Poultonella
G. W. Peckham & E. G. Peckham, 1909
Species Guides
1Poultonella is a of jumping spiders in the Salticidae, to the United States. It was established by George and Elizabeth Peckham in 1909 and named in honor of British entomologist Edward Bagnall Poulton. The genus contains only two described : P. alboimmaculata and P. nuecesensis. These spiders are characterized by distinctive and arrangements.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Poultonella: //ˌpʌl.toʊˈnɛl.ə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other salticid by the combination of: low, contracted widest at ; eye rows with specific proportional relationships (middle eyes nearly twice eyes, third row nearly body-width); and tibial spine formula (two spines on leg I, none on leg II). The cephalothorax shape—contracted at both ends with nearly vertical sides—is particularly distinctive.
Images
Appearance
Low contracted in front and behind, widest near the . Area near the slightly inclined, opposite end falls slightly then abruptly. Sides of body nearly vertical. Eyes four times as long as wide, wider behind than in front. Front eyes small, arranged in slightly curved row. Middle eyes almost twice as large as eyes. Second eye row much smaller and closer to first row than to third. Third eye row almost as wide as entire body. longer than wide. Sternum twice as long as wide. First separated by nearly width of labium. First leg tibia with two spines: one below and one at end. Second leg tibiae unarmed.
Distribution
to the United States. Known from Texas (P. nuecesensis) and additional unspecified localities for P. alboimmaculata.
Human Relevance
Named in honor of Edward Bagnall Poulton (1856–1943), British entomologist and evolutionary biologist known for his work on mimicry and industrial melanism. No documented economic or medical significance.
Similar Taxa
- Other Salticidae generaPoultonella can be separated from most jumping spiders by its distinctive shape (contracted at both ends, widest at ) and specific eye row proportions, particularly the nearly body-width third eye row.
More Details
Etymology
named in honor of Edward Bagnall Poulton, British entomologist and early advocate of .
Species composition
As of 2019, contains only two : P. alboimmaculata and P. nuecesensis. Both appear to be rare or poorly collected, with limited observation records.