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Western Lynx Spider

Oxyopes scalaris

Photo by misako
Published on Project Noah
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38.38, -122.88

Field Notes

Description:

Western Lynx Spider hunting on a landscape plant.
There are several genera and they tend to differ in their habits and adaptations. For example most Oxyopes and Hamataliwa species are small to medium in size; they tend to be drab and especially the latter tend to be ambush hunters in ways resembling the crab spiders (Thomisidae). Some occupy flowers and wait for pollinating insects, whereas others lie in wait on plant stalks or bark. The Peucetia species on the other hand, commonly are larger, vivid green, and rangy; they are active runners and leapers. Oxyopidae in general rely on keen eyesight in stalking, chasing, or ambushing prey, and also in avoiding enemies. Six of their eight eyes are arranged in a hexagon-like pattern, a characteristic that identifies them as members of the family Oxyopidae. The other two eyes are smaller and generally situated in front and below the other six.
Wikipedia

Habitat:

Landscape plant at a suburban house, Sebastopol, CA.

Species ID Suggestions

Western Lynx Spider

Oxyopes scalaris

Comments (3)

Thank you for the confirmation Francis!
Thank you for the ID Karen!
The eye arrangement is wrong for a jumping spider - & most species of spider can jump! Pretty sure this is a lynx!

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