Observations on the Natural History of Purseweb Spiders (Sphodros spp.) in Pennsylvania and Specimen Digitization of the Genus Sphodros (Araneae, Atypidae)
Open Access
Author:
Sava, Blaise
Area of Honors:
Interdisciplinary in Plant Sciences and Entomology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Michael Joseph Skvarla, Thesis Supervisor Dennis R Decoteau, Thesis Honors Advisor Gary Felton, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Sphodros entomology arachnology taxonomy systematics photography natural history ecology radio telemetry
Abstract:
Purseweb spiders (Atypidae) are a primitive group of arachnids which are basal to all other mygalomorph spiders. The genus Sphodros comprises all North American purseweb spiders, with S. niger being the most abundant species in Pennsylvania. Here, members of the genus were digitized using high resolution macrophotography. Additionally, we report evidence of two new species of Sphodros, respectively collected in Texas and Pennsylvania. The ecology and life history of the latter is explored along with that of its close relative, S. niger. Extensive trapping efforts led to the collection of one male specimen. Male Sphodros spp. were then outfitted with telemetry tracking devices in attempts to locate this. Finally, we report the discovery of a horizontal purseweb, providing the first-ever high-quality photographs of their cryptic webs.