species: American Dewdrop Spider (Argyrodes elevatus)

Observer

jmorton

Date

6/15/2021

Quality grade

research

License

CC-BY-NC

Description

This is the first I have seen this year, although I have looked regularly from mid-May on. There are many potential host webs, so far all labyrinth spiders at this location. I was surprised to find such a mature individual so early in the season. She is approximately 3 mm from chelicerae to spinnerets, and around 10 mm when legs are taken into account. Perhaps this individual spent the last eight months in dormancy as a near adult rather than as a spiderling. It will be interesting to see if the labyrinth spider host survives since it is no larger than this dewdrop spider and, presumably, no match for it should she choose to prey on it.