Xysticus pellax
O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1894
Xysticus pellax is a of crab spider in the Thomisidae, first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1894. It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its , it is a ground-dwelling ambush .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Xysticus pellax: /ˈzɪstɪkəs ˈpɛlaks/
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Identification
Members of the Xysticus can be distinguished from other crab spiders by their flattened, ground-dwelling habit and relatively robust body form. They lack the laterigrade leg posture (legs extended sideways) typical of flower-dwelling Misumena and Misumenoides. Xysticus generally have a dark, mottled coloration that provides camouflage against soil and leaf litter. Specific identification of X. pellax requires examination of genitalia.
Habitat
Ground-dwelling including leaf litter, soil surfaces, and low vegetation. Xysticus are typically found in open, dry areas rather than in vegetation.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Canada and the United States.
Behavior
Ambush that waits motionless for prey. Members of the Xysticus are known to balloon ( via silk threads carried by wind), particularly individuals.
Ecological Role
of small arthropods. Prey records for the include various insects and other small .
Similar Taxa
- Misumena vatiaAlso a crab spider (Thomisidae), but Misumena vatia is a flower-dwelling with laterigrade leg posture and typically pale coloration, whereas Xysticus species are ground-dwelling with dark, mottled coloration.
- Misumenoides formosipesAnother flower-dwelling crab spider with laterigrade legs and pale coloration, differing from ground-dwelling Xysticus in and body form.
- Ozyptila speciesAnother of ground crab spiders (Thomisidae) with similar preferences; distinguished by detailed morphological features including arrangement and genitalia.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Xysticus pellax was described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1894. The Xysticus is one of the largest genera of crab spiders, with over 360 described worldwide.