Habronattus californicus is one of 3 California species in the clypeatus group (part of the larger viridipes group) that are endemic to California and Baja Mexico. Leg I fringing and Leg III ornamentation characterize the viridipes group. Note the “flag-like” ornament projecting from Leg III on this species. A black and white banded area on the clypeus and a pale forehead band define the clypeatus group. The fourth CA/Baja species Habronattus jucundus (northern California) lacks the clypeal banding and light forehead line.
Griswold, 1987; Hedin and Maddison, 2009; Maddison, 1995