Pholcomma hirsutum Thorell 1869

(Figs 69–73)

Material examined.— Canada: Québec: Pontiac: Les Collines­de­l’Outaouais, 2 km North of Eardley [45°34’N, 76°05’W] 20.viii.2004, sifting litter in maple forest, 4ɗ 4Ψ, P. Paquin & N. Dupérré (CPAD); Pontiac: Les Collines­de­l’Outaouais, 2 km North of Eardley [45°34’N, 76°05’W] 20.viii.2004, sifting moss on rocks in maple forest, 1Ψ, P. Paquin & N. Dupérré (CPAD); Pontiac: Les Collines­de­l’Outaouais, 2 km North of Eardley [45°34’N, 76°05’W] 20.viii.2004, sifting litter in oak­maple forest, 1Ψ, P. Paquin & N. Dupérré (CPAD); Kazabazua, La Vallée­de­la­Gatineau, Lac Danford [45°57’N, 76°08’W] 16.vi.2001, sifting litter (poplar/ Alnus), 1ɗ, P. Paquin & N. Dupérré (CPAD).

Diagnosis.— The male of the species is recognised by an abdominal scutum covering whole dorsum, a palp with long thin embolus (E) (Fig. 71), and a curved conductor (C) (Fig. 71). Females are characterised by a pale abdomen lacking a dorsal scutum, an epigynum with a well­sclerotized posterior epigynal margin (PEM) (Fig. 72), complex copulatory ducts (CD), and oval spermathecae (S) (Fig. 73).

Distribution.— Known from Québec (present records) and Wisconsin south to Florida and Mississippi (see Levi 1957b).

Remark.— Kaston (1948) reported that P. hirsutum is associated with forest litter, which is supported by our collection data. The distribution of the species and the records from deciduous litter suggest that the species may reach its northern limit below the conifer and boreal forests of North America. This species is likely to be confused with a small Erigoninae (Linyphiidae) .