Chilean Tiger Spider
Scytodes globula
This record describes Scytodes globula (species). Recorded family: Scytodidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
WSC Often found with Metaltella simoni and Kukulcania hibernalis . Excerpt from Nicolet description: A primera vista puede creerse que esta especie es un Segador, à causa de lo desmesurado de sus patas. - At first glance, it can be believed that this species is a Reaper, because of the excess of its legs.
Identification notes
WSC
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
Terrestrial. Builds webs and forages in leaf litter, under bark, branches, rocks, garbage/junk, and other debris. Found in undisturbed man made structures such as small pump houses and meter boxes.
Geographic Range
South America, introduced in southeastern United States.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Insects, other spiders.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: No explanation from Nicolet, but globula is from the Latin word globulus - a little ball, or globule. He may have been referring to the shape of a well fed immature, or well fed adult female.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Scytodes globula. 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 Chilean Tiger Spider (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Chilean Tiger Spider
What is Chilean Tiger Spider?
Chilean Tiger Spider (Scytodes globula) is a species in the family Scytodidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Chilean Tiger Spider?
WSC
Where is Chilean Tiger Spider found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Terrestrial. Builds webs and forages in leaf litter, under bark, branches, rocks, garbage/junk, and other debris. Found in undisturbed man made structures such as small pump houses and meter boxes. |
| Range | South America, introduced in southeastern United States. |
What does Chilean Tiger Spider eat?
The diet of the Chilean Tiger Spider includes Insects, other spiders..