Wall spider
Oecobius navus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Oecobiidae
- Genus: Oecobius
- Species: navus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oecobius navus: /ˌiː.kəˈbaɪ.əs ˈneɪ.vəs/
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Images
Summary
Oecobius navus is a small, cosmopolitan cribellate spider known for its unique hunting technique and distinctive web-building habits. It is widely distributed due to human activity and has adapted to various environments.
Physical Characteristics
Both adult males and females are approximately the same size, with a body length of 2–2.5 mm. The carapace is almost circular, pale brown, with a dark patch in the center and a thin black marginal line. The abdomen is yellowish brown with black spots and smaller white flecking. Legs are short, matching the carapace color, varying from unmarked to having distinct dark annulations. Eight eyes present; posterior median eyes reduced to flat, irregular silver patches while the other six eyes are grouped in pairs of three.
Identification Tips
Characterized by a dark central stripe on the carapace with three dashes or dots on either side. Specimens may lack markings, superficially resembling O. putus or other species.
Habitat
Builds flat webs with lateral openings under rocks, on ceilings, and along wall corners, preferring environments with protruding signaling threads.
Distribution
Native to Europe and Northern Africa; introduced to South Africa, China, Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and the Americas.
Diet
Typical diet includes smaller arthropods which they immobilize with silk before biting.
Life Cycle
Prior to copulation, males create a tubular mating web and may be cannibalized by females post-mating. Females spin several small egg sacs containing 3-10 eggs each and abandon them.
Reproduction
Males construct a mating web to attract females. Copulation occurs inside the web, and females may cannibalize the males during or after the process.
Ecosystem Role
As a non-native spider, it plays a role in controlling pest populations in its introduced habitats.
Cultural Significance
Commonly referred to as wall spider, baseboard spider, and stucco spider in various regions.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting under rocks and in webs
- Light trapping at night
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol storage
- Dry preservation techniques
Evolution
Very little variation noted across its global distribution; origin is not well established.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with O. annulipes, which occurs only in Algeria.
Tags
- Oecobius
- Wall spider
- Cosmopolitan species
- Cribellate spider