Ipnista n-sp

Identified as Linyphiidae based on family-level traits: small body size and association with sheetweb architecture. Distinguished from other families in the source material by lack of distinctive morphological features noted in the field observation (unlike the identifiable female hammock spider, Pityohyphantes sp., found nearby). Specific identification to species not possible from the available information.

Forest-edge habitat adjacent to Lake Michigan shoreline; observed on exterior walls of human structures (woodshed/house) at night.

Documented from single location: northern Door County, Wisconsin, USA, specifically a forested property on the Green Bay side of Lake Michigan.

Observed in late June (June 24, 2019); nocturnal activity recorded during cool, wet conditions with intermittent rain.

Specimen was an adult male; males of Linyphiidae cease web-building upon maturity and devote remaining lifespan to mate-seeking without feeding.

As a mature male, this individual had abandoned web-building behavior characteristic of the family; males in this state wander in search of mates and do not feed.

As Linyphiidae, related species function as generalist predators of small flying insects captured in sheet webs; specific ecological role of this unidentified species unknown.

Documented during citizen science biodiversity survey of residential structures; no direct human interactions noted.

• Pityohyphantes sp.Female hammock spider found in same survey; distinguished by being identifiable to genus and by female sex (continues web-building behavior, unlike mature males)
• Other LinyphiidaeFamily members share sheetweb architecture and small size; this specimen specifically noted as unidentified male in contrast to identifiable female conspecifics in same habitat

• Linyphiidae
• sheetweb weaver
• undescribed species
• Wisconsin
• nocturnal
• male spider

• BugGuide
• Bug Eric: One Night, One House, Seventeen Spider Species