Pellenattus
Maddison, 2017
Species Guides
2Pellenattus is a of jumping spiders to North America. First described by Wayne Maddison in 2017 as a subgenus of Pellenes, it was elevated to full generic status in 2024. The genus comprises 12 distributed across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It is closely related to the genera Hivanua and Habronattus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pellenattus: //ˌpɛl.ɛˈnæ.təs//
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Identification
Distinct from the related Habronattus by genitalic and somatic characters established in Maddison's 2017 revision; distinguished from Pellenes by elevated taxonomic status based on phylogenetic analysis. Specific identification criteria for the genus versus its close relatives Hivanua require examination of male and epigynal structures.
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Distribution
North America: Canada (Ontario), United States (widespread including southwestern, western, and eastern regions), and Mexico (multiple states).
Similar Taxa
- HabronattusClosely related sister ; distinguished by specific genitalic and somatic characters detailed in Maddison (2017)
- HivanuaClosely related in the same clade; Pellenattus separated based on phylogenetic and morphological analysis
- PellenesOriginally described as a subgenus of Pellenes; elevated to based on distinct phylogenetic position
More Details
Taxonomic History
Maddison (2017) established Pellenattus as a subgenus of Pellenes in the journal Zootaxa. Prószyński (2017) elevated it to rank, though this was not widely adopted until Maddison's 2024 revision confirmed the elevation based on molecular and morphological data.
Species Count
As of December 2025, the contains 12 described , with the majority (9 species) occurring in the United States, 2 in Mexico, and 1 spanning Canada and the United States.