Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Explanation of Names
Gender: Feminine
Parazygiella recognized as synonym for
Zygiella (Gregorič et al., 2015a).
(1) Numbers
There are 5 species in the US and Canada.
Zygiella atrica
Zygiella carpenteri
Zygiella dispar
Zygiella neartica
Zygiella x-notata
Identification
Zygiella webs usually have the viscid spiral threads missing from a definite sector between two radii in the upper part of the web, and in this open area a strong signal line extends from the hub to the spider's retreat.
(2)
Range
Z. atrica - a European species introduced apparently on the northern ocean coasts and around Lake Erie. Levi gives: In America from Nova Scotia to Long Island; Port Credit, Ontario and British Columbia coast & northern WA coast.
Z. nearctica – along the extreme northern pacific coast, across Canada (into Alaska), the northern states, south in the western states and in the Appalachians.
Z. x-notata – introduced in America, down the atlantic coast from Maine to Virginia. The pacific coast from southern BC to southern Cal.
Looks like Z. carpenteriis in the Sierra/Cascades, while Z. dispar is on the coast down to Monterey County. So, anything in the Sierras should be Z. carpenteri.
Tennessee, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and New Hampshire should all be Z. nearctica?
Remarks
According to Kaston, the orb webs constructed by members of this genus usually have the spiral threads missing from a sector between two radii in the upper part of the web. In this open area, a strong signal line extends from the hub to the spider's retreat.
(2)
For the northwest: "Which species can't be told from color alone. Z. x-notata and Z. atrica occur in urbanized habitats, the former on buildings and the latter on trees. Z. dispar is found in natural forest."
…Rod Crawford, 15 June, 2008
Also, atrica has reds and/or greens on the body while dispar has more strongly banded legs. Z. x-notata is at its peak season so just look around habitats (outside of buildings, wooden fences) and you're almost sure to find another. Rod Crawford Nov. 2012
Z. carpenteri - light banding only on femurs, carapace ruddy. Abdomen with a dusky pattern and longitudinal folium characteristic of Zygiella; some red spots on anterior margin as well as behind; red lines and white patches on either side. Collected in Del Monte Forest, Pacific Grove, Monterey County, California. (1)
See Also
A few of the ones we've placed in Zygiella strongly resemble Nerine digna. However, It's a male Zygiella that resembles a female Neriene. See Zygiella then Neriene:
Internet References
(1)
digitallibrary.amnh.org - Studines in the Orbweaving Spiders by Allan Archer, 1951.
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digitallibrary.amnh.org - PDF (Gertsch, 1964) with detailed descriptions, range maps and drawings.
