Pachygnatha autumnalis
Marx, 1884
Big-eyed Thick-jawed Spider
Pachygnatha autumnalis is a long-jawed orb-weaver in the Tetragnathidae, first described by Marx in 1884. The occurs across a broad North American and Caribbean range, including the United States, Canada, and Cuba. As a member of the Pachygnatha, it shares the characteristic , enlarged that distinguish this group from other tetragnathids. Observations suggest it is primarily active during autumn months, consistent with its specific epithet.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pachygnatha autumnalis: /ˌpækɪɡˈneɪθə ɔːtəˈmeɪlɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Pachygnatha by the combination of large, forward-directed and thickened, prominent . Males exhibit more pronounced jaw enlargement than females. The Pachygnatha differs from the related long-jawed orb-weaver genus Tetragnatha by its stockier body build and shorter, stouter chelicerae relative to body size.
Images
Distribution
United States, Canada, and Cuba. Specific state/province records include Vermont.
Seasonality
Active primarily during autumn months; the specific epithet 'autumnalis' reflects this seasonal association.
Similar Taxa
- Pachygnatha listeriCongeneric with similar enlarged and body plan; distinguished by subtle morphological differences in arrangement and cheliceral . P. listeri has been documented as a of (Ixodes ricinus), though this feeding has not been confirmed for P. autumnalis.
- Tetragnatha speciesRelated long-jawed orb-weavers in Tetragnathidae; differ in having more slender bodies, elongated , and typically longer, more delicate adapted for linear jaw extension rather than the crushing of Pachygnatha.