AraneaeZoropsidae – False Wolf Spiders & Wandering Spiders

Anachemmis sober

This record describes Anachemmis sober (species). Recorded family: Zoropsidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Anachemmis sober - Anachemmis sober
Contributed by Mandy Howe

Carapace light brown, with darker triangular markings radiating from thoracic groove to intercoxal areas; abdomen mottled brownish gray; femora light brown, more distal leg segments grading to dark reddish brown on metatarsi and tarsi. Both genders closely resemble A. linsdalei but can be distinguished by genitalia. Voucher Male: This species might be very common: from a single June day’s collection, at Tanbark Flats, Los Angeles County, 95 males and 130 females were collected.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae (Spiders)
Family
Zoropsidae (False Wolf Spiders & Wandering Spiders)
Genus
Anachemmis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Occurs in forests, primarily oak but also coniferous, at elevations from 70 to 2000 m. Specimens have been found beneath rocks, logs, and other ground litter, in and on leaf litter, on tree trunks, in a cave entrance, and in human structures, such as houses, culverts, and a flume.

Geographic Range

Southern California.

Seasonal Activity

Adults of both sexes occur year round, with females being more commonly collected, and a peak abundance from May to August.

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Anachemmis sober. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.

Ecological role of the group

Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.

Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Anachemmis sober (2)

Anachemmis sober - photo 1
Contributed by Mandy Howe
Anachemmis sober - photo 2
Contributed by Mandy Howe

Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe

Frequently Asked Questions About Anachemmis sober

What is Anachemmis sober?

Anachemmis sober is a species in the family Zoropsidae, within the order Araneae.

How big is Anachemmis sober?

Body length of adults usually 7-11 millimeters.

How do you identify Anachemmis sober?

Carapace light brown, with darker triangular markings radiating from thoracic groove to intercoxal areas; abdomen mottled brownish gray; femora light brown, more distal leg segments grading to dark reddish brown on metatarsi and tarsi. Both genders closely resemble A. linsdalei but can be distinguished by genitalia. Voucher Male:

Where is Anachemmis sober found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatOccurs in forests, primarily oak but also coniferous, at elevations from 70 to 2000 m. Specimens have been found beneath rocks, logs, and other ground litter, in and on leaf litter, on tree trunks, in a cave entrance, and in human structures, such as houses, culverts, and a flume.
RangeSouthern California.
When is Anachemmis sober active?

Anachemmis sober: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes occur year round, with females being more commonly collected, and a peak abundance from May to August..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.