Metellina curtisi

As a member of Tetragnathidae, Metellina curtisi possesses the family's characteristic elongated chelicerae (jaws) that project forward, giving the common name "long-jawed orb weavers." Species-level identification within Metellina requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological features. Males typically have more pronounced elongation of chelicerae and pedipalps compared to females. Distinction from congeners such as Metellina segmentata and Metellina mengei relies on detailed structural characters of the epigyne in females and palpal organs in males.

North America; confirmed records include the United States and Canada (Alberta).

As with other Tetragnathidae, Metellina curtisi is known to construct orb webs for prey capture. Members of the genus Metellina typically build horizontal or slightly inclined orb webs, often positioned in vegetation near water or in shaded habitats. The elongated chelicerae are used to grasp and manipulate prey while wrapping it in silk.

As a spider, Metellina curtisi functions as a generalist predator of small flying and crawling insects. Its orb-web construction contributes to local arthropod community structure and nutrient cycling through prey capture.

• Metellina segmentataOverlapping distribution in North America; distinguished by genitalic morphology and subtle differences in abdominal patterning.
• Tetragnatha speciesSame family (Tetragnathidae) with similar elongated body form and long jaws; Tetragnatha species typically have more extremely elongated bodies and different web positioning habits.
• Pachygnatha speciesSame family but with shorter, stouter chelicerae and different web-building behavior; Pachygnatha are often ground-dwelling or vegetation-dwelling without typical orb webs.

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• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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