donkere stekelpoot
Zora nemoralis
The donkere stekelpoot (Zora nemoralis) is a medium-sized wolf spider characterized by its distinctive dark coloration and prominent spiny legs that give it its common name. This nocturnal predator plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by controlling populations of small arthropods and insects through active hunting rather than web-building.
30
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Kamil Hurna, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kamil Hurna
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Miturgidae
Genus
Zora
donkere stekelpoot belongs to the family Miturgidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The donkere stekelpoot (Zora nemoralis) is a medium-sized wolf spider characterized by its distinctive dark coloration and prominent spiny legs that give it its common name. This nocturnal predator plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by controlling populations of small arthropods and insects through active hunting rather than web-building.
Zora nemoralis faces significant pressure from habitat fragmentation and degradation of forest ecosystems across its range. Urban development and agricultural expansion have reduced the availability of suitable woodland habitats, while climate change may be altering the microclimatic conditions this species requires for successful reproduction and prey availability.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, and well-vegetated gardens with dense understory vegetation. It typically occurs in areas with abundant leaf litter and fallen logs that provide shelter and hunting grounds for small arthropod prey.
Threats
Forest degradation and deforestation
Habitat fragmentation from urban development
Agricultural expansion reducing woodland cover
Climate change affecting microhabitat conditions
Pesticide use reducing prey availability
Found in 30 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). donkere stekelpoot (Zora nemoralis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/donkere-stekelpoot