Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2167609
Kukulcania hibernalis
kukulcania hibernalisAlso known as Southern Crevice Spider, Crevice Spider
Southern house spiders construct intricate, woolly silk webs radiating out from deep crevices in human structures and tree bark. Females remain inside their silken retreats for years, while leggy tan males wander in search of mates during warmer months. Though males are frequently mistaken for brown recluses, these harmless nocturnal arachnids provide natural pest control by preying on household insects.
NocturnalWeb WeaverDimorphic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cockroaches
- Moths
- Flies
Predators
- Mud dauber wasps
- Lizards
- Larger spiders
ThreatsHabitat disturbance and pesticide applications
HabitatsCrevices in masonry, wooden structures, barns, and tree bark
Life spanUp to 8 years for females, 1 year for males
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyFilistatidae
- GenusKukulcania
- Specieskukulcania hibernalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Virtually harmless to humans; may deliver a mild defensive bite if squeezed.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for tube-like webbing radiating outward from dark crevices in wall masonry or window frames.
- Handling: Avoid touching or squeezing with bare hands; transfer unwanted indoor individuals outdoors using a cup and card.
- Identification: Distinguish males from brown recluses by their extra long pedipalps and lack of a violin marking.
Look-alike (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-occurring Spider (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Andrew Meeds, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Meeds · cc-by
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