Badumna longinqua
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Desidae
- Genus: Badumna
- Species: longinqua
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Badumna longinqua: /bəˈduːmnə lɒŋˈɡɪŋkwə/
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Summary
Badumna longinqua, known as the grey house spider, is a species of spider native to eastern Australia that has spread to various countries worldwide. It is predominantly found in urban areas and is characterized by its distinctive web and feeding habits.
Physical Characteristics
Badumna longinqua is an average-sized spider, with males attaining a maximum length of no more than 11 millimeters (0.43 in), while females are marginally larger with a maximum body length of 15 mm (0.59 in). It has a cephalothorax and abdomen carpeted with light-grey hairs and spot-like markings, with purplish-brown striped legs.
Identification Tips
The grey house spider has eight small black eyes, with the front middle pair being significantly larger. The purplish-brown legs have striped hairs.
Habitat
Badumna longinqua is found predominantly in temperate zones or climates, often residing in urban habitats, agroecosystems, and areas created by human activities, such as window frames, rubbish bins, under furniture, and tree trunks.
Distribution
Originally native to eastern Australia, Badumna longinqua has been introduced to New Zealand, Japan, the United States, Mexico, Uruguay, the Netherlands, and regions in South America and South Africa. It is widespread in both North and South Islands of New Zealand and is also present in urban areas of coastal California, Oregon, and Florida in the USA.
Diet
Predominantly insectivorous, Badumna longinqua preys on a variety of insects including small psyllids, ants, moths, flies, wasps, bees, and cicadas.
Life Cycle
Females may remain in the same web throughout their lives, while males seek mates in warmer months. Their lifespan is not precisely documented but is estimated to be around two years, similar to related species.
Reproduction
Courtship details are not well-studied, but it is noted that males must leave their web to find females during the mating period.
Predators
Its main predators include the white-tailed spider (Lampona), the long-bodied cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides), various birds, and mammals like New Zealand short-tailed bats.
Ecosystem Role
Badumna longinqua plays a role as both predator and prey within its ecosystem, contributing to the control of insect populations and serving as food for larger animals.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- spider
- Badumna longinqua
- grey house spider
- arachnid