Meta ovalis
(Gertsch, 1933)
Cave Orbweaver, Eastern Cave Long-jawed Spider
Meta ovalis is a long-jawed weaver in the Tetragnathidae, commonly known as the cave orbweaver. Unlike most other tetragnathids, it lacks the exaggerated , elongated body, and long legs typical of the family, and it spins a vertical orb web rather than the horizontal webs of its relatives. It is a troglophile found in cave entrances, abandoned mines, old wells, basements, and densely shaded ravines across eastern North America, ranging from southeast Canada to Georgia and west to the Mississippi River.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Meta ovalis: //ˈmɛtə oʊˈvælɪs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other tetragnathids by its more compact body, less pronounced , and vertical web orientation. May be mistaken for sheetweb weavers (Linyphiidae) or cobweb weavers (Theridiidae) when not associated with its web; spiny legs rule out Theridiidae. Separated from the European/Asian Meta menardi by geographic range (North America only).
Images
Appearance
Average-sized weaver with females measuring 8–10 mm in body length and males averaging 9.5 mm. Lacks the exaggerated , elongated body, and long legs typical of most Tetragnathidae. Fully pigmented with obvious , distinguishing it from true cave-dwelling troglobites. Spiny legs distinguish it from cobweb weavers (Theridiidae).
Habitat
Cave entrances and twilight zones (not deep recesses), abandoned mines, old wells, basements, densely shaded ravines, and protected situations on building exteriors. Webs typically built from ceilings in sheltered locations such as 'kettles' and 'bells' on cave ceilings where desiccating air currents are minimized.
Distribution
Southeast Canada to Georgia, west to the Mississippi River; especially along the Appalachian Mountains and the Ozark Plateau. One of two North Meta ; the other occurs only in California.
Host Associations
- Causeyella (troglobiotic millipede) - Observed preying on this cave-dwelling
Life Cycle
specimens may occur slightly deeper in caves than and construct larger webs, presumably to increase capture potential for scarcer . Females produce sacs, with multiple females observed with egg sacs in close proximity in some cave systems.
Behavior
Constructs vertical webs, typically suspended from ceilings in protected locations. typically sits near the edge of the web rather than the center. remain in cave entrance and twilight zones; immatures may penetrate slightly deeper.
Ecological Role
in cave entrance . Documented as a of with potential for mycoflora transfer to cave .
Human Relevance
Not dangerously venomous to humans. Occasionally encountered in basements and building exteriors. Subject of limited scientific research; more work needed to determine full geographic range and ecological relationships.
Similar Taxa
- Meta menardiFormerly confused with M. ovalis, but now recognized as a separate European and Asian (to Korea)
- Linyphiidae (sheetweb weavers)May be mistaken for when not associated with web; distinguished by web architecture and spiny legs
- Theridiidae (cobweb weavers)Similar use and body form, but distinguished by spiny legs (Theridiidae have smooth legs)
Misconceptions
Previously misidentified as Meta menardi, a distinct Old World . Not a true cave troglobite despite —its presence in cave entrances and twilight zones, full pigmentation, and obvious classify it as a troglophile.
More Details
Research History
Subject of at least one M.S. thesis (Meghan Rector, 2009) examining foraging in cave environments. Fauna of caverns generally poorly known and often to single cave systems, suggesting potential for cryptic diversity or undiscovered .