Thanatus
Thanatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Philodromidae
- Genus: Thanatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thanatus: /θəˈneɪtəs/
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Images
Summary
Thanatus is a genus of false crab spiders known for their leaf-like cardiac marking and short legs, described first in 1837. They inhabit cool temperate areas and are closely related to Philodromus species.
Physical Characteristics
Adult members can reach 5–6 millimetres in length, with a clear leaf-like cardiac mark on the anterior dorsal elongated abdomen. Legs are short and rarely speckled.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from Philodromus species primarily by differences in the arrangement of eyes. The posterior eyes of Thanatus are equally spaced which is a characteristic distinguishing it from similar genera.
Habitat
Predominantly found in cool temperate latitudes; often encountered on low vegetation and above the soil surface as they are epigeal organisms.
Distribution
Species are present in most of Europe, with specific species found across various locations in North America including Alaska, Maine, the Rockies, and the Pacific Coast.
Diet
Thanatus spiders generally feed on small insects and other invertebrates that they capture in webs or by ambushing.
Ecosystem Role
Thanatus species play a role in controlling insect populations and serve as prey for larger predators within their habitats.
Economic Impact
Often found in cricket shipments, which may indicate a role in pest control in agricultural settings, though specific economic impacts are not detailed.
Evolution
First described in 1837 by Carl Ludwig Koch; the name Thanatus is derived from the Greek word for 'death', indicating the genus's long-standing association with arachnology.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Arachnology
- Spiders
- Philodromidae
- Thanatus
- False Crab Spiders