Zoropsis spinimana
Encyclopedia
Zoropsis spinimana is a spider species, belonging to the family Zoropsidae.
, and was introduced to the United States
.
. The front body (prosoma) is brownish with broad darker markings. The abdomen (opisthosoma
) has a median black markings. Also the legs are mainly brownish.
Distribution
It is distributed widely in the Mediterranean, but reaches into RussiaRussia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, and was introduced to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Description
Males of the spider species Zoropsis spinimana reach a length of about 10–12 mm (0.393700787401575–0.47244094488189 ), while females are 15–18 mm (0.590551181102362–0.708661417322835 ) long. This spider looks rather like a wolf spiderWolf spider
Wolf spiders are members of the family Lycosidae, from the Ancient Greek word "" meaning "wolf". They are robust and agile hunters with good eyesight. They live mostly solitary lives and hunt alone. Some are opportunistic hunters pouncing upon prey as they find it or even chasing it over short...
. The front body (prosoma) is brownish with broad darker markings. The abdomen (opisthosoma
Opisthosoma
The opisthosoma is the posterior part of the body in some arthropods, behind the prosoma . It is a distinctive feature of the subphylum Chelicerata...
) has a median black markings. Also the legs are mainly brownish.
Habitat
It can be found on forest edges under rocks and bark, where it hunts for its prey during the night. Like all zoropsid spiders, it does not build a web for this but hunts freely and often seeks refuge in a house. Since this spider cannot survive in harsh climates, the house is the most common place to find them since the temperature is more mild and the food is abundant.Reproduction
They are sexually mature in Autumn. The females lay their eggs in Spring, resting in a brood chamber on the cocoon.External links
- Invasive Species: Zoropsis spinimana (California Academy of Sciences)
- Zoropsis spinimana (U.C. Riverside Photo Gallery)
