Oecobius annulipes

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oecobius annulipes: /iːˈkoʊbiəs əˈnjʊlaɪpiːz/

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Summary

Oecobius navus is a small, cosmopolitan cribellate spider known for its unique hunting method and web construction. It displays sexual cannibalism, where the female may consume the male post-mating.

Physical Characteristics

Both adult males and females have a body length of 2–2.5 mm (0.08–0.10 in). The carapace is almost circular and pale brown with a dark central patch, and a thin black marginal line. The abdomen is yellowish brown with black spots and smaller white flecking. The legs are short and colored like the carapace, varying from unmarked to distinctly dark annulated. The spider has eight eyes with the posterior median eyes reduced to flat, irregular silver patches; the other six eyes are grouped into pairs of three.

Identification Tips

Look for the small size (2–2.5 mm) and the distinct coloration of the carapace and abdomen, as well as the arrangement of the eight eyes and the presence of long posterior spinnerets.

Habitat

Oecobius navus builds flat webs with lateral openings under rocks, on ceilings, and along corners of walls, typically using protruding signaling threads.

Distribution

Native to Europe and Northern Africa; introduced to South Africa, China, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and the Americas.

Diet

Oecobius navus hunts by encasing its prey in sticky silk before biting it.

Life Cycle

Prior to copulation, the male constructs a tubular mating web to attract the female; the female may cannibalize the male during or after mating. The female then spins several egg sacs with 3–10 eggs each and abandons them.

Reproduction

Males construct a mating web above the female's retreat and entice her to mate. Females may cannibalize males.

Similar Taxa

• Oecobius annulipes

Misconceptions

Sometimes confused with Oecobius annulipes, which is a different species found only in Algeria.

Tags

• spider
• Oecobius navus
• cribellate spider
• hunting behavior
• sexual cannibalism