Paradamoetas
G. W. Peckham & E. G. Peckham, 1885
Species Guides
1Paradamoetas is a of jumping spiders (Salticidae) first described by George and Elizabeth Peckham in 1885. The genus name derives from Greek 'para' (alongside) combined with the related genus Damoetas. It contains four distributed across North and Central America, from Canada to Panama. The type species, P. formicinus, was described in the same paper as the genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Paradamoetas: /pæɹəˈdæmoʊˌiːtəs/
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Identification
Paradamoetas can be distinguished from the related Damoetas by subtle morphological differences in genitalic structure and body proportions. Specific diagnostic characters require examination of male and female . -mimicking appearance in some species may aid field recognition.
Habitat
occupy diverse : P. fontanus is associated with riparian and wetland edges in northern portions of the range, while tropical species (P. carus, P. changuinola) occur in forested environments from Mexico to Panama. P. formicinus has been recorded across varied terrestrial habitats from the United States through Central America.
Distribution
Canada (P. fontanus), United States (P. fontanus, P. formicinus), Mexico (P. carus, P. formicinus), Guatemala (P. carus, P. formicinus), Honduras (P. carus), El Salvador (P. carus), Nicaragua (P. formicinus), Panama (P. changuinola).
Similar Taxa
- DamoetasClosely related from which Paradamoetas was separated; shares -mimicking and similar body plan, distinguished by genitalic characters
More Details
Etymology
The name combines Ancient Greek 'para' (παρά, 'alongside') with 'Damoetas', indicating its close relationship to that genus
Taxonomic history
Established by Peckham & Peckham in 1885 with P. formicinus as type ; P. carus and P. fontanus transferred from other ; P. changuinola described by Cutler in 1982