Cybaeus cribelloides
This record describes Cybaeus cribelloides (species). Recorded family: Cybaeidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The male of C. cribelloides is distinguished from other species of Californian clade Cybaeus by a combination of palpal tegular apophysis characters. The distal arm of the tegular apophysis (Fig. 53) is large, broad, angular, and truncated while the tip of the proximal arm is bifurcate in retrolateral view (Figs 54, 56), appearing trifurcate in ventral view(Figs 53, 55). The female of C. cribelloides is diagnosed by the morphology of the epigynal atrium and the form of the spermathecal heads and stalks and Bennett’s glands. The atrium (Figs 57, 60) features a pair of longitudinal atrial openings spanned anteriorly by a transverse hood. The heads, stalks, and Bennett’s glands (Figs 58–59, 61–62) are, respectively, anteriad and usually bilobed (occasionally trilobed), long and convoluted (and often looped anteriorly), and usually strongly protruding. Furthermore, the stalks are usually distinctly visible through the integument of the uncleared epigynum in ventral view (Figs 57, 60). Also of some diagnostic use, most specimens of C. cribelloides are dark and heavily pigmented with a distinctly patterned abdomen and strongly banded femora while other Californian clade Cybaeus are generally pale, only weakly patterned, and with at best only very lightly banded femora .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
"North and central coastal California from Humboldt County south to San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties (Fig. 85). Within this area C. cribelloides is one of the most commonly collected species of Cybaeus ".
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Cybaeus cribelloides. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cybaeus cribelloides (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybaeus cribelloides
What is Cybaeus cribelloides?
Cybaeus cribelloides is a species in the family Cybaeidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Cybaeus cribelloides?
The male of C. cribelloides is distinguished from other species of Californian clade Cybaeus by a combination of palpal tegular apophysis characters. The distal arm of the tegular apophysis (Fig. 53) is large, broad, angular, and truncated while the tip of the proximal arm is bifurcate in retrolateral view (Figs 54, 56), appearing trifurcate in ventral view(Figs 53, 55). The female of C. cribelloides is diagnosed by the morphology of the epigynal atrium and the form of the spermathecal heads and stalks and Bennett’s glands. The atrium (Figs 57, 60) features a pair of longitudinal atrial openings spanned anteriorly by a transverse hood. The heads, stalks, and Bennett’s glands (Figs 58–59, 61–62) are, respectively, anteriad and usually bilobed (occasionally trilobed), long and convoluted (and often looped anteriorly), and usually strongly protruding. Furthermore, the stalks are usually distinctly visible through the integument of the uncleared epigynum in ventral view (Figs 57, 60). Also of some diagnostic use, most specimens of C. cribelloides are dark and heavily pigmented with a distinctly patterned abdomen and strongly banded femora while other Californian clade Cybaeus are generally pale, only weakly patterned, and with at best only very lightly banded femora .
Where is Cybaeus cribelloides found?
Range: North and central coastal California from Humboldt County south to San Francisco and Contra Costa Counties (Fig. 85). Within this area C. cribelloides is one of the most commonly collected species of Cybaeus .