kustwolfspin
Xerolycosa miniata
The kustwolfspin (Xerolycosa miniata) is a small, reddish-brown wolf spider endemic to coastal dune systems along the North Sea. This ground-dwelling arachnid displays distinctive miniature proportions and russet coloration that provides excellent camouflage among dried vegetation and sand particles.
37
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Lycosidae
Genus
Xerolycosa
kustwolfspin belongs to the family Lycosidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The kustwolfspin (Xerolycosa miniata) is a small, reddish-brown wolf spider endemic to coastal dune systems along the North Sea. This ground-dwelling arachnid displays distinctive miniature proportions and russet coloration that provides excellent camouflage among dried vegetation and sand particles. As an active predator, it plays a crucial role in controlling populations of small arthropods within fragile dune ecosystems.
The kustwolfspin (Xerolycosa miniata) is primarily threatened by coastal habitat destruction and fragmentation due to urban development, tourism infrastructure, and sea level rise. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to these anthropogenic pressures.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits the sparse, sandy areas between marram grass tussocks in primary and secondary coastal dunes, particularly favoring zones with partial vegetation cover that provide both hunting grounds and shelter. It constructs shallow burrows in stabilized sand deposits within 500 meters of the high tide line.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The kustwolfspin (Xerolycosa miniata) is primarily threatened by coastal habitat destruction and fragmentation due to urban development, tourism infrastructure, and sea level rise. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to these anthropogenic pressures.
Coastal development and urbanization
Habitat fragmentation
Tourism infrastructure expansion
Recreational activities and trampling
Sea level rise and coastal erosion
Found in 37 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). kustwolfspin (Xerolycosa miniata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kustwolfspin