Cotton's Amazon Spider
Glyphesis cottonae
Overview
Cotton's Amazon Spider (Glyphesis cottonae) is a large orb-weaver spider endemic to the upper Amazon Basin, characterized by its distinctive golden-brown carapace with intricate silver markings and leg span reaching up to 8 centimeters. This nocturnal predator constructs elaborate webs in the forest canopy, playing a crucial role in controlling flying insect populations and serving as prey for various birds and small mammals.
Cotton's Amazon Spider faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat fragmentation in its limited range within the Amazon rainforest. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction from agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development.
Habitat
Cotton's Amazon Spider inhabits the upper canopy of primary rainforest between 15-25 meters above ground, specifically favoring areas with dense epiphyte coverage and consistent moisture levels. The species shows strong preference for forest gaps and edges where increased light penetration supports higher insect diversity.
Other threatened species in Linyphiidae
Threatened in Belgium
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cotton's Amazon Spider classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Cotton's Amazon Spider live?
What are the main threats to Cotton's Amazon Spider?
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