Dipogon fulleri
Krombein, 1962
Dipogon fulleri is a of in the , described by Krombein in 1962. The species was originally placed in the Winnemanella and later transferred to Dipogon. As a member of the genus Dipogon, it shares the characteristic -mimicking appearance created by dark on the . Like other Dipogon species, females hunt to provision nests in pre-existing cavities. The species is known from limited records and appears to be poorly documented in the literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dipogon fulleri: //daɪˈpoʊɡɒn ˈfʊləri//
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Identification
Dipogon fulleri can be distinguished from other Dipogon by subtle differences in color and pattern, though specific diagnostic features are not well documented in available sources. Members of the Dipogon are characterized by dark on the that create an -mimicking appearance, and by a "beard" of hairs on the used to carry nest materials. The reddish legs mentioned for D. calipterus may or may not apply to D. fulleri.
Diet
Females hunt to provision nests. Based on -level records for Dipogon, likely includes crab spiders (Thomisidae, especially Xysticus), (Salticidae), and ground spiders (Gnaphosidae). Females may also kill prey specifically to feed themselves rather than their offspring.
Life Cycle
Nests are constructed in pre-existing tubular cavities such as abandoned tunnels of wood-boring or soft pith in dead or broken stems. The linear cavity is divided into using partitions constructed from mud mixed with leaves, body parts, and other materials. An is laid on a paralyzed or killed in each cell.
Behavior
Females hunt for on tree trunks and vegetation. They carry prey by grasping the and sideways or backwards, dragging the spider. Females rarely visit flowers for nectar. Males may perch on leaves to defend territories.
Ecological Role
As a , D. fulleri functions as a of , potentially influencing spider in forest . The may also serve as for other organisms.
Similar Taxa
- Dipogon calipterusSimilar -mimicking and preferences; D. calipterus has reddish legs and is more widely distributed and better documented
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Winnemanella fulleri Krombein, 1962, this was later transferred to the Dipogon. Catalogue of Life currently lists it as a synonym of Winnemanella fulleri, while GBIF treats Winnemanella fulleri as the accepted name and Dipogon fulleri as a synonym. This indicates ongoing taxonomic uncertainty or disagreement between databases.
Etymology
The specific epithet 'fulleri' likely honors an individual, possibly a colleague or mentor of the describer Krombein, following standard practices in zoological .