Sphodros abboti
Walckenaer, 1835
purseweb spider
Sphodros abboti is a mygalomorph spider to Florida, United States. It constructs distinctive silk tubes (pursewebs) attached to tree trunks, where it lives and hunts. The exhibits in abdominal coloration. It was first described by Walckenaer in 1835 and is one of the few North American representatives of the Atypidae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphodros abboti: //ˈsfəʊdrɒs ˈæbəti//
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Identification
Distinguished from other mygalomorph spiders by its Florida distribution and arboreal purseweb construction. The combination of black body with sexually dimorphic abdominal coloration (purple females, blue males) and arrangement in two tight clusters separates it from other southeastern spiders. The purseweb itself—an exposed silk tube attached to tree bark rather than a burrow—is diagnostic for the Sphodros.
Images
Appearance
Body generally black. Female with purple tinge; male abdomen blue. Eight arranged in two closely spaced groups near the edge of the , typical of mygalomorph spiders.
Habitat
Constructs webs on the middle portions of tree trunks. Webs appear as short, vine-like silk tubes attached to bark.
Distribution
to Florida, United States.
Behavior
Constructs and inhabits a purseweb—a tubular silk structure attached to tree trunks. The spider lives within this tube, which serves as both shelter and a prey-capture device. Prey on the outer surface of the web are detected through vibrations and pulled through the silk.
Ecological Role
; constructs arboreal silk structures that contribute to forest dynamics.
Human Relevance
Bites are not considered medically significant. The is of interest to arachnologists due to its restricted range and unique web architecture.
Similar Taxa
- Sphodros atlanticusAlso occurs in Florida but has broader distribution; differences in web placement and subtle morphological distinctions separate the .
- Atypus speciesOther purseweb spiders in Atypidae, but S. abboti is distinguished by its strictly arboreal web placement; Atypus construct subterranean or ground-level webs.
More Details
Conservation note
to Florida, making it vulnerable to loss from urbanization and land-use change.