Fuzzy spider - Metaltella simoni

Congrats!

This represents the first record in Minnesota that I know of!

… Chad Heins, 17 January, 2018 - 9:17pm

Because ...

it was in a greenhouse, still interesting though! :)

… Laura P., 17 January, 2018 - 11:17pm

Moved

Moved from Metaltella simoni.
(Created a separate placement for accidental adventives.)

… Laura P., 3 January, 2018 - 4:48pm

Moved

Moved from Spiders.

… Laura P., 3 January, 2018 - 4:36pm

From G.B. Edwards

"I think in this case you are likely correct about Metaltella simoni. The specimen appears gravid or extremely well fed, which may explain the lack of a pattern due to the integument being stretched so much that any markings were obscured. Or maybe it just didn't have any."

… Laura P., 3 January, 2018 - 4:35pm

Moved for review.

Moved from ID Request.

… Laura P., 3 January, 2018 - 10:11am

Desidae?

This looks like Metaltella simoni to me. The cribellum is divided... compare:

vs.

And the shape of the carapace around the eyes looks a little more narrow and domed compared to A. ferox:

vs.

I guess she came in on some out of state plants?

For M. simoni I usually just look for a Christmas tree shaped pattern on the abdomen but it's dark on yours. :)

Thank you for taking the time to rear her and sharing with us here, nice find.

Edit: Because of the location I've reached out to a professional for a second opinion, I'll let you know if I hear back.

… Laura P., 3 January, 2018 - 9:29am

Having trouble telling what

Having trouble telling what is going on with those cribelllum pics...

… Emily Tenczar, 5 January, 2018 - 7:49pm

On your spider ...

the cribellum (plate behind the spinnerets) has a clear divide in it. That's one of the diagnostic features for M. simoni. My A. ferox pic is pretty crumby but it shows the cribellum looks different on that species.

… Laura P., 5 January, 2018 - 8:53pm

Ok I see now!

… Emily Tenczar, 5 January, 2018 - 9:07pm