Metazygia zilloides
This record describes Metazygia zilloides (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Adult male: Females: Epigynum: Palp: Unlike the related Eustala , Metazygia makes a retreat.
Identification notes
Adult male: Females: Epigynum: Palp:
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
So far collected in southern California, Florida, and Texas. Some range notes: 1) According to Levi's papers (1977 & 1995 ), the species is neotropical and had been recorded in the USA from Texas and Florida only. 2) Kim Moore's spider here , identified by Darrell Ubick (California Academy of Sciences), extends the range to include southern California. 3) Update, Oct. 1, 2013: we received two more voucher specimens ( male & female ) from southern CA, courtesy of Dr. Vincent at Fullerton College. 4) Update, July 2014: The Pan-Pacific Entomologist journal publishes a note that the species is officially established in southern California .
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Pair about to mate:
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metazygia zilloides. 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 Metazygia zilloides (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Metazygia zilloides
What is Metazygia zilloides?
Metazygia zilloides is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Metazygia zilloides?
Female 6 mm, male 4 mm.
How do you identify Metazygia zilloides?
Adult male: Females: Epigynum: Palp:
Where is Metazygia zilloides found?
Range: So far collected in southern California, Florida, and Texas. Some range notes: 1) According to Levi's papers (1977 & 1995 ), the species is neotropical and had been recorded in the USA from Texas and Florida only. 2) Kim Moore's spider here , identified by Darrell Ubick (California Academy of Sciences), extends the range to include southern California. 3) Update, Oct. 1, 2013: we received two more voucher specimens ( male & female ) from southern CA, courtesy of Dr. Vincent at Fullerton College. 4) Update, July 2014: The Pan-Pacific Entomologist journal publishes a note that the species is officially established in southern California .
What is the life cycle of a Metazygia zilloides?
Pair about to mate: