Neon nelli
G. W. Peckham & E. G. Peckham, 1888
Nell's Tiny Jumping Spider
Neon nelli is a diminutive jumping spider in the Salticidae, described by the Peckhams in 1888. measure 1.8–3 mm in body length. The is restricted to the eastern United States and Canada. Identification relies on genital , particularly the relative size of epigynal atria in females and the thickness of the embolus base in males.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neon nelli: //ˈniː.ɒn ˈnɛl.i//
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Identification
Diagnostic characters are found in the genitalia. In females, the epigynal atria are large, approaching the size of the oval sperm receptacles. In males, the embolus of the is thicker at the base. These traits distinguish N. nelli from the similar Neon reticulatus, where female atria are only half the diameter of the receptacles and the male embolus is not thickened basally.
Images
Distribution
Eastern United States and Canada. Specific Canadian provinces with records include Alberta and British Columbia.
Similar Taxa
- Neon reticulatusSimilar in general appearance, but distinguished by smaller epigynal atria in females (half the diameter of sperm receptacles versus approaching receptacle size in N. nelli) and male embolus not thickened at the base
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'nelli' and 'Nell's Tiny Jumping Spider' suggest the was named for an individual, though the original description does not specify
Taxonomic history
Described by George and Elizabeth Peckham in 1888, pioneering arachnologists known for their work on jumping spider and