Phaeocedus braccatus
Local name: fläckmarkspindel
The fläckmarkspindel (Phaeocedus braccatus) is a distinctive ground-dwelling spider characterized by its mottled brown and gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage against forest floor substrates. This medium-sized arachnid plays a crucial role as both predator and prey in woodland ecosystems, helping to control populations of small invertebrates while serving as food for birds and other arthropod predators.
26
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Gnaphosidae
Genus
Phaeocedus
Phaeocedus braccatus belongs to the family Gnaphosidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The fläckmarkspindel (Phaeocedus braccatus) is a distinctive ground-dwelling spider characterized by its mottled brown and gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage against forest floor substrates. This medium-sized arachnid plays a crucial role as both predator and prey in woodland ecosystems, helping to control populations of small invertebrates while serving as food for birds and other arthropod predators.
Phaeocedus braccatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits the leaf litter and upper soil layers of mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favoring areas with dense canopy cover that maintain consistent moisture levels. They are most commonly found in undisturbed forest patches with rich organic matter accumulation and minimal human disturbance.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Phaeocedus braccatus faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change affecting microhabitat conditions
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Collection pressure for scientific specimens
Found in 26 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). Phaeocedus braccatus (Phaeocedus braccatus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/flackmarkspindel