Tinus
F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1901
nursery web spider
Tinus is a of nursery web spiders in the Pisauridae, established by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1901. The genus includes small-bodied that are notably smaller than most other pisaurid genera such as Dolomedes and Pisaurina. Tinus peregrinus is the best-documented species, known from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Members of this genus prefer vertical surfaces and are often found near water edges.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tinus: //ˈtiː.nəs//
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Identification
Tinus are distinguished from other North American Pisauridae by their small size: Tinus peregrinus reaches approximately 10 mm body length, with males slightly smaller, compared to 10-28 mm in Dolomedes and Pisaurina. They exhibit the general pisaurid body plan but at reduced . They prefer vertical surfaces, rarely occurring on the ground.
Images
Habitat
Edges of ponds and other water bodies; under tree bark; man-made structures including window frames and building exteriors near lights. Observations indicate strong site fidelity once a suitable location is found.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (southern California to southern Nevada, east to Texas and Missouri) and northern Mexico. Type locality listed as Hot Springs, Arkansas, though this is suspected to be erroneous.
Seasonality
observed year-round in suitable . sacs collected in late July and early August.
Diet
Has been observed feeding on attracted to lights at night.
Life Cycle
Virtually nothing is known of the . sacs have been documented in late July and early August. One observed individual had multiple shed in its web, indicating extended residence at a single site.
Behavior
Displays strong site fidelity; individuals remain at established locations for extended periods. Constructs webs on vertical surfaces. Has been observed residing in window corners and pool filtration systems.
Ecological Role
of small flying insects, particularly near water and light-attracted insects.
Human Relevance
Occasionally found in and around human dwellings, particularly near outdoor lighting and water features such as pools. Not considered dangerous to humans.
Similar Taxa
- DolomedesFishing spiders are significantly larger (10-28 mm vs. ~10 mm in Tinus) and more commonly found on the ground or water surface rather than restricted to vertical surfaces.
- PisaurinaNursery web spiders in this are larger-bodied and have different preferences; Tinus is distinguished by its small size and vertical surface specialization.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The was long overlooked in North American spider fauna; many records were previously misidentified as Dolomedes.
Research Status
and remain poorly known; most information derives from observations of Tinus peregrinus rather than systematic study of the .