Spelungula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spelungula |
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| Nelson cave spider, Oparara basin, Karamea, New Zealand | |
| Scientific classification |
The Nelson cave spider (scientific name: Spelungula cavernicola) is a special type of spider. It's the only species in its group, called Spelungula. This spider lives only in caves. You can find it in the northwestern part of New Zealand's South Island. Scientists Raymond Robert Forster, Norman I. Platnick, and Michael R. Gray first described it in 1987. It belongs to a family of spiders known as large-clawed spiders.
What's in a Name?
The name Spelungula comes from the Latin word "spelunca." This word means "cave." The species name, cavernicola, also means "cave dweller." Both names tell us that this spider loves living in caves.
About the Nelson Cave Spider
The Nelson cave spider is the biggest known spider in New Zealand. Its legs can spread out up to 13 to 15 centimeters (about 5 to 6 inches). Its body is about 2.4 centimeters (almost an inch) long. This spider mainly eats cave weta. Cave weta are large, cricket-like insects also found in caves.
Protecting This Spider
The Nelson cave spider is very special. It is one of the few spider species in New Zealand that is legally protected. This protection comes from the Wildlife Act 1953. It means people cannot harm or disturb these spiders. The spider is listed as "Range Restricted" in the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This means it lives in a small area, but its population is currently stable.
See also
In Spanish: Spelungula para niños
