Zygiella carpenteri
Archer, 1951
Zygiella carpenteri is an orb-weaving native to western North America. It was formerly classified in the Zygiella but has been reclassified to Parazygiella carpenteri in some taxonomic treatments. The constructs complete orb webs rather than the incomplete webs with missing sectors typical of some related species. It occurs in in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the California coast, and southeastern Washington.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Zygiella carpenteri: /zɪˈdʒiːjələ kɑːrˈpɛntəri/
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Identification
Distinguished from Zygiella x-notata by its complete orb web lacking the characteristic missing sector; Z. x-notata has a prominent wedge-shaped gap in the upper half of the web with a retreat at the periphery. Separated from Parazygiella dispar by geographic distribution and preferences. size and coloration similar to other Zygiella , with females larger than males.
Habitat
Found in montane and coastal environments; occupies the Sierra Nevada mountains, California coastal regions, and southeastern Washington. Specific microhabitat preferences are not well documented but likely includes vegetation and structures suitable for orb web construction.
Distribution
Disjunct distribution in western North America: Sierra Nevada mountains of California, California coast, and southeastern Washington.
Behavior
Constructs a complete orb web without the missing sector characteristic of Zygiella x-notata. Web construction and foraging otherwise typical of orb-weaving in the Araneidae.
Ecological Role
of flying insects; contributes to in its native .
Similar Taxa
- Zygiella x-notataAlso an orb-weaver with similar body form and size, but constructs webs with a distinctive missing sector and retreat; more associated with human structures
- Parazygiella disparFormerly also in Zygiella; overlaps in some geographic range but has broader holarctic distribution