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Lycosoides coarctata is a common Mediterranean funnel-weaver spider (Agelenidae) often found in gardens, forests, and under stones, noted for its active, non-web hunting behavior and camouflaged, mottled grey-brown appearance. Females are 8–12.5 mm, males 6–9.3 mm; both possess robust legs and are generally harmless, despite having venom for prey.
Key Facts about Lycosoides coarctata:
Appearance & Identification:
Prosoma (Head/Thorax): Light brown with an elongated, darker cephalic part.
Opisthosoma (Abdomen): Grey-brown, often featuring a distinct mottled, greyish-brown pattern with thin angular lines (chevrons) on the rear half.
Spinnerets: Light brown, with the apical segment about twice as long as the basal segment.
Body Length: Females are roughly 8–12.5 mm; males are slightly smaller at 6–9.3 mm.
Habitat and Distribution:
Widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region, extending to North Italy and Dalmatia.
Thrives in diverse environments including scrublands, forests, and stony areas, often hiding under stones.
Behavior and Ecology:
Hunting: Rather than relying solely on their funnel-shaped webs to catch prey, they are active hunters that move quickly, relying on sensory organs on their hairs and spines.
Reproduction: Females are known to attach their egg sacs to their bodies for protection.
Activity Pattern: Primarily nocturnal predators.
Interaction with Humans:
They are not considered aggressive, and bites are rare.
Their venom is not considered dangerous to humans, usually causing only minor irritation, similar to a bee sting.
