Arkys

Have you heard of Arkys spiders? They’re special spiders from Australia! There are 32 kinds of them, and they belong to the Arkyidae family. Want to know more? Learn more fun facts about these unique spiders!

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Arkys

 Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

• Size: They are small in size, with females having a body length of 0.31 inches (8 mm) larger than the males that are at least 0.22 inches (5 mm) long.
• Color: They mostly have an orange, yellow, or red body with markings on their abdomen. However, the color combinations and patterns do vary from one species to the other. 
• Other Characteristic Features: Most spiders of this genus have a triangular or heart-shaped abdomen.

Eggs

The small round eggs are contained in pinkish-orange spherical egg sacs.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings of most of the species of this genus acquire a triangular body growing with every mold.

The Web

The spiders of the Arkys genus do not build webs but are ambush hunters mostly seen sitting on leaves or ferns or even hanging from a few silken threads.

Are Arkys Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Arkys spiders have venom. They use it to help them catch their food. But for humans, this venom usually isn’t harmful.

Can Arkys Spiders Bite?

Arkys spiders can bite if they feel bothered or scared. It might feel like a little pinch, but it’s not typically something to worry about for most people.

Quick Facts

Other Names	Ambush spider
Distribution	Australia and its surrounding islands
Habitat	Most species of this genus dwell in woodlands, but they may thrive in gardens, living in grasses or shrubs
Diet	Insects like flies
Lifespan	1 – 2 years

Did You Know

• Charles Athanase Walckenaer, French scientist and civil servant, described this genus for the first time in 1837.

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