Metaphidippus
F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1901
Species Guides
5Metaphidippus is a of jumping spiders in the Salticidae, first described by Frederick Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1901. The genus name derives from Greek μετά ('after, beside') combined with the related genus Phidippus. As of June 2019, the genus contains 46 distributed across South America, Central America, and North America. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, with at least one species group transferred to the genus Sassacus in 2008.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Metaphidippus: /ˌmɛtəˈfɪdɪpəs/
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Distribution
South America, Central America, and North America. occur from southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.
Similar Taxa
- PhidippusClosely related from which Metaphidippus was named; both belong to subtribe Dendryphantina. Some historically difficult to distinguish between genera.
- SassacusRichman (2008) transferred one group from Metaphidippus to Sassacus during taxonomic revision; previously classified under Metaphidippus.
- GhelnaFormerly included now placed in Ghelna; for example, Metaphidippus canadensis is now Ghelna canadensis.
More Details
Etymology
The name combines Ancient Greek μετά ('after, beside') with Phidippus, indicating its taxonomic relationship to that genus.
Taxonomic History
The has been subject to significant revision. Richman (2008) reclassified portions of Metaphidippus into Sassacus, and other have been moved to Ghelna. These changes reflect ongoing refinement of phylogenetic relationships within the Dendryphantina.
Species Diversity
As of June 2019, Metaphidippus contains 46 described . The type species is Metaphidippus mandibulatus F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1901, from Rica.