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Castianeira longipalpa

The Castianeira longipalpa spider is a member of the family of Corinnidae spiders. It is an ant-mimic spider found in North America, displaying activity similar to carpenter ants.

Castianeira longipalpa

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Male: 1.3 cm Female: 0.3-0.6 cm

Color: They are a brownish-orange, with the abdomen covered in black stripes.

Other Characteristic Features: They mimic carpenter ants by “stroking” their front pair of legs like antennae and “nodding” their abdomen.

Eggs

The egg sacs are white, flat discs attached to surfaces containing around 10 eggs.

Spiderlings

After hatching, the spiderlings overwinter until the spring.

The Web

As active hunters, they do not produce a lot of webbing to trap prey.

Is the Castianeira longipalpa Spider Venomous

Bites rarely occur as their fangs are not strong enough to pierce human skin.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-3 years
Distribution Canada and the United States
Habitat Under rocks or stones and logs, or in leaf litter
Diet Small insects like ants

Did You Know

  • French entomologist Nicholas Marcellus Hentz first described this species in 1847.
  • This spider closely resembles another spider of the same genus, Castianeira variata.Arachnologists tell them apart by conducting a microscopic examination of their genitalia. Castianeira longipalpa is the more widespread of the two species.

Image Source: i.pinimg.com

The Castianeira longipalpa spider is a member of the family of Corinnidae spiders. It is an ant-mimic spider found in North America, displaying activity similar to carpenter ants.

Castianeira longipalpa

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Male: 1.3 cm Female: 0.3-0.6 cm

Color: They are a brownish-orange, with the abdomen covered in black stripes.

Other Characteristic Features: They mimic carpenter ants by “stroking” their front pair of legs like antennae and “nodding” their abdomen.

Eggs

The egg sacs are white, flat discs attached to surfaces containing around 10 eggs.

Spiderlings

After hatching, the spiderlings overwinter until the spring.

The Web

As active hunters, they do not produce a lot of webbing to trap prey.

Is the Castianeira longipalpa Spider Venomous

Bites rarely occur as their fangs are not strong enough to pierce human skin.

Quick Facts

Lifespan 1-3 years
Distribution Canada and the United States
Habitat Under rocks or stones and logs, or in leaf litter
Diet Small insects like ants

Did You Know

  • French entomologist Nicholas Marcellus Hentz first described this species in 1847.
  • This spider closely resembles another spider of the same genus, Castianeira variata.Arachnologists tell them apart by conducting a microscopic examination of their genitalia. Castianeira longipalpa is the more widespread of the two species.

Image Source: i.pinimg.com

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