Zatypota anomala

(Holmgren, 1860)

Zatypota anomala is a in the tribe Ephialtini that parasitizes mesh web weaving in the Dictynidae. It is strictly specialized on Dictyna and Nigma spiders in Europe, with a distribution concentrated at mid-elevations in central European forest . The exhibits elevation-dependent partitioning, parasitizing Nigma at lower elevations (179–254 m a.s.l.) and Dictyna at higher elevations (361–870 m a.s.l.). First recorded from Italy in 2022, parasitizing Dictyna pusilla.

Zatypota anomala by (c) jcowles, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jcowles. Used under a CC-BY license.Adult female Zatypota anomala (RMNH.INS.593866) - BDJ.1.e992 by Miller, J. A.; Belgers, J. D. M.; Beentjes, K. K.; Zwakhals, K.; van Helsdingen, P.. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.Zatypota anomala (RMNH.INS.593866) undergoing metamorphosis in the field - BDJ.1.e992 by Miller, J. A.; Belgers, J. D. M.; Beentjes, K. K.; Zwakhals, K.; van Helsdingen, P.. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zatypota anomala: /zəˈtɪpoʊtə əˈnɒmələ/

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Identification

Small ; specific morphological features for field identification are not documented in available sources. Distinguished from other Zatypota by associations and distribution patterns.

Images

Habitat

Forest in central Europe, occurring across an elevation gradient from 179–870 m a.s.l. with highest abundance at mid-elevations ( 712 m a.s.l.).

Distribution

Central Europe (primary range); first recorded from Italy in 2022. Elevation range 179–870 m a.s.l., most abundant at mid-elevations. GBIF records indicate presence in Canada (Alberta: Edmonton, Wagner Natural Area), Norway, and Sweden, though European records represent the core documented distribution.

Seasonality

active in spring and summer following as on . Female occurs in autumn; offspring overwinter as larvae, reach adulthood in spring, and summer as adults.

Host Associations

  • Dictyna arundinacea - First recorded
  • Dictyna uncinata - First recorded
  • Dictyna pusilla - First Italian record, 2022
  • Nigma flavescens - First recorded ; Nigma first recorded as host
  • Nigma walckenaeri - First recorded ; Nigma first recorded as host

Life Cycle

synchronized with . Females oviposit in autumn; overwinter on the host, complete development during spring, and emerge to summer in reproductive . Strong preference for of hosts.

Behavior

that allows to continue developing after . Exhibits elevation-dependent host partitioning: Nigma parasitized at lower elevations, Dictyna at higher elevations despite overlapping distributions. Strongly prefers spider over .

Ecological Role

regulating of mesh web weaving (Dictynidae). Contributes to spider in forest .

Tags

Sources and further reading