae by combination of genitalic characters and molecular data. Old World and New World groups show major morphological differences, requiring dissection or for definitive identification. Males typically identified by structure; females by epigynal . CO1 barcodes have been used for species delimitation in recent revisions.

Images

Appearance

Long-legged, relatively fragile cellar spiders with oval . Eight arranged in two rows. Legs disproportionately long relative to body size, typical of Pholcidae. Body and leg proportions vary among groups.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical regions; specific documented microhabitats include caves (Blue Water Cave in Philippines, Furna Feia cave in Brazil), sinkholes (Shaat sinkhole in Oman), wadis (Wadi Darbat in Oman), and semi-arid regions. M. fauroti is and occurs in human-modified environments.

Distribution

Pantropical distribution with in: Old World—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, Yemen, Philippines, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands; New World—Greater Antilles (Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands), Brazil, restricted USA (Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama). M. fauroti introduced to Europe (Belgium, Germany), Africa, and both Americas.

Host Associations

Behavior

M. fauroti is and considered harmless to humans. Females carry -sacs, as observed in M. harajah, M. alfara, M. bashayer, and M. darbat.

Ecological Role

M. fauroti classified as / in Europe where it has established .

Human Relevance

M. fauroti is a harmless that has spread globally via human commerce. No medical or economic significance documented.

Similar Taxa

  • LeptopholcusFormerly included now transferred to Micropholcus; distinguished by genitalic and molecular data
  • PholcusBoth are long-legged cellar spiders; Micropholcus distinguished by specific genitalic characters and geographic distribution patterns

More Details

Taxonomic History

established in 1987. Major revision in 2014 transferred from Leptopholcus, increasing species count to 15. 2024 revision added twelve new Old World species from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, and Philippines. Molecular data was critical in maintaining genus unity despite morphological divergence between geographic groups.

Research Significance

First documentation of Acroceridae (Diptera) in Pholcidae, expanding knowledge of spider-parasitoid relationships. Extensive SEM and CO1 barcode data available for identification.

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Sources and further reading