Modisimus culicinus

(Simon, 1893)

cellar spider

Modisimus culicinus is a cellar spider ( Pholcidae) native to South America that has become established across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide through human-mediated . It is considered a pantropical, strongly associated with human structures. The species was previously classified under the Hedypsilus, which has been synonymized with Modisimus.

Modisimus culicinus by Gergin Blagoev, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Modisimus culicinus: //moʊˈdɪsɪməs ˌkʌlɪˈsaɪnəs//

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Identification

Distinguished from other pholcids by the curvature of rows and specific leg formulae; the type was redescribed in taxonomic revision distinguishing Modisimus from the former Hedypsilus. Two closely related species, M. simoni and M. david, occur in Venezuela and Central America respectively.

Images

Habitat

Strongly ; associated with human buildings and structures. Records from Central Europe (>50°N) indicate establishment in indoor environments.

Distribution

Native to South America; introduced and established across pantropical regions including Germany, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, Australia, Pacific islands, and Galápagos Islands. New records from Central Europe suggest ongoing range expansion.

Human Relevance

spread through human commerce and travel; established in Europe indicate potential for further invasion.

Similar Taxa

Modisimus simoniClosely related congeneric described from Venezuela; distinguished through morphological comparison in taxonomic revision.
Modisimus davidClosely related congeneric described from Central America; distinguished through morphological comparison in taxonomic revision.
Modisimus globosusRedescribed and illustrated in same taxonomic revision; Colombian requiring morphological distinction.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Hedypsilus culicinus by Simon in 1893. Hedypsilus was synonymized with Modisimus based on evidence that the two were subjective synonyms, with precedence given to Modisimus. Hedypsilus lawrencei Lessert, 1938 was synonymized with M. culicinus.

Invasion Status

Considered to be in the establishment and spreading stage in Europe based on multiple records from Germany and Czech Republic north of 50°N latitude.