Ladybird spiders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eresus |
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| male E. kollari | |
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Eresidae
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Eresus
Walckenaer, 1805
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please see list with 7 common ones |
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| ca. 20 species | |
The Eresus or Ladybird spider is a type of velvet spider with spots on its back resembling a ladybug. These unique spiders are known for their bright colors, especially the males. They belong to a group of spiders called Eresidae, often called velvet spiders.
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What are Ladybird Spiders?
Ladybird spiders are quite special. They get their name because the male spiders often have bright red bodies with black spots. This makes them look a lot like ladybugs! The females, however, are usually less colorful. They are often black or brown.
These spiders are part of the Eresus genus. There are about 20 different kinds, or species, of Eresus spiders. They are found in many parts of the world. This includes Europe, Asia, and even parts of Africa.
Their Unique Look
Male Ladybird spiders are usually small. They are often about 6 to 11 millimeters long. Their bright colors are a warning to predators. It tells them, "I might not taste good!"
Female Ladybird spiders are larger. They can grow up to 15 millimeters in length. They are typically black or dark brown. They do not have the bright red and black spots like the males. This helps them blend in with their surroundings.
Where Ladybird Spiders Live
Ladybird spiders build their homes in different places. They often live in sandy areas or dry grasslands. You might find them in sunny spots. They like places where they can dig burrows.
Their Homes: Silk Burrows
These spiders are known for building special homes. They dig a burrow in the ground. Then, they line the burrow with a thick layer of silk. This silk makes their home strong and safe.
The silk also helps them catch food. They spread silk threads around the entrance of their burrow. These threads act like tripwires. When an insect walks over them, the spider feels the vibrations. Then, it quickly rushes out to catch its meal.
What Ladybird Spiders Eat
Ladybird spiders are predators. This means they hunt other small creatures for food. Their main diet consists of insects.
Hunting for Food
They mostly eat beetles. They also catch other insects that walk near their silk traps. Once an insect touches the silk, the spider quickly grabs it. They use their strong jaws to hold onto their prey.
Life Cycle of the Ladybird Spider
The life cycle of a Ladybird spider is very interesting. It involves different stages of growth.
Reproduction and Young Spiders
After mating, the female spider lays her eggs. She keeps them safe inside her silk-lined burrow. She guards them carefully until they hatch.
Once the baby spiders, called spiderlings, hatch, they stay with their mother for a while. She continues to protect them. Eventually, the spiderlings leave the burrow. They then start to build their own homes and hunt for food.
Species of Eresus Spiders
There are many different types of Eresus spiders. Here are some of the well-known species:
- Eresus kollari Rossi, 1846 — Found from Europe to Central Asia.
- Eresus moravicus Řezáč, 2008 — Lives in Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
- Eresus robustus Franganillo, 1918 — Found in Spain.
- Eresus rotundiceps Simon, 1873 — Lives in Ukraine and Turkmenistan.
- Eresus ruficapillus C. L. Koch, 1846 — Found in Sicily and Croatia.
- Eresus sandaliatus (Martini & Goeze, 1778) — Lives in Northern Europe.
- Eresus walckenaeri Brullé, 1832 — Found in the Mediterranean region.
See also
In Spanish: Eresus para niños
