Group-living
Guides
Holocnemus pluchei
Marbled Cellar Spider
Holocnemus pluchei is a cellar spider native to the Mediterranean region that has been introduced to North America, Australia, and other regions. It is notable for its group-living behavior, with multiple individuals often sharing communal webs. Both sexes possess stridulatory organs, an unusual trait among spiders. The species exhibits a unique defensive behavior called 'bouncing' when disturbed. It has been identified as a source of allergenic proteins that can trigger asthma in sensitive individuals.