Callilepis (spider)
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| Callilepis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| male C. schuszteri | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gnaphosidae |
| Genus: | Callilepis Westring, 1874[1] |
| Type species | |
| C. nocturna (Linnaeus, 1758) | |
| Species | |
|
18, see text | |
Callilepis is a genus of ground spiders first described by Niklas Westring in 1874.[2] Some are found from Mexico to Canada, others from Europe to India. They are most commonly found in dry areas, sandy roads and beaches.[3]
Individuals of this genus is easily distinguished from other Gnaphosidae by the single translucent lamina on the cheliceral retromargin, the short, angular endites and the flattened, transverse posterior median eyes. These eyes are probably not functional due to a series of ridges. Species range in size from 2.5 to 7 mm. The lateral eyes are larger than the medians. The abdomen is dark gray, longer than wide, with a dark, shiny anterior scutum in males, sometimes with white spots.[3]
