Callilepis noctambule
Callilepis nocturna
Callilepis noctambule is a nocturnal ground spider characterized by its dark, glossy carapace and robust build adapted for hunting prey on the forest floor. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator of small arthropods and prey for larger nocturnal hunters, helping maintain arthropod community balance in its ecosystem.
28
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Raoul Gerend, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Raoul Gerend
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Gnaphosidae
Genus
Callilepis
Callilepis noctambule belongs to the family Gnaphosidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
Callilepis noctambule is a nocturnal ground spider characterized by its dark, glossy carapace and robust build adapted for hunting prey on the forest floor. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator of small arthropods and prey for larger nocturnal hunters, helping maintain arthropod community balance in its ecosystem.
Callilepis nocturna faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion and urbanization across its range. The species' specialized nocturnal hunting behavior and specific habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and fragmentation of suitable ecosystems.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This nocturnal spider species inhabits dry grasslands, scrublands, and open woodland areas with sparse vegetation cover. It typically occurs in areas with loose soil or sandy substrates where it can construct its ground-dwelling retreats.
Threats
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change altering suitable habitat
Habitat fragmentation
Pesticide use reducing prey availability
Found in 28 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Callilepis noctambule (Callilepis nocturna). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/callilepis-noctambule