Stretch Spider (Tetragnatha mandibulata): Scientific Classification, Habit and Habitat, Food Habit, Identifying Characters

Stretch Spider (Tetragnatha mandibulata): Scientific Classification, Habit and Habitat, Food Habit, Identifying Characters 

Scientific Classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Arthropoda

Subphylum:   Chelicerata

Class:             Arachnida

Order:             Araneae

Family:           Tetragnathidae

Genus:           Tetragnatha

Habit and Habitat:

• It is a nocturnal spider that builds web after sunset.
• Builds web among grasses, near water bodies and commonly seen in paddy fields.

Food Habit: The spider feed mainly on flying insects which include moths, leafhopper, fly, etc that they catch in their silken web. They will catch and eat other insects and small arthropods that pass by or are also caught in the web.

Identifying Characters:

1. Size: Female 11-14 mm, Male 7-9 mm.
2. Cephalothorax yellowish brown in colour with distinct fovea.
3. Eight eyes are arranged in two rows.
4. Chelicerae with distinct 16 retro-marginal and 14 pro-marginal teeth. First ventral tooth of the female is forwardly directed.
5. Abdomen yellowish brown, elongated with a posterior rounded tip.

References:

· https://asbb.assam.gov.in/sites/default/files/swf_utility_folder/departments/asbb_lipl_in_oid_7/portlet/level_2/Common%20Spiders%20from%20select%20PAs%20of%20Upper%20Assam.pdf