More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Spiders of Zihuatanejo
ORDER ARANEAE
Cesonia lugubris
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Chelicerates Subphylum Chelicerata
-Typical Spiders (Suborder Araneomorphae)
-Entelegyne Spiders -Infraorder Entelegynae
-RTA Clade Spiders (Zoosection Rta clade)
-Dionycha Clade Spiders (Zoosubsection Dionycha)
-Gnaphosoid Spiders (Superfamily Gnaphosoidea)
-Stealthy Ground Spiders -Family Gnaphosidae
-Subfamily Herpyllinae
-Genus Cesonia
-Cesonia lugubris
The Cesonia genus, including the "stealthy ground spider" (Cesonia species), belongs to the family Gnaphosidae, also known as ground spiders. These spiders are often called “stealthy” because of their elusive behavior and ability to blend into their surroundings. True to their name, they are stealthy hunters that rely on ambush tactics rather than web-building. They actively seek out insects and other small arthropods on the ground.
Description
• Cesonia lugubris is a species of ground spider in the family Gnaphosidae. Ground spiders typically have elongated bodies, relatively flattened abdomens and stout legs adapted for running across the ground. They generally have dark or subdued colouration that provides camouflage among soil, leaf litter and other surface debris. Like other gnaphosids, this species does not build a prey-catching web and instead actively searches for food.
Range
• Cesonia lugubris is recorded in the Americas, including Mexico. It is treated here as present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
• This spider is associated with terrestrial habitats where it can move across the ground and shelter beneath rocks, leaf litter, fallen wood or other debris. Suitable environments may include dry forest, scrubland and open areas with patches of ground cover. It is likely to spend much of the day concealed and become more active when searching for prey.
Diet
• Cesonia lugubris is a carnivorous predator that feeds on small arthropods, particularly insects and other ground-dwelling invertebrates. It captures prey by pursuing or ambushing it rather than using a capture web.