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Labyrinth spider
Agelena labyrinthica
52.2524, 6.14007
Field Notes
Description:
Funnel-web spiders typically range in size from 8–12 millimetres for males and 10–14 mm for females. Agelena labyrinthica, however, has a body length of up to 18 mm. The abdomen is dark with a pale central band flanked by white chevron marks. The cephalothorax is yellow-brown and bears two, broad longitudinal stripes positioned towards the front of the spider. Common to all spiders in the family Agelenidae, is the prominent pair of two segmented posterior spinnerets. However, in Agelena labyrinthica these segmented spinnerets are further elongated, with the second segment being almost twice the length of the basal segment. Another morphological feature of Agelena labyrinthica is the spider's venom apparatus. Showing many similarities with the species Loxosceles intermadia, the venom glands of Agelena labyrinthica generally consists of paired structures located in the spider's abdomen. These paired structures interact with two ducts that lead into the spider's fangs. The venom glands of Agelena labyrinthica are considered to be relatively large, and extend out of the chelicerae to reach the middle of the abdomen. The venom glands are also unique in that they are long and tubular and are surrounded by a layer of muscles that encircle the glands.
Habitat:
Agelena labyrinthica build flat plate surface webs connected to funnel-shaped retreats similar to labyrinths, which are typically constructed between low lying grass and vegetation. These webs can be at ground level, or up to 1.5 metres from the ground, however, the majority are found approximately 60 centimetres off of the ground. These spiders are fairly common in Europe and Central Europe, and are typically concentrated in areas near forests and low lying vegetation, as well as in dry grasslands.
Notes:
Spotted in rural area of Deventer, Holland.
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