Curicaberis ferrugineus

(C. L. Koch, 1836)

Curicaberis ferrugineus is a of huntsman spider ( Sparassidae) native to North and Central America. It was originally described by C. L. Koch in 1836 under the Olios and later designated as the type species of the newly erected genus Curicaberis in 2015. The male was described and illustrated for the first time in the 2015 taxonomic revision. The species is one of nine transferred from Olios to Curicaberis, part of a broader reorganization of Sparassidae in the Americas.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Curicaberis ferrugineus: //ˌkjʊə.rɪˈkæb.ɛr.ɪs fɛˌruː.dʒɪˈniː.əs//

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Identification

Curicaberis ferrugineus can be distinguished from other Sparassidae by the combination of characters defining the Curicaberis: presence of a distinct pattern typical of Sparassinae, laterigrade leg orientation (directed sideways), and specific genitalic . The male, described for the first time in 2015, exhibits characteristic structure. The name 'ferrugineus' (rust-colored) likely refers to coloration, though specific color pattern details require examination of type material. Separation from the eight other transferred species (C. abnormis, C. annulatus, C. bibranchiatus, C. ensiger, C. luctuosus, C. minax, C. manifestus, C. peninsulanus) and the 23 newly described species requires use of the identification key provided in the original description.

Distribution

Recorded from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil. The occurs in Middle America and North America, with presence also confirmed in South America (Brazil). Specific locality records within these countries are not detailed in available sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Olios spp.Curicaberis ferrugineus was transferred from Olios in 2015; prior to this revision, specimens would have been identified as Olios ferrugineus. The Olios remains valid but now excludes the Curicaberis group.
  • Other Curicaberis speciesNine were transferred from Olios to Curicaberis, and 23 new species were described in the same revision. These share the generic characteristics of Curicaberis and require detailed examination of genitalia and other morphological features for separation.

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