heidekrabspin
Xysticus acerbus
The heidekrabspin (Xysticus acerbus) is a small crab spider characterized by its mottled brown and gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage among heathland vegetation. These ambush predators play a crucial role in their ecosystem by controlling populations of small flying insects, particularly those that visit heather flowers.
27
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Thomisidae
Genus
Xysticus
heidekrabspin belongs to the family Thomisidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The heidekrabspin (Xysticus acerbus) is a small crab spider characterized by its mottled brown and gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage among heathland vegetation. These ambush predators play a crucial role in their ecosystem by controlling populations of small flying insects, particularly those that visit heather flowers.
The heidekrabspin (Xysticus acerbus) faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized heathland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have dramatically reduced the availability of suitable sandy heathland habitats. Climate change may further exacerbate these pressures by altering the delicate ecological conditions this species requires.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits European heathlands, specifically dwelling among low-growing heather shrubs and associated grasses where it hunts from flower heads and vegetation tips. It shows a strong preference for mature heathland areas with diverse microhabitat structure including scattered bare patches and moss cushions.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The heidekrabspin (Xysticus acerbus) faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized heathland ecosystems. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have dramatically reduced the availability of suitable sandy heathland habitats. Climate change may further exacerbate these pressures by altering the delicate ecological conditions this species requires.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Changes in traditional heathland management
Climate change impacts on habitat suitability
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). heidekrabspin (Xysticus acerbus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/heidekrabspin