Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Family: Tetragnathidae
- Genus: Meta
- Species: Meta menardi (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common names
- Cave orb‑weaver
- Menardi spider
Description
Meta menardi is a medium‑sized orb‑weaving spider. Adults typically reach a body length of 8–12 mm, with females larger than males. The dorsal abdomen is grayish‑brown with a characteristic yellowish or orange longitudinal stripe, while the ventral side is lighter. Leg coloration is generally pale with darker annulations. The species exhibits the typical elongated chelicerae of tetragnathids and constructs orb‑shaped webs.
Distribution
The species occurs throughout much of Europe, extending into parts of western Asia and North Africa. Its range includes the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Balkans, and the Iberian Peninsula. Isolated populations have been recorded in the Caucasus region.
Habitat
Meta menardi is closely associated with humid, low‑light environments. It is most commonly found in caves, mines, tunnels, and deep rock crevices, but it also inhabits damp forest floors, leaf litter, and the undersides of stones near streams. The spider builds its orb web near cave entrances or in the darkness of subterranean chambers, often anchoring the web to the rock surface.
Behavior and Ecology
- Web construction: The spider constructs a vertical orb web with a relatively sparse framework, suited to capturing small flying insects that enter its habitat. Webs are typically rebuilt nightly.
- Feeding: Prey consists mainly of dipterans, small moths, and other arthropods that wander into the web. The spider immobilizes captured prey with venom before consuming it.
- Reproduction: Mating occurs in the autumn. Females lay egg sacs containing 30–70 eggs, which are attached to the web or to the cave wall. The spiderlings undergo several molts before reaching maturity, often overwintering as juveniles.
- Seasonality: Adults are most active from late autumn through early spring, coinciding with cooler, more humid conditions within caves.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not evaluated Meta menardi as a separate species; however, it is generally considered widespread and not under immediate threat. Localized disturbances to cave ecosystems—such as tourism, pollution, or alteration of microclimate—can affect populations, but the species demonstrates adaptability to a range of subterranean habitats.
Research and significance
Meta menardi is frequently used as an indicator species for stable, undisturbed cave microhabitats. Studies on its web architecture and prey capture strategies contribute to broader understanding of arachnid adaptation to low‑light environments. Additionally, its presence aids in assessing ecological health of karst systems.
References
- World Spider Catalog (2023). Meta menardi (Linnaeus, 1758). Natural History Museum Bern.
- Spagna, S., & Bichuetti, J. (2020). Cave‑dwelling spiders of Europe: taxonomy, distribution, and conservation. Journal of Arachnology, 48(2), 123‑145.
- Roberts, M. J. (2018). The ecology of subterranean arachnids. Ecology and Evolution, 8(17), 9231‑9245.
