Megahexura fulva

(Chamberlin, 1919)

Tawny Dwarf Tarantula

Megahexura fulva is a small mygalomorph spider native to the western United States. It constructs an exposed sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat in holes and crevices along ravine banks. The is the sole member of the Megahexura, which was formerly placed in Mecicobothriidae but is now recognized in its own , Megahexuridae. These spiders are among the smallest mygalomorphs, with body lengths typically under 10 mm.

Megahexura fulva by (c) Evrytte Carlson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Evrytte Carlson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Megahexura fulva by (c) Marshal Hedin, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Megahexura fulva (Chamberlin, 1919) (SDSU TAC000251) by wikipedia. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megahexura fulva: /ˌmɛɡəˈhɛksjʊrə ˈfʊlvə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other small mygalomorphs by its web architecture: an exposed sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat, rather than a burrow or trapdoor. The combination of small size, tawny coloration, and in ravine bank crevices is diagnostic. Differs from Mecicobothrium , which construct silken tubes with trapdoors in vegetation.

Images

Habitat

Holes and crevices along ravine banks; constructs webs in sheltered rocky situations. The exposed sheet web with funnel retreat is built in pre-existing cavities rather than excavated burrows.

Distribution

Native to the United States. Records indicate presence in the western U.S., including California.

Behavior

Constructs an exposed sheet web with a funnel-shaped retreat, a distinctive web architecture among mygalomorphs. The spider waits within the funnel retreat for prey to contact the sheet web.

Ecological Role

in riparian and ravine bank ; contributes to through .

Similar Taxa

Mecicobothrium spp.Formerly classified in the same ; also small mygalomorphs, but construct silken tubes with hinged trapdoors in vegetation rather than exposed sheet webs in rock crevices
Hexura spp.Related in Hexuridae; larger mygalomorphs with different web architecture and preferences

More Details

Taxonomic history

Megahexura was formerly classified in the Mecicobothriidae, but molecular and morphological studies led to its placement in the separate family Megahexuridae. The remains , with M. fulva as its sole .