Saltonia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltonia |
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The Saltonia spider is a very special type of spider found only in North America. It belongs to a group of spiders called Dictynidae. There is only one known species in the Saltonia group, and it's called Saltonia incerta. This spider was first described by scientists R. V. Chamberlin and Wilton Ivie in 1942.
It's a rare spider that lives near the Salton Sea in California, United States. You can find it in salty areas like dry lake beds, salt marshes, and even on a small island in the Gulf of California. Scientists usually find these spiders in March and April, always close to salty water or salt springs.
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About the Saltonia Spider
The Saltonia incerta is a type of spider known as a cribellate spider. This means it has a special silk-spinning organ called a cribellum, which helps it make very fine, fuzzy silk. It's also an araneomorph spider, which is the most common type of spider.
Scientists first thought this spider belonged to the "funnel weaver" family (Agelenidae). But in 1967, after more study, they moved it to the Dictynidae family.
Where Does the Saltonia Spider Live?
This spider is quite rare and has a very specific home. It lives in places with a lot of salt, like the edges of the Salton Sea. This area is known for its salty crusts on the ground, which is where the spider makes its home. It can also be found in other dry or sometimes wet lake beds that are very salty.
Scientists have also found it on a small island in the Gulf of California, which is also a very salty environment. All the spiders found so far were collected in the spring months, usually March and April.
Saltonia's Spider Relatives
The Saltonia incerta has a body part called a colulus that looks similar to those found on two other types of spiders: Paratheuma and Desis. These two spiders are known for living in the intertidal zone, which is the area of the seashore that is covered by water at high tide and exposed at low tide.
Genetic studies, which look at the spider's DNA, suggest that Saltonia is closely related to Paratheuma. It also seems to be related to a very interesting spider called Argyroneta aquatica, which is a fully aquatic spider. This means Argyroneta aquatica lives its entire life underwater!
See also
In Spanish: Saltonia para niños
