Scytodes atlacoya
This record describes Scytodes atlacoya (species). Recorded family: Scytodidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palpal organ - Zepp comment Color ranges from light orange or tan to dark grey or brown, with contrasting markings. Typical light to dark marking and color variations: Other variations: Builds webs similar to Latrodectus . Wraps prey after capture. Mature females often cohabitate with one or more males, and offspring may remain in parent web for several instars. Despite social behavior, cannibalism does occur, often between battling males.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Scytodidae (Spitting Spiders)
- Genus
- Scytodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Synanthropic, may occur in undisturbed natural habitats in US range as well. Webs primarily above ground, underside of tables, chairs, awnings, rooftops, etc. Often found in old, abandoned webs of Latrodectus geometricus and Kukulcania hibernalis . Sympatric with L. geometricus , K. hibernalis , and likely other synanthropic spiders throughout its range.
Geographic Range
TX and southern OK, through the Gulf states and north to VA. Apparently introduced.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Insects and spiders, including conspecifics.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: From original description: "The specific name is a noun in apposition taken from Aztec mythology. Atlacoya is believed to be the goddess of drought."
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Scytodes atlacoya. 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 Scytodes atlacoya (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Jeff Hollenbeck
Frequently Asked Questions About Scytodes atlacoya
What is Scytodes atlacoya?
Scytodes atlacoya is a species in the family Scytodidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Scytodes atlacoya?
Palpal organ - Zepp comment Color ranges from light orange or tan to dark grey or brown, with contrasting markings. Typical light to dark marking and color variations: Other variations:
Where is Scytodes atlacoya found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Synanthropic, may occur in undisturbed natural habitats in US range as well. Webs primarily above ground, underside of tables, chairs, awnings, rooftops, etc. Often found in old, abandoned webs of Latrodectus geometricus and Kukulcania hibernalis . Sympatric with L. geometricus , K. hibernalis , and likely other synanthropic spiders throughout its range. |
| Range | TX and southern OK, through the Gulf states and north to VA. Apparently introduced. |
What does Scytodes atlacoya eat?
The diet of the Scytodes atlacoya includes Insects and spiders, including conspecifics..