Atypus

Atypus Karshi

Atypus is a genus of the family of wallpapering spiders. To this genus include 29 species that are common in Asia, North Africa, the U.S. and Europe from Britain to Ukraine. Three species occur in Central Europe: A. affinis, A. muralis and A. piceus. The genus was first described in 1804 by Pierre André Latreille.

Appearance and way of life

The chelicerae of the genus are straight forward and almost as big as the front body ( prosoma ). The spinnerets on the abdomen are clearly visible. The color is dark brown to deep black. The females reach a body length of 10 to 15 mm, males are about 10 mm in size.

Males have a life expectancy of 3-4 years, females live 8-10 years. Like all wallpapering spiders live in tubes that are lined with spider silk. In the genus Atypus these consist of an underground and an above-ground portion perpendicular horizontal part which rests generally on the floor. During the day, keep spinning on the vertical part. At night they sit in the aboveground part; Arthropods, which then pass through the tube can be gripped from the inside with the chelicerae and dragged through the tube wall to the inside. The hole is later closed again.

Toxic effect

The occurring in Central Europe wallpapering spiders are only slightly toxic. However, the local symptoms may be prolonged. Previously known only one bite of Atypus affinis.

Species

Currently, 29 species are described:

The species A. abboti, A. bicolor, A. milberti, A. niger and A. rufipes Sphodros were transferred to the genus.

Swell