Alabama wandering spiders
Ctenus hybernalis
This record describes Ctenus hybernalis (species). Recorded family: Ctenidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Similar to Ctenus exlineae but can be separated by color. |
| Carapace | Carapace dark reddish brown with light medial band. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen with five-lobed light colored folium on dorsal side and on the ventral side a v-shaped mark of light dots converging posteriorly. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Alabama (possibly NM)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Originally described by Hentz (1844) as " Ctenus hybernalis ". Banks (1898) unjustifiably altered to " Ctenus hibernalis ", which was unfortunatly carried forward in the important work on US Ctenus , Peck (1981). As a result, "i" instead of "y" has been inappropriately spread since.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Ctenus hybernalis. 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.
Photos of Alabama wandering spiders (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins , Ray Fisher
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama wandering spiders
What is Alabama wandering spiders?
Alabama wandering spiders (Ctenus hybernalis) is a species in the family Ctenidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Alabama wandering spiders?
Females around 16 mm Males around 14 mm
How do you identify Alabama wandering spiders?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Similar to Ctenus exlineae but can be separated by color. |
| Carapace | Carapace dark reddish brown with light medial band. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen with five-lobed light colored folium on dorsal side and on the ventral side a v-shaped mark of light dots converging posteriorly. |
Where is Alabama wandering spiders found?
Range: Alabama (possibly NM)