1-7-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FUNNEL WEAVER SPIDER (Genus Textrix)

Textrix is a genus of funnel-web weavers (family Agelenidae) first described by Swedish zoologist Carl Jakob Sundevall in 1833. These spiders are native primarily to Europe and the Mediterranean basin, though one isolated species is found in Ethiopia.

👁️ Key Characteristics & Identification

While Textrix species construct typical sheet or funnel-like webs in crevices, they are frequently spotted active in daytime sun, causing them to be easily mistaken for wolf spiders (Lycosidae). They can be accurately identified by two distinct features:

• Distinctive Spinnerets: They possess exceptionally long, segmented posterior spinners that project clearly from the rear of the abdomen.

• Eye Arrangement: Their eyes are arranged in a strongly curved back row, with the middle eyes notably larger than the side eyes.

• Appearance: They are small spiders (typically 5–8 mm) featuring a narrow head distinct from the thorax, and are covered in patterned bands of dark pigment and light, silky white hairs.