Animal Species:Lynx Spider

Lynx spiders are roving hunters commonly associated with the shrubby and grassy understorey of Sydney's forests and woodlands, heathlands and suburban gardens.

Colourful Lynx Spider, Oxyopes

Colourful Lynx Spider, Oxyopes
Mike Gray © Australian Museum

Identification

Many Lynx spider species have colourfully striped abdomens and spiky legs.

Size range

1.5-2.0 cm

Distribution

Lynx spiders are found throughout Eastern Australia.

Habitat

Lynx spiders are found in forests and woodlands, as well as heath.

Habitat type

Terrestrial Habitat: litter

What does this mean?

Feeding Habits

arthropod-feeder, carnivorous, insectivorous, predator

What does this mean?

Other behaviours and adaptations

They position themselves in foliage, in areas likely to attract insects. They have good eyesight and, when potential prey comes within range, they spring out and chase them down. Lynx spiders are exceptionally acrobatic when they have to be, leaping from branch to leaf in the chase.

Life history mode

terrestrial

What does this mean?

Classification

Species:
mundulus
Genus:
Oxyopes
Family:
Oxyopidae
Order:
Araneae
Class:
Arachnida
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Dr Mike Gray
Last Updated:

Tags spider,

2 comments

Doppelfrog - 6.02 PM, 02 February 2012
I have a decent Lynx Spider photo (not sure exactly which species) that I'd like to submit for this page? What's the best way to do it?
holtz - 5.01 PM, 28 January 2012
I was bitten by a Lynx spider today,bite is more painful than a bee sting and left a blood blister with a definate lesion can be seen ,nasty little bugger.!!

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