Golden Lantern-spider
Agroeca cuprea
The Golden Lantern-spider (Agroeca cuprea) is a small ground-dwelling spider characterized by its distinctive coppery-golden metallic sheen that gives it its common name. This nocturnal hunter plays a crucial role in controlling small invertebrate populations in its ecosystem, actively pursuing prey rather than building webs.
27
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Liocranidae
Genus
Agroeca
Golden Lantern-spider belongs to the family Liocranidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The Golden Lantern-spider (Agroeca cuprea) is a small ground-dwelling spider characterized by its distinctive coppery-golden metallic sheen that gives it its common name. This nocturnal hunter plays a crucial role in controlling small invertebrate populations in its ecosystem, actively pursuing prey rather than building webs.
The Golden Lantern-spider (Agroeca cuprea) faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. Climate change and pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten the remaining populations of this specialized spider species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Golden Lantern-spiders inhabit areas with loose, well-drained soils beneath low vegetation, particularly favoring the edges of woodlands and scrublands where leaf litter accumulates. They construct silk-lined retreats in small crevices or under stones in areas that maintain consistent moisture levels but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Golden Lantern-spider (Agroeca cuprea) faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. Climate change and pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten the remaining populations of this specialized spider species.
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Small population size and limited range
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change altering microhabitat conditions
Pesticide use in agricultural landscapes
Found in 27 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). Golden Lantern-spider (Agroeca cuprea). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/golden-lantern-spider