Zoropsis spinimana

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zoropsis spinimana: //zɔːˈrɒpsɪs ˌspɪnɪˈmɑːnə//

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Summary

Zoropsis spinimana is a spider of the family Zoropsidae, native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa, introduced to the USA and UK. They are nocturnal hunters and have unique physical characteristics resembling wolf spiders but with distinct markings.

Physical Characteristics

Males reach a length around 10–12 mm (0.39–0.47 in); females are 15–18 mm (0.59–0.71 in). The prosoma is brownish with broad darker markings while the opisthosoma has median black markings. The legs are speckled brown. The eye configuration resembles that of a wolf spider, but they are more spread out along the front third of the cephalothorax.

Identification Tips

The abdominal black markings resemble the vampire from the 1922 film Nosferatu, leading to the common German name Nosferatu-Spinne.

Habitat

Found on forest edges under rocks and tree bark. They do not build webs but hunt freely at night.

Distribution

Widely distributed in the Mediterranean, reaching into Russia. Introduced to the United States (primarily the San Francisco Bay Area) and the United Kingdom (primarily London). Recent sightings include various locations in Europe along North-South transport routes and a 2023 find in Copenhagen.

Life Cycle

Sexually mature in autumn; females lay eggs in spring, resting in a brood chamber on the cocoon.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in spring.

Tags

• Zoropsis spinimana
• spider
• Zoropsidae
• Mediterranean
• California
• northern Africa