Mecaphesa sierrensis
(Schick, 1965)
Mecaphesa sierrensis is a of crab in the Thomisidae, first described by Schick in 1965. The Mecaphesa comprises small to medium-sized ambush that typically hunt on flowers. As a member of this genus, M. sierrensis likely exhibits the cryptic coloration and sit-and-wait predatory strategy characteristic of flower-dwelling thomisids. The species has been recorded from western North America, including British Columbia, Canada and the United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mecaphesa sierrensis: /ˌmɛkəˈfiːsə siˌɛrˈɛn.sɪs/
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Distribution
Recorded from British Columbia, Canada and the United States. The specific epithet 'sierrensis' suggests an association with the Sierra Nevada or similar montane regions of western North America.
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Taxonomic Note
Mecaphesa sierrensis was originally described in 1965. The Mecaphesa was previously considered a synonym of Misumena but was reinstated as valid based on morphological and molecular studies. -level identification within Mecaphesa typically requires examination of genitalic structures.
Data Limitations
The provided source material contains extensive information about Mecaphesa asperata (northern crab ) and Mecaphesa schlingeri, but no specific observations or ecological data for M. sierrensis. The iNaturalist record shows only 14 observations, indicating this is rarely encountered or underreported.