Mygalomorph species in Michigan..

[MaartenSFS]

So far here is what I have found:

Phodros niger:

"Ada, Kent County, Michigan, USA
Fourth confirmed site of P. niger in MI.
Michigan State University"

"E.S. George Reserve
(Michigan, Livingston County)
University of Michigan"

I live in Lansing, so these are both about the same distance from me. However, the latter is a restricted area. Since Lansing is directly in the middle I think I'll check at Sleepy Hollow State Park and several county parks like Birchfield and Lake Lansing .

Atypus niger is synonym for Phodros niger and Atypus milberti is a synonym for Sphodros rufipes and supposedly both are found in MI with no specific collection sites for either. I'm going to make it my goal to find one of these bastards.

If anyone is interested in going for a hunt let me know. I'll also be looking for Hogna sp. and Dolomedes sp. along with some species of snake and lizard.

If anyone knows if there are any other species of mygalomorph in MI that would be nice too. Cheers.

[jsloan]

So far here is what I have found:

Phodros niger:

"Ada, Kent County, Michigan, USA
Fourth confirmed site of P. niger in MI.
Michigan State University"

"E.S. George Reserve
(Michigan, Livingston County)
University of Michigan"

Atypus niger is synonym for Phodros niger and Atypus milberti is a synonym for Sphodros rufipes and supposedly both are found in MI with no specific collection sites for either.

That should be interesting! These spiders can be very difficult to find in the wild; partly because they're not out running around, and partly because their webs are so well camouflaged. Here's an account, from another forum, of a field trip with an arachnologist (in Germany) to look for Atypus affinus that has some valuable tips (and photos) for locating these interesting spiders. Hope it helps:

http://forum.canadianarachnology.org/viewtopic.php?t=447

Good hunting, and be sure to post pictures if you find anything!

[MaartenSFS]

Thanks! I'm actually going out now, as I don't have to work today. This will help me to not waste AS much time, although my chances of actually finding them,especially a female, are close to zero. I have my trusty camera in hand so I will definitely post photos.

[ErikWestblom]

Good luck! Atleast you might find some nice Hognas or Dolomedes :P

[MaartenSFS]

Good luck! Atleast you might find some nice Hognas or Dolomedes :P

Unfortunately, I didn't find any and it may not be the right place. Here are some photos of the area and what I did find:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04542Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04548Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04553Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04556Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04539.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04576Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04568Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04575Klein.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/MaartenSFS/Michigan%201/DSC04583.jpg

[ErikWestblom]

What's in that last pic?

[Elleken]

Is that a male jumping spider in the last pic?

[MaartenSFS]

O, I did write what it was but it seems to have disappeared.. They are a male and a female Platycryptus sp. jumping spiders that I found together under some dead bark today. Not what I was looking for, but interesting. ;)

[John Apple]

So far here is what I have found:

Phodros niger:

"Ada, Kent County, Michigan, USA
Fourth confirmed site of P. niger in MI.
Michigan State University"

"E.S. George Reserve
(Michigan, Livingston County)
University of Michigan"

I live in Lansing, so these are both about the same distance from me. However, the latter is a restricted area. Since Lansing is directly in the middle I think I'll check at Sleepy Hollow State Park and several county parks like Birchfield and Lake Lansing .

Atypus niger is synonym for Phodros niger and Atypus milberti is a synonym for Sphodros rufipes and supposedly both are found in MI with no specific collection sites for either. I'm going to make it my goal to find one of these bastards.

If anyone is interested in going for a hunt let me know. I'll also be looking for Hogna sp. and Dolomedes sp. along with some species of snake and lizard.

If anyone knows if there are any other species of mygalomorph in MI that would be nice too. Cheers.
hey maartin shoot me a call as they are in Chelsea...never found a rufipes yet but plenty of niger

[MaartenSFS]

hey maartin shoot me a call as they are in Chelsea...never found a rufipes yet but plenty of niger

That's awesome. It's a small ways off (I don't know my way around yet), but quite doable. Are they in a park or something? I'd be very keen to find me some of those. ;)

Edit: I just checked mapquest and it's not that far, actually. If I go between Waterloo and Pinckney Recreation areas it's only 44.17 miles.

[John Apple]

your closer than you think martin...heh...show up at the taylor show tomorrow and we will chat

[MaartenSFS]

your closer than you think martin...heh...show up at the taylor show tomorrow and we will chat

What's the taylor show? Unfortunately I have to work on the morrow..

[John Apple]

Michigan herp show in taylor ...
There are a few folks that live in Lansing [Jaie and Rochelle and the crew of L.A.T.E.] I will be doing a hunt with those folks this spring and your welcome to come along

[MaartenSFS]

Michigan herp show in taylor ...
There are a few folks that live in Lansing [Jaie and Rochelle and the crew of L.A.T.E.] I will be doing a hunt with those folks this spring and your welcome to come along

Ja, I'd love to. I'm also into reptiles and amphibians. Where were you planning to go?