Periegops keani facts for kids

Periegops keani is a species of spider in the genus Periegops that is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand.

Taxonomy

Periegops keani was described in 2013. The species is named after John Kean, who helped collect type specimens.

Description

Like other members of the Periegops genus, P. keani has six eyes. The carapace is a red-orange colour on the anterior end but is orange on the posterior end. The abdomen is creamy brown and has a faint chevron pattern. The first pair of legs are orange brown with light orange ends, the other pairs of legs are yellow brown and darker at the proximal end. Chelicerae are red brown.

Distribution and habitat

Periegops keani occurs in forests with deep leaf litter layers and well drained soil. P. keani is only known from the East Cape and the Alderman Islands of New Zealand.

Behaviour

The species isn't known to build webs for prey capture, but rather web is used as drag lines and to build silk retreats. The related P. suterii is likely a fast moving nocturnal hunter.