Xysticus discursans
Keyserling, 1880
Xysticus discursans is a of crab spider in the Thomisidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the Xysticus, it shares the typical ground crab spider and ambush-hunting characteristic of this group.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Xysticus discursans: //zɪˈstɪkəs dɪsˈkɜːsænz//
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Identification
Members of the Xysticus can be distinguished from similar crab spiders in the Thomisidae by their flattened, crab-like body form with legs typically held laterally, and their ground-dwelling habits. Xysticus are generally smaller and more compact than flower-dwelling crab spiders in the genus Misumena. Specific identification of X. discursans to species level requires examination of genitalic structures.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba in Canada.
Behavior
As a crab spider in the Xysticus, individuals likely employ ambush from ground-level positions rather than actively hunting or building webs to capture prey. Members of this genus have been observed ballooning as a mechanism.
Similar Taxa
- Xysticus spp.Other in the same share the ground crab spider and require detailed examination for differentiation.
- Misumena spp.Flower crab spiders differ in preference (flowers vs. ground) and often have more elongated bodies.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was described by Keyserling in 1880. It is one of numerous species in the large Xysticus, which contains over 300 described species worldwide.