Lynx Spider
Scientific name: Oxyopes mundulus
Click to enlarge image
Colourful Lynx Spiders (Oxyopes) hunt insects on shrubs and grasses.
Image: Mike Gray
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Oxyopes
- Species
- mundulus
- Family
- Oxyopidae
- Order
- Araneae
- Class
- Arachnida
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 1.5-2.0 cm
-
- Habitats
- litter
-
- Life history mode
- terrestrial
-
- Feeding Habits
- arthropod-feeder, carnivorous, insectivorous, predator
Introduction
Lynx spiders are roving hunters commonly associated with the shrubby and grassy understorey of Sydney's forests and woodlands, heathlands and suburban gardens.
Identification
Many Lynx spider species have colourfully striped abdomens and spiky legs.
Habitat
Lynx spiders are found in forests and woodlands, as well as heath.
Distribution
Lynx spiders are found throughout Eastern Australia.
Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia
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.
