kystspydedderkopp
Silometopus ambiguus
The kystspydedderkopp (Silometopus ambiguus) is a small, cryptic spider species with a distinctive elongated carapace and mottled brown-gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage among coastal vegetation. This specialized arachnid plays a crucial role as both predator of small arthropods and prey for larger invertebrates in its narrow ecological niche.
8
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Linyphiidae
Genus
Silometopus
kystspydedderkopp belongs to the family Linyphiidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The kystspydedderkopp (Silometopus ambiguus) is a small, cryptic spider species with a distinctive elongated carapace and mottled brown-gray coloration that provides excellent camouflage among coastal vegetation. This specialized arachnid plays a crucial role as both predator of small arthropods and prey for larger invertebrates in its narrow ecological niche.
Silometopus ambiguus, the kystspydedderkopp, faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss from coastal development and climate change impacts on its specialized dune ecosystem. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances and stochastic events.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits the narrow transition zones between coastal dunes and salt marshes, specifically dwelling among low-growing halophytic shrubs and grasses. It requires the unique microclimate conditions found in partially stabilized sandy soils with intermittent salt spray exposure.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Silometopus ambiguus, the kystspydedderkopp, faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat loss from coastal development and climate change impacts on its specialized dune ecosystem. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances and stochastic events.
Climate change and sea level rise
Coastal habitat destruction and fragmentation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Invasive plant species altering habitat structure
Recreational activities and trampling
Found in 8 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). kystspydedderkopp (Silometopus ambiguus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kystspydedderkopp