groene spoorspin
Cheiracanthium virescens
The groene spoorspin (Cheiracanthium virescens) is a small, pale green spider with translucent legs that belongs to the sac spider family. This nocturnal hunter constructs silken retreats in vegetation during the day and actively hunts small insects and other arthropods at night.
25
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Cheiracanthiidae
Genus
Cheiracanthium
groene spoorspin belongs to the family Cheiracanthiidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The groene spoorspin (Cheiracanthium virescens) is a small, pale green spider with translucent legs that belongs to the sac spider family. This nocturnal hunter constructs silken retreats in vegetation during the day and actively hunts small insects and other arthropods at night. As a predator of various pest insects, it plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance in its habitat.
The groene spoorspin (Cheiracanthium virescens) is declining primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural intensification and urban development. Climate change and pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten remaining populations of this specialized spider species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The groene spoorspin inhabits tall grasslands, meadows, and the herbaceous understory of woodland edges, particularly favoring areas with dense vegetation that provides adequate shelter for web construction. It shows a preference for semi-natural grasslands and extensively managed agricultural areas with diverse plant communities.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The groene spoorspin (Cheiracanthium virescens) is declining primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural intensification and urban development. Climate change and pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten remaining populations of this specialized spider species.
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change affecting suitable habitat
Habitat fragmentation reducing population connectivity
Pesticide use in agricultural landscapes
Found in 25 Countries
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
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). groene spoorspin (Cheiracanthium virescens). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/groene-spoorspin