Xysticus luctans

(C. L. Koch, 1845)

Xysticus luctans is a of crab spider in the Thomisidae, first described by C. L. Koch in 1845. It belongs to the Xysticus, a diverse group of ground-dwelling ambush commonly known as ground crab spiders. The species is documented from Canada and the United States, with specific records from the prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Like other members of its genus, it is likely an ambush hunter that relies on camouflage and rapid leg extension to capture prey rather than building webs.

Common Spiders U.S. 098 by James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931). Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Xysticus luctans: //ˈzɪstɪkʊs ˈlʌktænz//

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Distribution

Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan) and the United States. GBIF records confirm presence in the prairie provinces of western Canada.

Behavior

Has been observed engaging in ballooning , a method common in the Xysticus where spiders climb vertical objects and release silk threads to catch wind currents.

More Details

Taxonomic history

First described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1845. The specific epithet 'luctans' is Latin, though its precise etymological meaning in this context is not documented in available sources.

Sources and further reading