grote piraat
Pirata piscatorius
Pirata piscatorius, commonly known as the grote piraat or large pirate spider, is a semi-aquatic wolf spider distinguished by its robust build and distinctive pale longitudinal stripes running along its dark cephalothorax and abdomen. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator and prey in wetland ecosystems, hunting small invertebrates along water margins while serving as food for birds and larger arthropods.
23
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Lycosidae
Genus
Pirata
grote piraat belongs to the family Lycosidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
Pirata piscatorius, commonly known as the grote piraat or large pirate spider, is a semi-aquatic wolf spider distinguished by its robust build and distinctive pale longitudinal stripes running along its dark cephalothorax and abdomen. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator and prey in wetland ecosystems, hunting small invertebrates along water margins while serving as food for birds and larger arthropods.
Pirata piscatorius faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its specialized aquatic environments. Water pollution and hydrological changes from human activities further degrade the quality of remaining suitable habitats.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits the margins of slow-moving streams, pond edges, and marshy areas where vegetation meets open water, particularly favoring areas with emergent sedges and rushes. It requires stable moisture levels and clean water with minimal pollution, often found in reed beds and wet meadows adjacent to permanent water bodies.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Pirata piscatorius faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from wetland drainage and agricultural conversion of its specialized aquatic environments. Water pollution and hydrological changes from human activities further degrade the quality of remaining suitable habitats.
Agricultural intensification
Wetland drainage and conversion
Climate change impacts on water bodies
Hydrological alterations
Water pollution
Found in 23 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). grote piraat (Pirata piscatorius). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/grote-piraat