Witica crassicauda
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Witica crassicauda | |
|---|---|
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| W. crassicauda | |
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| W. crassicauda | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Araneidae |
| Genus: | Witica |
| Species: | W. crassicauda |
| Binomial name | |
| Witica crassicauda (Keyserling, 1865) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Witica crassicauda is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae.[1] It is the type species of the genus Witica.[2] The species is widely distributed across the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico to Peru.[1]
Distribution
W. crassicauda has been recorded from forests throughout Central and South America. The species occurs from Mexico through Central America to Venezuela and Peru, including the Greater Antilles.[2] Specific locality records include numerous sites across Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru.[2]
Habitat
The species inhabits forest environments throughout its range.[2]
Description
W. crassicauda shows considerable size variation between males and females, with females being significantly larger. Females have a total length of 6.5 to 12.0 mm, while males range from 1.4 to 1.7 mm. The carapace in females measures 3.2 mm long and 2.7 mm wide, compared to 0.9 mm long and 0.7 mm wide in males.[2]
The species can be distinguished by several diagnostic features. The median septum of the epigyne is as wide or wider than the depressions on each side, and males possess a distinctive curved tube on the base of the embolus tip. The dorsal coloration, pattern, and shape of the female abdomen are variable characteristics within the species.[2]
