Besciva
Besciva is a of sheetweb weavers in the Linyphiidae. The genus is known from at least one undescribed species ('n-sp') encountered in the northern reaches of Door County, Wisconsin, USA. Sheetweb weavers in this genus construct flat, convex, or concave webs depending on the , with spiders hanging upside down to capture prey. Mature males cease web-spinning to seek mates.
Habitat
Forested areas near water bodies; recorded from the exterior of buildings (woodsheds) in forested lakeshore . The type locality sits in a forested area on the shore of Lake Michigan on the Green Bay side.
Distribution
Known from Door County, Wisconsin, USA; specifically the northern reaches near Lake Michigan.
Seasonality
Observed in late June (June 24, 2019). Activity appears to extend into cool, wet conditions with intermittent rain.
Behavior
Constructs sheet webs on building exteriors. Hangs upside down on the web and responds to entangled prey at any time of day. Mature males cease spinning webs and devote remaining life to seeking mates without feeding during this period.
Ecological Role
of small insects captured in sheet webs.
Human Relevance
Found on human structures (woodsheds); may contribute to biodiversity observations around buildings.
Similar Taxa
- PityohyphantesBoth are Linyphiidae sheetweb weavers with similar web architecture; Pityohyphantes constructs hammock-shaped webs and is more commonly documented.