Micrathena brevipes
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| Micrathena brevipes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| female from Nicaragua | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Araneidae |
| Genus: | Micrathena |
| Species: | M. brevipes |
| Binomial name | |
| Micrathena brevipes (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1890) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Micrathena brevipes is a species of orb weaver spider in the genus Micrathena. It is found from southern Mexico to northern Panama.[1][2]
The female of M. brevipes has distinctive long and slender forks projecting from the abdomen, with large anterior spines and small scars on the middle of each side. The total body length ranges from 7.9 to 9.9 mm in females. The carapace measures 3.5 mm long and 2.7 mm wide, while the abdomen has a characteristic shape that distinguishes it from related species.[2]
Males are considerably smaller, measuring 4.0 to 4.3 mm in total length. The male carapace is shiny and dark brown to black, with the abdomen being orange with white pigment at the anterior and posterior ends. The legs are orange with dusky longitudinal lines on the upper surface.[2]
Distribution and habitat
M. brevipes has been recorded from Mexico to Panama.[1] Specific collection localities include the state of Chiapas in Mexico, various provinces in Costa Rica, and Panama.[2]
Habitat
Females have been found in webs in low vegetation in dense jungle and forest environments.[2]