Carparachne

Carparachne spiders, part of the huntsman spider family, come from Namibia. As of September 2019, there are two known species. This post is packed with interesting facts about these spiders for you to explore!

Scientific Classification

Carparachne Spider

Spiders Belonging To This Genus

Physical Description & Identification

Adults

  • Size: Spiders of this genus are approximately 20mm (0.78 inches) long.  
  • Color: They have a light grey body with markings of black on the abdomen.
  • Other Characteristic Features: There is no identifying characteristic, and the feature may differ from one species to the other.

Eggs

The females lay the eggs within the burrows where they dwell.

Spiderlings

They are cared for by their mother until maturity, after which they disperse to be on their own.

The Web

Species of this genus do not make webs to capture prey.

Are Carparachne Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Carparachne spiders have venom, but it’s primarily used to subdue their prey.

Can Carparachne Spiders Bite?

Yes, Carparachne spiders can bite if they feel threatened. However, their bite is generally not harmful to humans.

Carparachne Aureoflava

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Carparachne Spider

The Carparachne spiders play a crucial role in controlling the insect population in their habitat. Their predatory nature ensures the balance of the ecosystem, preventing any single insect species from overpopulating. Their unique behavior, such as the cartwheeling escape tactic of Carparachne aureoflava, showcases an incredible adaptation to the sandy dunes they inhabit, allowing them to evade predators swiftly.

Natural Predator: One of the main predators of these spiders is the pompilid wasp, which can overpower the spiders and use them to nurture their own young. This interaction is a stark reminder of the constant battle for survival in the wild.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Carparachne spiders predominantly feed on insects, which makes them an integral part of the prey-predator dynamics within their ecosystem. They are agile hunters that utilize their speed and venom to capture various insects, contributing to the regulation of these populations.

Relationship with Humans: Human interaction with Carparachne spiders is minimal due to their remote and harsh habitats. These spiders, equipped with their venom, pose little danger to humans, and bites are rare and typically not medically significant. Consequently, they are not regarded as a pest but rather as an intriguing subject of study for arachnologists and enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts

Lifespan Approximately two years
Distribution Parts of Namibia
HabitatSand dunes
PredatorsPompilid wasps
Diet Insects

Did You Know

  • R.F. Lawrence described this genus for the first time in the year 1962.
  • The Golden wheel spider (Carparachne aureoflava) uses a cartwheeling motion while moving about in the hot and sandy regions where it dwells.

Carparachne Image

In summary, despite their small size, Carparachne spiders are indeed mighty players in the ecological game of life.

Carparachne spiders, part of the huntsman spider family, come from Namibia. As of September 2019, there are two known species. This post is packed with interesting facts about these spiders for you to explore!

Carparachne Spider

Spiders Belonging To This Genus

Physical Description & Identification

Adults

  • Size: Spiders of this genus are approximately 20mm (0.78 inches) long.  
  • Color: They have a light grey body with markings of black on the abdomen.
  • Other Characteristic Features: There is no identifying characteristic, and the feature may differ from one species to the other.

Eggs

The females lay the eggs within the burrows where they dwell.

Spiderlings

They are cared for by their mother until maturity, after which they disperse to be on their own.

The Web

Species of this genus do not make webs to capture prey.

Are Carparachne Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Carparachne spiders have venom, but it’s primarily used to subdue their prey.

Can Carparachne Spiders Bite?

Yes, Carparachne spiders can bite if they feel threatened. However, their bite is generally not harmful to humans.

Carparachne Aureoflava

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Carparachne Spider

The Carparachne spiders play a crucial role in controlling the insect population in their habitat. Their predatory nature ensures the balance of the ecosystem, preventing any single insect species from overpopulating. Their unique behavior, such as the cartwheeling escape tactic of Carparachne aureoflava, showcases an incredible adaptation to the sandy dunes they inhabit, allowing them to evade predators swiftly.

Natural Predator: One of the main predators of these spiders is the pompilid wasp, which can overpower the spiders and use them to nurture their own young. This interaction is a stark reminder of the constant battle for survival in the wild.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Carparachne spiders predominantly feed on insects, which makes them an integral part of the prey-predator dynamics within their ecosystem. They are agile hunters that utilize their speed and venom to capture various insects, contributing to the regulation of these populations.

Relationship with Humans: Human interaction with Carparachne spiders is minimal due to their remote and harsh habitats. These spiders, equipped with their venom, pose little danger to humans, and bites are rare and typically not medically significant. Consequently, they are not regarded as a pest but rather as an intriguing subject of study for arachnologists and enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts

Lifespan Approximately two years
Distribution Parts of Namibia
HabitatSand dunes
PredatorsPompilid wasps
Diet Insects

Did You Know

  • R.F. Lawrence described this genus for the first time in the year 1962.
  • The Golden wheel spider (Carparachne aureoflava) uses a cartwheeling motion while moving about in the hot and sandy regions where it dwells.

Carparachne Image

In summary, despite their small size, Carparachne spiders are indeed mighty players in the ecological game of life.