Green Lynx Spider
Peucetia viridans
Family: Oxyopidae
Spanish name: araņa verde
Description
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This is a very bright green spider, about ¾ inch (19 mm) in length, with long, spiny legs and an oblong to oval abdomen.
Distribution and Habitat
This spider, which is a member of a spider family that is mostly tropical, is found in southern United States from coast to coast, and also in Mexico and Central America. It often lives in clumps of prickly pear cactus.
Ecology
Lynx spiders are hunters specialized for living on plants. This species does not use a web to capture its prey. In our region, it often lies in wait for insects in the blooms or on the pads of prickly pear, for which its bright green color offers ideal camouflage. It pounces on its prey in a cat-like manner, which is the reason for the name “lynx.” It is active during the day.
Life History
The inseminated female lays her eggs in a sac that she hangs in a web. She hangs above it, hugging it with her legs. The female guards her eggs and the newly hatched young until their first molt.