Neotama mexicana
This record describes Neotama mexicana (species). Recorded family: Hersiliidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Their posterior spinnerets are as long as the abdomen. Also, the legs of the third pair are dramatically shorter than any of the other six. When an insect approaches the waiting spider, the spider jumps over the prey. The spider then spreads silk by rapidly running in circles with the spinnerets toward the prey. When the prey is completely wrapped, it is bitten and eaten. They are amazingly fast. No snare is built.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Hersiliidae (Hersiliids)
- Genus
- Neotama
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Perch head down on tree trucks or stone walls
Geographic Range
Cameron and Hidalgo Counties of southmost Texas, south to S. Amer.
Seasonal Activity
Active at night
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neotama mexicana (O. Pickard-Cambridge)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Neotama mexicana. 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 Neotama mexicana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by Jeff Hollenbeck , cheins , Joshua Stuart Rose , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Neotama mexicana
What is Neotama mexicana?
Neotama mexicana is a species in the family Hersiliidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Neotama mexicana?
BL 6-10mm 12 mm
How do you identify Neotama mexicana?
Their posterior spinnerets are as long as the abdomen. Also, the legs of the third pair are dramatically shorter than any of the other six.
Where is Neotama mexicana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Perch head down on tree trucks or stone walls |
| Range | Cameron and Hidalgo Counties of southmost Texas, south to S. Amer. |
When is Neotama mexicana active?
Neotama mexicana: seasonal activity - Active at night.