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Atypus karschi

The Atypus karschi is a member of the family of purse web spiders or atypical tarantulas. In his honor, the specific name of this spider was given after German arachnologist Ferdinand Anton Franz Karsch.

Scientific Classification

Atypus karschi

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 1.7 to 2 cm (0.67 to 0.79 in)

Color: They are dark brown or black in color.

Other Characteristic Features: Similar to other spiders in its genus, it has pointed down fangs instead of crossed ones.

Eggs

The eggs are laid inside the female’s webbing.

Spiderlings

When they hatch, the spiderlings are fully capable and can aerially disperse by ballooning.

The Web

This spider spins a silken tube hidden partially underground, with the portion above ground covered in leaf litter. It waits for prey to approach its hidden trap, and then bites through the silk to pull it inside.

Is the Atypus karschi Spider Venomous

Their venom isn’t very potent, as they are primarily ambush predators. However, their bite could cause a mild reaction, leaving behind redness and temporary swelling.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 8-10 years
Distribution China, Japan, and Taiwan
Habitat Fallow fields, forests, riparian woods, and suburban bushes
Common Predators Birds, small mammals, and other spiders
Diet Carabid beetles, millipedes, snails, and woodlice

Did You Know

  • German entomologist Friedrich Karl Wilhelm Dönitz first described this species in 1887.

Image Source: arachnology.cz

The Atypus karschi is a member of the family of purse web spiders or atypical tarantulas. In his honor, the specific name of this spider was given after German arachnologist Ferdinand Anton Franz Karsch.

Atypus karschi

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: 1.7 to 2 cm (0.67 to 0.79 in)

Color: They are dark brown or black in color.

Other Characteristic Features: Similar to other spiders in its genus, it has pointed down fangs instead of crossed ones.

Eggs

The eggs are laid inside the female’s webbing.

Spiderlings

When they hatch, the spiderlings are fully capable and can aerially disperse by ballooning.

The Web

This spider spins a silken tube hidden partially underground, with the portion above ground covered in leaf litter. It waits for prey to approach its hidden trap, and then bites through the silk to pull it inside.

Is the Atypus karschi Spider Venomous

Their venom isn’t very potent, as they are primarily ambush predators. However, their bite could cause a mild reaction, leaving behind redness and temporary swelling.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 8-10 years
Distribution China, Japan, and Taiwan
Habitat Fallow fields, forests, riparian woods, and suburban bushes
Common Predators Birds, small mammals, and other spiders
Diet Carabid beetles, millipedes, snails, and woodlice

Did You Know

  • German entomologist Friedrich Karl Wilhelm Dönitz first described this species in 1887.

Image Source: arachnology.cz

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