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Peucetia viridans OXYOPIDAE Description Female Green Lynx Spiders are large green spiders with a total length measuring 11-22mm, while the males measure 8-15mm. The two sexes are similar in color and pattern. The carapace has red markings; the abdomen has several white and red chevron-shaped markings. The yellow legs have black spots.
This species occurs in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. In San Diego, it is common on the coastal side of the mountains. The Green Lynx Spider is found most commonly on shrubby vegetation in gardens, on wild buckwheat flower clusters, and in meadows of tall wildflowers and grasses. Natural History Peucetia usually mature in mid-summer. Mating occurs while hanging from a strand of silk. Females protect the egg sac and young until the spiderlings can tend for themselves. Females have been observed spitting venom from their fangs. Related and Similar Species Peucetia longipalpus is a smaller, similar species that is best identified by inspection of the genitalia. References Brady, A.R. 1964. The lynx spiders of North America north of Mexico (Araneae, Oxyopidae). Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool. 131(13): 432-518. | ||
