Hexura picea

Simon, 1885

Hexura picea is a small mygalomorph spider to the Pacific Northwest of North America. First described by Eugène Simon in 1885, it was reclassified from Mecicobothriidae to Antrodiaetidae in 2019 based on phylogenomic evidence. The inhabits moist coniferous forests and exhibits limited ability, contributing to its restricted geographic range.

Hexura picea by (c) rpadilla_, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Hexura picea by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hexura picea: //hɛkˈsʊrə ˈpɪkiə//

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Identification

females measure 7–12 mm in body length (excluding legs); males are slightly smaller with longer, more slender legs. Males possess specialized used in mating. The is dark brown to black with a appearance, while the is covered in fine, velvety hairs giving a duller look. Juveniles resemble adults but are lighter in color with more pronounced mottled abdominal patterning. Large, downward-pointing are present as in other mygalomorphs.

Images

Habitat

Moist, temperate coniferous forests dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Found in shaded environments with thick leaf litter, decaying logs, and moss-covered ground. Occurs at lower to mid-elevations, with records up to 1,500 meters.

Distribution

Pacific Northwest of North America, from southern Oregon through Washington to the Canadian border in British Columbia, with some records in northern California.

Behavior

Juveniles do not engage in ballooning, unlike many araneomorph spiders. This limited ability contributes to localized and restricted geographic range.

Sources and further reading