heiderichelkaak
Gnaphosa leporina
Gnaphosa leporina is a ground-dwelling spider species belonging to the family Gnaphosidae, characterized by its robust build and typically dark coloration with a distinctive pattern. This nocturnal hunter plays a crucial ecological role as both predator of small arthropods and prey for larger invertebrates and small vertebrates in its ecosystem.
18
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Gnaphosidae
Genus
Gnaphosa
heiderichelkaak belongs to the family Gnaphosidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
Gnaphosa leporina is a ground-dwelling spider species belonging to the family Gnaphosidae, characterized by its robust build and typically dark coloration with a distinctive pattern. This nocturnal hunter plays a crucial ecological role as both predator of small arthropods and prey for larger invertebrates and small vertebrates in its ecosystem.
Gnaphosa leporina faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This spider inhabits dry, sandy soils in open grasslands, heathlands, and coastal dune systems where it constructs silk-lined burrows beneath stones or in loose substrate. It shows particular preference for areas with sparse vegetation cover and well-drained, sun-exposed sandy or gravelly soils.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Gnaphosa leporina faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change affecting microhabitat conditions
Pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Found in 18 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). heiderichelkaak (Gnaphosa leporina). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/heiderichelkaak