In “The Jungle Arachnids: A List of 16 Common Spider Species Found in French Guiana,” readers will discover a fascinating compilation of spider species found in this South American country. While the list is not exhaustive, it showcases 16 of the most common spider species in French Guiana, each with its own unique identifying characteristics. From their intricate webs to their cunning hunting methods, this article explores the behaviors and habitats of these arachnids, shedding light on their diverse adaptations and the role they play in the ecosystem. Furthermore, readers will also find information about the venom and potential bites of certain spider species, making this article an essential read for anyone interested in French Guiana’s vibrant spider population.
1. Introduction
Spiders are fascinating creatures that can be found in various habitats around the world, including French Guiana. With over 50,000 known species of spiders worldwide, it’s no surprise that there is a diverse range of spider species in this region. In this article, we will explore a comprehensive list of 16 common spider species found in French Guiana, categorized into different types based on their behavior and habitat. Each spider species will be described with their identifying characteristics, behavior, habitat, and any notable features such as venom and potential bites. Let’s dive into the world of spiders and discover the wonders of these eight-legged friends!
2. List of Common Spider Species
2.1 Tree Dwelling Spiders
Tree dwelling spiders are a group of spiders that spend their lives in the canopy of trees, using their silk to create intricate webs and catch prey. Two common tree dwelling spider species found in French Guiana are:
2.1.1 Yellow Sac Spider
The Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium inclusum) is a small, pale yellow spider with a slender body. It is known for its ability to build silken sacs or retreats in trees. These sacs serve as shelter and hunting grounds for the spider. The Yellow Sac Spider primarily feeds on insects and can be found in various wooded areas, including forests and gardens.
2.1.1.1 Identifying Characteristics
The Yellow Sac Spider is typically around 0.5 to 0.7 inches long. It has a light yellow or pale greenish-yellow coloration, with a long, slender body. The spider’s legs are often lighter in color than its body. Unlike many other spiders, the Yellow Sac Spider lacks distinct patterns or markings on its body.
2.1.1.2 Behavior and Habitat
As its name suggests, the Yellow Sac Spider is known for creating silk sacs or retreats in trees. These sacs serve as both shelter and hunting grounds. Yellow Sac Spiders are active hunters and do not rely on webs to catch prey. Instead, they actively roam their habitat in search of insects, which make up their primary diet. They can be found in wooded areas, including forests, gardens, and orchards.
2.1.1.3 Venom and Bites
While the Yellow Sac Spider is venomous, it is not considered highly dangerous to humans. Bites from Yellow Sac Spiders can cause mild to moderate symptoms, including redness, swelling, and itching at the bite site. In some cases, bites may cause a more severe reaction or allergic response. If bitten by a Yellow Sac Spider, it is recommended to clean the wound and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms worsen or persist.
2.1.2 Green Lynx Spider
The Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans) is a vibrant green spider species commonly found in trees and shrubs. The striking coloration of the Green Lynx Spider allows it to blend in with its environment, making it an effective ambush predator. This spider species is known for its ability to leap onto its prey and capture it with its strong forelegs.
2.1.2.1 Identifying Characteristics
The Green Lynx Spider is a medium-sized spider, with adult females measuring around 0.6 inches in body length. The spider’s body is predominantly green, although coloration may vary slightly between individuals and within different environments. The Green Lynx Spider has long, spiny legs and distinct yellow or white markings on its body.
2.1.2.2 Behavior and Habitat
The Green Lynx Spider is an ambush predator, relying on its excellent camouflage and leaping ability to capture prey. It can be found in trees, shrubs, and gardens, where it patiently waits for insects to come within striking distance. Once prey is detected, the Green Lynx Spider leaps onto it, immobilizes it with its strong forelegs, and injects venom into its prey to subdue it.
2.1.2.3 Venom and Bites
The venom of the Green Lynx Spider is not considered dangerous to humans. It is primarily designed to subdue and immobilize its insect prey. Bites from the Green Lynx Spider are rare and typically only occur if humans come into close contact with the spider, such as when handling it. If bitten, symptoms may include localized pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site. It is recommended to clean the wound and seek medical attention if severe symptoms develop.
2.2 Ground Dwelling Spiders
Ground dwelling spiders are a group of spiders that inhabit the ground and create burrows or retreats to live in. They are often well-adapted for hunting on the ground and have unique characteristics that enable them to catch prey effectively. Two common ground dwelling spider species found in French Guiana are:
2.2.1 Brazilian Wandering Spider
The Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria) is a highly venomous spider species known for its wandering behavior and potent neurotoxic venom. These spiders are often found on the ground, especially in tropical rainforests, and are known for their aggressive nature.
2.2.1.1 Identifying Characteristics
The Brazilian Wandering Spider is a large spider, with body lengths measuring up to several inches. Their bodies are typically brown, with distinctive markings and patterns on their legs, abdomen, and cephalothorax. The male Brazilian Wandering Spider is known for its enlarged pedipalps, which are specialized for mating.
2.2.1.2 Behavior and Habitat
As their name suggests, Brazilian Wandering Spiders are known for their wandering behavior. They do not build permanent webs like many other spider species. Instead, they actively roam the ground and foliage in search of prey. They are highly versatile hunters and have been observed preying on insects, small vertebrates, and even other spiders. Brazilian Wandering Spiders are primarily found in tropical rainforests and other wooded areas in French Guiana.
2.2.1.3 Venom and Bites
The venom of the Brazilian Wandering Spider is considered one of the most potent among spider species. It contains neurotoxins that can cause severe symptoms in humans, including pain, sweating, elevated heart rate, and in rare cases, paralysis or death. Bites from Brazilian Wandering Spiders are rare, and they typically only occur when humans come into close contact with the spider. If bitten, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, as antivenom may be required to treat the symptoms.
2.2.2 Brown Recluse Spider
The Brown Recluse Spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is a secretive spider species known for its reclusive behavior. It is commonly found in the ground or in undisturbed places such as cluttered basements or attics. The Brown Recluse Spider is known for its venomous bite, which can cause severe tissue damage in some individuals.
2.2.2.1 Identifying Characteristics
The Brown Recluse Spider is a small to medium-sized spider, typically measuring around 0.5 inches in body length. It has a light to medium brown coloration, with a distinct violin-shaped marking on its back. This marking is a key identifying characteristic of the Brown Recluse Spider.
2.2.2.2 Behavior and Habitat
As their name suggests, Brown Recluse Spiders are reclusive by nature and prefer to hide in undisturbed areas. They are often found in cluttered basements, attics, and other areas where they can build their irregular webs. Brown Recluse Spiders are not aggressive and typically only bite if they feel threatened or trapped.
2.2.2.3 Venom and Bites
The venom of the Brown Recluse Spider contains a cytotoxin that can cause tissue necrosis and severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Bites from Brown Recluse Spiders can initially be painless, but they may develop into a red, swollen sore that can progress to an open ulcer. It is important to seek medical attention if bitten by a Brown Recluse Spider, as treatment may be required to prevent further tissue damage.
2.3 Web-building Spiders
Web-building spiders are a group of spiders that construct intricate webs to catch their prey. The webs vary in design and complexity, depending on the spider species and its hunting methods. Two common web-building spider species found in French Guiana are:
2.3.1 Golden Silk Orb Weaver
The Golden Silk Orb Weaver (Nephila clavipes) is a large and colorful spider species known for its impressive web-building abilities. The webs of Golden Silk Orb Weavers are iconic, characterized by their golden color and the strength of their silk.
2.3.1.1 Identifying Characteristics
The Golden Silk Orb Weaver is a large spider, with females measuring up to 2 inches in body length. Their bodies are typically a combination of black, brown, and yellow, with distinct patterns and markings. The females are significantly larger than the males, and their webs can span several feet in diameter.
2.3.1.2 Behavior and Habitat
Golden Silk Orb Weavers are highly skilled at building their large, circular webs. These webs are made with exceptionally strong silk, often appearing golden in color in the sunlight. The intricate design of their webs allows them to capture flying insects, which make up the majority of their diet. Golden Silk Orb Weavers are commonly found in wooded areas, including forests, gardens, and meadows.
2.3.1.3 Venom and Bites
While the venom of the Golden Silk Orb Weaver is not considered highly dangerous to humans, they can deliver a painful bite if provoked or handled. Bites from these spiders may cause localized pain, redness, and swelling. If bitten, it is recommended to clean the wound and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Seeking medical attention is advised if severe symptoms develop or persist.
2.3.2 Garden Orb Weaver
The Garden Orb Weaver (Araneus diadematus) is a common spider species known for its classic orb-shaped web. The Garden Orb Weaver is widespread and can be found in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, and forest edges.
2.3.2.1 Identifying Characteristics
The Garden Orb Weaver has a distinctive appearance, with a round abdomen marked with various patterns, including the iconic cross or diadem shape. Females typically range in size from 0.3 to 0.5 inches in body length.
2.3.2.2 Behavior and Habitat
Garden Orb Weavers are adept at building large, circular webs that they use to capture flying insects. These spiders are often found in gardens, meadows, and forest edges. The Garden Orb Weaver actively maintains and repairs its web regularly, ensuring that it remains in optimal condition for catching prey.
2.3.2.3 Venom and Bites
The venom of the Garden Orb Weaver is not considered harmful to humans and their bites are rare. If bitten, the symptoms are typically mild and similar to that of a bee or wasp sting, including localized pain, swelling, and redness. It is advised to clean the wound and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling.
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