Black purse-web spider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black purse-web spider |
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| Sphodros niger, an adult male | |
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Atypus niger |
The Sphodros niger, also known as the black purse-web spider, is a fascinating spider found in the Eastern United States. It's a type of mygalomorph spider, which means it belongs to an ancient group of spiders that have fangs pointing straight down, unlike most spiders whose fangs cross. This spider is considered a "special concern species" in Connecticut, meaning it needs extra protection to help its population thrive.
About the Black Purse-Web Spider
What Does It Look Like?
Male black purse-web spiders are about 11 millimeters (less than half an inch) long. When their legs are stretched out, they can reach about 29 millimeters (just over an inch). Their bodies are black, and their legs are a chocolate-brown color.
It's interesting to know that even though scientists first described this spider in 1842, they didn't describe the female until 1980! This is because male spiders often wander around looking for mates. Female spiders, however, usually stay hidden inside their silk tubes, making them much harder to find.
Why Is It Called "Black Purse-Web"?
The name niger comes from Latin and simply means "black," which describes the spider's main body color. The "purse-web" part of its name refers to the unique silk tube, or "purse," that these spiders build. They live inside this tube, which often looks like a long, silken sock partly buried in the ground or hidden against a tree.
