Citharoceps fidicina
Chamberlin, 1924
Citharoceps fidicina is a tube-dwelling spider in the Segestriidae, described by Chamberlin in 1924. The Citharoceps is to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Segestriid spiders are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical and their habit of constructing silken retreats in crevices, under bark, or in other sheltered locations. Members of this family possess six arranged in a distinctive semicircular pattern, a trait that distinguishes them from most other spider families which typically have eight eyes.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Citharoceps fidicina: /sɪˌθɛroʊˈsɛps fɪˈdɪsɪnə/
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Identification
Segestriid spiders can be distinguished from other spider by their six arranged in a semicircle on the margin of the , rather than the eight eyes found in most spiders. The Citharoceps is separated from the related genus Segestria by subtle morphological differences in genitalic structures and eye arrangement. -level identification requires examination of these fine structural details.
Habitat
Rocky areas, crevices, under bark, and other sheltered microhabitats in arid and semi-arid environments.
Distribution
Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northern Mexico.
Behavior
Constructs silken tube retreats in crevices and sheltered locations; sits at the retreat entrance with legs extended to detect vibrations from passing prey.
Similar Taxa
- Segestria florentinaSimilar tube-dwelling habit and six-eyed arrangement, but distinguished by geographic distribution (European) and subtle morphological differences in size and genitalia.
- Ariadna spp.Also in Segestriidae and shares six-eyed condition, but differs in preference and abdominal shape.