Scotinella redempta
(Gertsch, 1941)
Scotinella redempta is a small ground-dwelling spider in the Phrurolithidae, native to eastern North America. It measures approximately 2.1–2.4 mm in body length and inhabits deciduous forest leaf litter. The was originally misidentified in 1930 and formally described by Willis J. Gertsch in 1941.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scotinella redempta: /skɔtɪˈnɛlə rɪˈdɛmptə/
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Identification
Most reliably identified through genitalia examination. Males distinguished by sharp outward-directed projection at base of retrolateral tibial combined with small, straight, abruptly narrowed embolus. Females distinguished by small, closely spaced copulatory openings centered on and large ovoid spermathecae. External abdominal pattern (W-shaped marking, paired spots, four stripes) provides supporting field characters.
Images
Habitat
Associated with deciduous forests; most commonly encountered by sifting leaf litter.
Distribution
Eastern United States and Canada.
Similar Taxa
- Scotinella similisOriginally misidentified as this in 1930; distinguished by genitalic characters and abdominal pattern details.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Phrurolithus redemptus by Gertsch in 1941 following discovery of misidentification as S. similis in 1930; later transferred to Scotinella with gender agreement change to redempta.