elvebreddvergedderkopp
Caviphantes saxetorum
The elvebreddvergedderkopp (Caviphantes saxetorum) is a small sheet weaver spider endemic to rocky crevices and cliff faces in Scandinavian regions. This diminutive arachnid constructs delicate horizontal webs between rock formations and displays a distinctive pale coloration with darker markings that provide excellent camouflage against lichen-covered stone surfaces.
9
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Linyphiidae
Genus
Caviphantes
elvebreddvergedderkopp belongs to the family Linyphiidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The elvebreddvergedderkopp (Caviphantes saxetorum) is a small sheet weaver spider endemic to rocky crevices and cliff faces in Scandinavian regions. This diminutive arachnid constructs delicate horizontal webs between rock formations and displays a distinctive pale coloration with darker markings that provide excellent camouflage against lichen-covered stone surfaces. As a specialized predator of small flying insects in alpine and subalpine environments, it plays a crucial role in controlling midge and small fly populations in these harsh ecosystems.
Climate change poses the primary threat to this species as warming temperatures alter the microclimate conditions within its specialized rocky habitat refugia. Additionally, increased recreational climbing and tourism in Scandinavian mountain regions leads to direct disturbance of web structures and potential trampling of critical breeding sites in accessible cliff areas.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species exclusively inhabits narrow crevices and overhanging ledges on limestone and granite cliff faces at elevations between 800-1,400 meters in Norway and Sweden. The spiders require specific microclimatic conditions found in partially shaded rock fissures that maintain consistent humidity levels and protection from extreme weather while providing adequate prey corridors.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Climate change poses the primary threat to this species as warming temperatures alter the microclimate conditions within its specialized rocky habitat refugia. Additionally, increased recreational climbing and tourism in Scandinavian mountain regions leads to direct disturbance of web structures and potential trampling of critical breeding sites in accessible cliff areas.
Detailed threat classification data is sourced from IUCN assessments as they become available.
Found in 9 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). elvebreddvergedderkopp (Caviphantes saxetorum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/elvebreddvergedderkopp