kleinoogzweeppalpspin
Mastigusa arietina
The kleinoogzweeppalpspin (Mastigusa arietina) is a small, cryptic spider characterized by its distinctive small eyes and elongated pedipalps that give it its common name. This ground-dwelling arachnid displays a mottled brown and gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage among leaf litter and rocky substrates.
18
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Hahniidae
Genus
Mastigusa
kleinoogzweeppalpspin belongs to the family Hahniidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The kleinoogzweeppalpspin (Mastigusa arietina) is a small, cryptic spider characterized by its distinctive small eyes and elongated pedipalps that give it its common name. This ground-dwelling arachnid displays a mottled brown and gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage among leaf litter and rocky substrates. As a specialized predator, it plays a crucial role in controlling populations of small arthropods in its ecosystem.
Mastigusa arietina faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion in its limited Mediterranean range. The species' highly specialized microhabitat requirements and small population size make it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits humid microhabitats beneath stones, fallen logs, and dense leaf litter in temperate forests and woodland edges. It shows a strong preference for areas with consistent moisture levels and minimal soil disturbance, often found in moss-covered rocky outcrops and the margins of small streams.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Mastigusa arietina faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion in its limited Mediterranean range. The species' highly specialized microhabitat requirements and small population size make it extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss from urbanization
Climate change and drought
Disturbance from human activities
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). kleinoogzweeppalpspin (Mastigusa arietina). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kleinoogzweeppalpspin