Tricorn cone spider
| Tricorn cone spider | ||||||||||||
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C. oculata , female in the net |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Cyclosa oculata | ||||||||||||
| ( Walckenaer , 1802) |
The tricorn cone spider ( Cyclosa oculata ) is a type of weaving spider within the family of the real orb web spiders (Araneidae).
description
Cyclosa oculata has an inconspicuous coloring. The prosoma is dark brown to black; the sternum has occasional bright spots. The opisthosoma (abdomen) has a dark red-brown to black basic color with light, dorsal spots. It is extended posteriorly (back) by three pointed processes beyond the spinnerets and has two more cusps anterior (front, dorsal). Adult specimens can mainly be found in the months of May and June.
Gender dimorphism:
- Males: A body length of about 4 mm is achieved. The pedipalp shows a rectangular, curved, distal apophysis (process with a long tip). Another, median apophysis with two distal prongs. The embolus is long and strong.
- Females: The body length is 5 to 6 mm. The epigyne is characterized by a long, conspicuously curved scapus .
distribution and habitat
Within Europe, the species is distributed eastward to Russia, southward to Italy, parts of the Balkans and Greece and northward to Denmark and the Baltic states. Outside Europe, the distribution area extends over the Caucasus, Russia and Central Asia to China. The habitats are represented by sunny, dry wasteland and sandy biotopes and are mainly found in warm areas.
Way of life
Cyclosa oculata creates its cycle net close to the ground, often in heather stands ( Erica , Calluna ). The network has around 30 radii. It has a distinctive central, vertical stabiliment, which is hung with the remains of the prey. The central scar remains free. The spider remains there, well camouflaged, waiting for prey. The egg cocoon is also attached to the stabiliment, which distinguishes Cyclosa oculata from other Cyclosa species. One or more brownish cocoons are created that are approximately 5 mm long and 2.5 mm wide. The eggs are ocher in color and are protected within the cocoon by brownish silk.
Under test conditions, it was shown that Cyclosa oculata does not dismantle the safety net in situations such as the imminent molt or weather- related , and instead creates a rudimentary wheel net in order to remain in its center.
Danger
Cyclosa oculata is rarely found in general. The species is listed on the Red List of Endangered Species in the Czech Republic (endangered), Germany (not endangered; moderately frequent, stable populations), Slovakia (rare) and parts of Poland. Within Germany, the species is presumably endangered in Brandenburg, rarely but not endangered in Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia, endangered in Saxony, very endangered in Saxony-Anhalt and extremely rarely in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Systematics
The taxon was established in 1802 under the name Aranea oculata by Charles Athanase Walckenaer (Walckenaer, CA (1802): Faune parisienne; Insectes; ou Histoire abrégée des insectes de environs de Paris . Paris 2, 187-250.). Important synonyms are:
- Epeira oculata Walckenaer , 1805
- Epeira oculata Walckenaer , 1841
- Cyrtophora oculata Simon , 1864
- Singa oculata L. Koch , 1870
- Singa tuberculata Reinhard , 1874
- Cyrtophora oculata Bösenberg , 1901
literature
- Bellmann, Heiko (1997): The arachnids of Europe . Stuttgart: Franckh-Kosmos Verlag
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d araneae - Spiders of Europe: Cyclosa oculata (accessed February 9, 2020)
- ↑ a b c d e Wiki of the Arachnological Society: Cyclosa oculata (accessed on February 9, 2020)
- ↑ World Spider Cataloge: Cyclosa oculata (accessed February 9, 2020)
