Bassaniana utahensis
(Utah Crab Spider)

Picture ID 4716

Comments & ID Thoughts

It was collected from a dead prunis tree branch. It is a Crab spider and I think it is a member of the Bassaniana genus because on profile it has a rather flat carapace (Unlike Xysticus where the carapace is higher towards the front). To my knowledge there are 2 species to contend with in Ontario: B. utahensis and B. versicolor. These spiders can be known by the common name as the Bark Crab Spider. Not sure if there is a way to tell between the 2 species mentioned above. This is one of 3 photos submitted of this spider (2 of 3). see also photo #4714

Submitted by:
johnr
Submitted: Jan 29, 2018
Photographed: Apr 26, 2017
Spider: Bassaniana utahensis (Utah Crab Spider)
Maturity:
Adult
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Spotted Outdoors: High foliage (includes trees and tree trunks)
Found in web?: No
Attributes: Dorsal

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JohnR

Photo Owner

February 4, 2018 10:16 am

I can now say with confidence that this is Bassaniana utahensis. The main reason I can say this is because I submitted this specimen for further identification (because of the possibility of using it in a book project). Dr Gergin Blagoev, PHD, Research Associate and Taxonomic Lead at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics at the University of Guelph was able to make the identification from a microscopic analysis of its genitalia.