Cuban Long-spinneret Spider
Yabisi habanensis
This record describes Yabisi habanensis (species). Recorded family: Hersiliidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Separation from the other member of this genus (which has been documented to date only from the Dominican Republic) requires examination of the epigynal plates. There is extensive confusion whether Hersiliids in Florida are more likely to be this species, or the recently introduced African species Murricia uva . Photographers who hope to have their observations conclusively identified (without collecting and keying out a specimen) should attempt to photograph the eyes in detail; lateral views are most likely to be useful, though dorsal may work almost as well.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Hersiliidae (Hersiliids)
- Genus
- Yabisi
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Presumably prefers vertical surfaces of tree trunks
Geographic Range
Cuba, Florida Keys. Whether the species is native to Florida, or introduced from Cuba, is undetermined. Reports from Florida north of the Keys remain unconfirmed at this time.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Holotype of the female collected in Mina Carlota, Matanzas, Cuba; species name presumably a reference to Havana? One male collected on Upper Snipe Key, Florida.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Yabisi habanensis. 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 Cuban Long-spinneret Spider (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua Stuart Rose; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Long-spinneret Spider
What is Cuban Long-spinneret Spider?
Cuban Long-spinneret Spider (Yabisi habanensis) is a species in the family Hersiliidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Cuban Long-spinneret Spider?
Total lengths given by Rheims & Brescovit are 3.3 cm for male, 4.5 for female. Carapace width 1.3 and 1.6 respectively.
How do you identify Cuban Long-spinneret Spider?
Separation from the other member of this genus (which has been documented to date only from the Dominican Republic) requires examination of the epigynal plates.
Where is Cuban Long-spinneret Spider found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Presumably prefers vertical surfaces of tree trunks |
| Range | Cuba, Florida Keys. Whether the species is native to Florida, or introduced from Cuba, is undetermined. Reports from Florida north of the Keys remain unconfirmed at this time. |