Selenops

Selenops is a genus of huntsman spiders, belonging to the family Selenopidae. These spiders are sometimes referred to as flatties, moon-eyed spiders, or wall crabs due to their flattened body shape and sideways walking ability. Selenops spiders are distributed worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.

Characteristics:

• Appearance: Selenops spiders are characterized by their flattened bodies, which allow them to squeeze into narrow crevices. Their legs are laterigrade, meaning they extend outwards from the sides of their body, enabling them to move quickly sideways. Their color ranges from mottled brown and grey to reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against bark, rocks, and walls. They often have distinctive eye arrangements.

• Size: The size of Selenops spiders varies depending on the species, but they generally range from 1 to 3 centimeters in body length. Leg span can be significantly larger, reaching up to 10 centimeters in some species.

• Habitat: Selenops spiders are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and human-modified environments such as buildings and gardens. They prefer sheltered locations such as under rocks, bark, and loose debris.

• Behavior: Selenops spiders are nocturnal hunters, actively seeking out prey at night. They are ambush predators, relying on their speed and camouflage to capture insects and other small invertebrates. They do not build webs to capture prey; instead, they run down their victims. They are known for their agility and speed.

• Venom: While Selenops spiders possess venom, it is generally not considered medically significant to humans. Bites may cause localized pain and swelling, but serious systemic effects are rare.

• Taxonomy: The genus Selenops is the most diverse within the Selenopidae family. The classification of species within the genus is an ongoing area of research.

Ecological Importance:

Selenops spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations in their respective ecosystems. As predators of insects and other invertebrates, they help to maintain ecological balance.

Conservation Status:

The conservation status of most Selenops species is currently not assessed. However, due to their wide distribution and adaptability, they are not generally considered to be threatened.