description Atypus piceus Overview
Atypus piceus is a European species of purseweb spider in the mygalomorph family Atypidae, formally described by Charles Athanase Walckenaer in 1802. Like other Atypus spiders, it lives in a silk-lined burrow connected to a camouflaged tube at the ground surface; passing prey is seized through the tube wall. Its heavy build, downward-pointing fangs, and concealed lifestyle distinguish it from the more familiar web-building araneomorph spiders.
help Atypus piceus FAQ
What is Atypus piceus?
Atypus piceus is a European purseweb spider in the mygalomorph family Atypidae. The species is associated with silk-lined burrows and a camouflaged tube that reaches the ground surface.
How does Atypus piceus catch prey?
It waits inside or near its silk tube and detects prey moving across the surface. The spider can attack through the wall of the camouflaged web tube rather than relying on a large open orb web.
Is Atypus piceus a tarantula?
It is not a true tarantula, but it belongs to the broader mygalomorph group that includes tarantulas. Atypus spiders are commonly called atypical tarantulas or purseweb spiders.
Who named Atypus piceus?
The catalog identifies Charles Athanase Walckenaer and the year 1802 in connection with the species description. Taxonomic sources may distinguish the original species name and later classification history, so older references can use different authorship details.
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