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Mediterranean Tent Spider

Mediterranean Tent Spider

Cyrtophora citricola

A web-weaving spider species belonging to the orb weaver family, characterized by its intricate web construction and widespread distribution in Mediterranean and subtropical regions.

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Mediterranean Tent Spider
Mediterranean Tent Spider
Mediterranean Tent Spider
Mediterranean Tent Spider
Mediterranean Tent Spider
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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Found in warm, dry environments including gardens, shrublands, agricultural areas, and urban landscapes across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and subtropical African regions, typically at elevations between 0-1500 meters.

Ecological Role

Plays a crucial role in insect population control, serving as a natural predator that helps maintain ecological balance by consuming small flying and crawling insects in its habitat.

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Exoskeleton with variable coloration including brown, yellow, and gray tones, providing effective camouflage in natural environments.
  • LIMBS WINGS Eight segmented legs with fine sensory hairs, enabling precise movement and web navigation. Specialized tarsal claws for web manipulation and prey capture.
  • HEAD SENSORY Eight eyes arranged in two rows, providing excellent spatial awareness and prey detection capabilities. Advanced chemosensory and vibrational perception mechanisms.
  • BODY STRUCTURE Small to medium-sized spider, typically 8-12 mm in body length, with females slightly larger than males. Robust cephalothorax and rounded abdomen with distinct coloration patterns.
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Luis Fernández García
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Related Species in Araneidae