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Phoroncidia rotunda (Keyserling, 1890) Round Phoroncidia

Phoroncidia rotunda (Keyserling, 1890) was described from specimens in Queensland, Lord Howe Is. and Samoa. The male is a tiny spider about 1mm body length when sexually mature. The female to 2mm.

Female from side


Phoroncidia rotunda

Male adult from above, facing


Phoroncidia sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male adult from side


This photo shows the extent of the long turret. This turret caused a Lot of consternation in the arachnological community. In retrospect it seems that rather than having a particularly long turret (even though it has) this is the result of an under-developed abdomen. Even the cephalothorax may fill out as the spider grows. The photos also shows the sclerotized abdomen with the bellows appearance.

Phoroncidia sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male adult from above, facing down


This photo clearly shows the pitted, glazed exterior.

Phoroncidia sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male adult from above, facing up


This photo shows the eye region in focus.

Phoroncidia sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female from side


This female is almost certainly the same species as the male above. Its abdomen has filled out, but the white sclerotized bellows and the turret are pretty much the same. The turret on females need not project so far as they do not have large genitals to tuck away under it. Body length about 2mm.

Phoroncidia sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female facing


Phoroncidia sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

 

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