Hentziectypus
Archer, 1946
Species Guides
1- Hentziectypus globosus(Fingered Cobweaver)
Hentziectypus is a of comb-footed spiders in the Theridiidae, first described by Allan Frost Archer in 1946. The genus was reclassified multiple times, initially placed in Theridion, then moved to Achaearanea in 1955, and finally elevated to its own genus in 2008 based on distinct genitalic . It contains twelve distributed across the Americas and Caribbean, with Hentziectypus globosus designated as the type species. The genus is distinguished from closely related genera by specific characteristics of the male pedipalpal .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hentziectypus: /hɛntsiːˈɛktɪpəs/
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Identification
Hentziectypus is distinguished from Cryptachaea by having a that is broadly attached to the tegulum. It differs from Parasteatoda, which has a median apophysis attached to the embolus, and from Achaearanea, which has a hooked paracymbium on the of males. These diagnostic features require microscopic examination of male genitalia.
Images
Distribution
The occurs in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), Central America (Panama), South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil), and the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Bermuda).
Similar Taxa
- CryptachaeaSimilar overall appearance, but Cryptachaea lacks the broadly tegulum-attached characteristic of Hentziectypus.
- ParasteatodaShares comb-footed spider , but Parasteatoda has the attached to the embolus rather than the tegulum.
- AchaearaneaFormerly included this , but Achaearanea males possess a hooked paracymbium on the , which Hentziectypus lacks.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The underwent significant taxonomic revision. Archer originally described it in 1946 as part of Theridion. Levi transferred it to Achaearanea in 1955. In 2008, it was elevated to generic status, reflecting accumulated evidence of morphological distinctiveness from related theridiid genera.
Species diversity
As of 2019, twelve recognized are documented, with the majority described by Levi in 1959. Two junior synonyms have been established: H. credulus (synonymized with H. schullei) and H. mendax (synonymized with H. florens).