Linyphiidae Atypena

Atypena sp. "Bump-headed"

Bump-headed Money Spider

The genus Atypena is among the numerous Linyphiidae genera that exhibit modifications of the carapace that are related to mating behaviour. In the case of Atypena spiders, they can be readily recognised by a large, swollen, and elevated structure arising from the ocular area of their males. The large PME are mounted on the roof of the bump, far above the rest of the eyes. Laterally, there is a deep pit at the narrow neck of the cephalic swelling. In at least half the species within the genus, the wide frontal zone between the AME and PME is covered by two dense layers of long black hairs. The roots of these hairs are plated on both sides of the centreline at the front of the neck, with the hairs spreading laterally, like a moustache with an apparent central parting.

The male of the Singapore species is distinguished from other described Atypena in tropical Asia by its palp structure, and by the unique shape and size of its cephalic lobe. Its dorsum is marked by five pairs of black spots arranged in two longitudinal rows.