Kingdom Animalia Family Pholcidae Genus Smeringopus Order Spider | Class Arachnida Phylum Arthropoda Rank Species | |
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Similar Artema, Artema atlanta, Crossopriza lyoni, Crossopriza, Physocyclus globosus | ||
The pale daddy-long-leg, (Smeringopus pallidus), is a species of spider of the genus Smeringopus. It is a cosmopolitan species found in many countries.
Contents
Description
As in other spiders, male is smaller than female which is 7mm in average length. The species has a cylindrical and elongate abdomen. The purple spots along the dorsal surface if the abdomen is the characteristic feature. There is a dark stripe in the ventral surface of sternum. A synanthropic spiders, it builds irregular cobweb in sheltered areas to capture small insects and other spiders for food. Legs without spines, few vertical hairs can be seen. Female has a simple epigynum without pockets.
Habitat
Usually found in dusty and dark corners of the house. But also can be seen to build the cobweb under covered drains and on mud walls in gardens and countryside. When disturbed, they hang upside down in the web and vibrate themselves so vigorously to confuse the intruder.