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Eresus walckenaeri

Discover the fascinating world of the Eresus walckenaeri spider, found uniquely in the eastern Mediterranean. Known for its distinct look, it’s sometimes called the ‘ladybird spider’. Keep reading to uncover more about this and other species in its family right here.

Scientific Classification

Eresus Walckenaeri

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Male: 0.6-0.9 cm, Female: 4 cm

Eresus Walckenaeri Size

  • Color: Male: The males have an appearance similar to that of a ladybug, with a red body and four black spots on the abdomen. Female: They are velvet black or purple, with a red band seen on the abdomens of particular specimens.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Their legs and abdomen have bristles all over them.

Eggs

Females lay around 100 eggs in a sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

Juveniles disperse via ballooning much more than other members of their genus.

The Web

These spiders produce strikingly pink-colored webs.

Are Eresus walckenaeri Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Eresus walckenaeri spiders have venom, like most spiders, which they use to immobilize their prey.

Can Eresus walckenaeri Spiders Bite?

Eresus walckenaeri spiders can bite if threatened or provoked. Though their bite may cause discomfort, it’s generally not harmful to humans.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Eresus walckenaeri

The Eresus walckenaeri plays a crucial role in its habitat by controlling insect populations. Its predatory behavior ensures the balance of the local ecosystem.

Natural Predator: Natural predators include birds and larger insects, which help maintain the population of these spiders within the ecosystem.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: By consuming insects, the Eresus walckenaeri assists in pest control, which benefits both the environment and human activities, especially in agricultural settings.

Relationship with Humans: Humans seldom encounter these spiders due to their reclusive nature. When they do, they’re often appreciated for their pest control abilities and their unique, striking appearance.

Eresus Walckenaeri Image

Quick Facts

Lifespan4-5 years
DistributionEastern Mediterranean, including the southern Balkans, Turkey, southern Italy, and some islands in the Aegean Sea
HabitatDry, sandy soil
DietInsects

Did You Know

  • French entomologist Gaspard Auguste Brullé first described this spider in 1832.

In conclusion, the Eresus walckenaeri is a distinctive, beneficial insect predator, contributing to ecological balance and posing little threat to humans.

Discover the fascinating world of the Eresus walckenaeri spider, found uniquely in the eastern Mediterranean. Known for its distinct look, it’s sometimes called the ‘ladybird spider’. Keep reading to uncover more about this and other species in its family right here.

Eresus Walckenaeri

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Male: 0.6-0.9 cm, Female: 4 cm

Eresus Walckenaeri Size

  • Color: Male: The males have an appearance similar to that of a ladybug, with a red body and four black spots on the abdomen. Female: They are velvet black or purple, with a red band seen on the abdomens of particular specimens.
  • Other Characteristic Features: Their legs and abdomen have bristles all over them.

Eggs

Females lay around 100 eggs in a sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

Juveniles disperse via ballooning much more than other members of their genus.

The Web

These spiders produce strikingly pink-colored webs.

Are Eresus walckenaeri Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Eresus walckenaeri spiders have venom, like most spiders, which they use to immobilize their prey.

Can Eresus walckenaeri Spiders Bite?

Eresus walckenaeri spiders can bite if threatened or provoked. Though their bite may cause discomfort, it’s generally not harmful to humans.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Eresus walckenaeri

The Eresus walckenaeri plays a crucial role in its habitat by controlling insect populations. Its predatory behavior ensures the balance of the local ecosystem.

Natural Predator: Natural predators include birds and larger insects, which help maintain the population of these spiders within the ecosystem.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: By consuming insects, the Eresus walckenaeri assists in pest control, which benefits both the environment and human activities, especially in agricultural settings.

Relationship with Humans: Humans seldom encounter these spiders due to their reclusive nature. When they do, they’re often appreciated for their pest control abilities and their unique, striking appearance.

Eresus Walckenaeri Image

Quick Facts

Lifespan4-5 years
DistributionEastern Mediterranean, including the southern Balkans, Turkey, southern Italy, and some islands in the Aegean Sea
HabitatDry, sandy soil
DietInsects

Did You Know

  • French entomologist Gaspard Auguste Brullé first described this spider in 1832.

In conclusion, the Eresus walckenaeri is a distinctive, beneficial insect predator, contributing to ecological balance and posing little threat to humans.