Xysticus canadensis

Gertsch, 1934

Canada ground crab spider

Xysticus canadensis is a of ground crab spider in the Thomisidae, first described by Gertsch in 1934. It is distributed across northern North America and extends into Russia. As a member of the Xysticus, it exhibits the characteristic ambush-hunting and flattened body form typical of ground crab spiders. The species overwinters as an or , emerging in early spring to hunt and reproduce.

Xysticus canadensis by Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xysticus canadensis: /ˈzɪstɪkəs ˌkænəˈdɛnsɪs/

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Distribution

Found in Russia (from Europe to the Far East), Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan), and the United States.

Seasonality

are active in early spring, with observations in March and April. Overwinters as adults or immatures, emerging when temperatures rise.

Life Cycle

Overwinters as or immatures. Gravid females have been observed in early spring, suggesting sac production follows soon after. Spiderlings likely emerge in late spring or early summer.

Behavior

Ambush that waits motionless for prey. Has been observed ballooning in fall, climbing vertical surfaces and standing on tiptoe to catch wind for .

Ecological Role

of small arthropods. Serves as prey for spider wasps, including in the Dipogon.

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