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Palystes superciliosus
Palystes superciliosus
Palystes superciliosus
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Palystes superciliosus
Female Palystes superciliosus
Female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Sparassidae
Genus: Palystes
Species:
P. superciliosus
Binomial name
Palystes superciliosus
Synonyms[2]
  • Heteropoda natalia Karsch, 1878
  • Olios natalicus Simon, 1880
  • Palystes spenceri Pocock, 1896
  • Palystes pulchripes Pocock, 1896
  • Palystes natalius Pocock, 1898
  • Palystes modificus Strand, 1906

The common rain spider (Palystes superciliosus), formerly P. natalius,[3] is a species of huntsman spider native to Southern Africa.[2] It is the most common and widespread species in the genus Palystes.[4]

In South Africa its distribution ranges from KwaZulu-Natal province in the east, then westwards to the provinces of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and North West in the north, and Eastern Cape and Western Cape in the south. It has a body length of 15–36 mm and a leg span of up to 110mm.[5] The species was first described by Ludwig Carl Christian Koch in 1875.[2]

female from South Africa

Distribution

[edit]

Palystes superciliosus is recorded from Namibia, Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa.[2]

In South Africa, the species has a very wide distribution throughout all provinces and occurs in more than 10 protected areas. Notable locations include Kruger National Park, Ndumo Game Reserve, Polokwane Nature Reserve, De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Swartberg Nature Reserve. The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 1 to 2,785 m.[6]

Habitat and ecology

[edit]
Egg sac of P. castaneus, similar to P. superciliosus
Common Rain Spider egg nest

Palystes superciliosus is a very common species and is commonly found in houses. They usually enter houses before rainy spells. Their large egg sacs are made attached to vegetation. The species has been sampled from all the biomes except the more arid biomes. They were also sampled from cabbage, avocado and macadamia orchards.[6]

Its preferred habitat is scrubland and savannah woodland. Spiders in the genus Palystes are commonly called rain spiders, or lizard-eating spiders. Palystes spiders will often enter homes before rain, where they will prey on geckos (usually Afrogecko porphyreus in Gauteng, the Western Cape, or Lygodactylus capensis in the eastern parts of southern Africa).[7] Males are regularly seen from August to December, probably looking for females.[5]


The legs of these spiders can reach a length of 11 cm, while their bodies alone can reach a length of 4 cm. Interestingly, both sexes of these spiders are roughly the same size.[8] After mating in the early summer, the female constructs a round egg sac about 60–100 mm in size made of silk, with twigs and leaves woven into it. These egg sacs are commonly seen from about November to April. The female constructs the sac over 3–5 hours, then aggressively guards it until the spiderlings, who hatch inside the protective sac, chew their way out about three weeks later.[9] Females will construct about three of these egg sacs over their two-year lives. Many gardeners are bitten by protective Palystes mothers during this period.[5]

The size of these spiders, combined with the yellow and black banding on the underside of the legs exposed when the spider is in threat pose, give them a fearsome appearance.[3][5] An experiment was done in 1959 where a Palystes superciliosus was allowed to bite an adult guinea pig on the nose. The guinea pig died within 7 minutes, leading to a belief that the spider's venom was dangerous. However, further research on anaesthetized guinea pigs showed that the original guinea pig had actually died of shock, rather than as a result of the spider's venom.[3] In humans the bite is no more dangerous than a bee sting.[5] It causes a burning sensation, and swelling which lasts for a few days. Recovery is spontaneous and complete.[3]

Description

[edit]
  • Female P. superciliosus
    Female P. superciliosus
  • Female P. superciliosus
    Female P. superciliosus
  • Underside of female P. superciliosus
    Underside of female P. superciliosus
  • Underside of male P. superciliosus
    Underside of male P. superciliosus
  • Underside of female
    Underside of female

Wasps

[edit]
Tachypompilus ignitus dragging Palystes prey up a wall

P. superciliosus (and other Palystes spiders) are also commonly seen paralysed, being dragged by a large wasp called a Pompilid wasp. Sometimes the wasp will not be present. Pompilid wasps only hunt spiders, which they paralyse by stinging them. They then drag the spider back to their nest where they lay an egg on the spider, then seal the spider and the egg in. When the egg hatches, the larva eats the paralysed spider, keeping the spider alive as long as possible by eating peripheral flesh first, and saving the vital organs till last. By doing this, the spider stays fresh long enough for the wasp larva to mature and pupate.[5] The Pompilid wasp species Tachypompilus ignitus is at least largely a specialist hunter of mature Palystes females.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Palystes superciliosus

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from Grokipedia
Palystes superciliosus, commonly known as the common rain spider, is a large species of in the family Sparassidae, endemic to . It is characterized by a robust body measuring up to 30 mm in length with a leg span reaching 110 mm, light to dark brown coloration, and distinctive longitudinal white or yellow setal stripes on the along with a clypeal "" of white setae. This species belongs to the genus , which comprises active hunters adapted to subtropical and temperate environments, and was first described by L. Koch in 1875, with synonyms including Palystes natalius and Palystes spenceri. Its distribution spans the eastern and southern regions of , including (from westward to , , , North West, Free State, and provinces), , , and . Palystes superciliosus inhabits a variety of environments, such as savannah woodlands, scrublands, open forests, and suburban gardens, particularly in areas with higher rainfall where it often seeks under bark, stones, crevices, or in dwellings during the day. As a nocturnal predator, it actively hunts and small vertebrates like geckos using its speed and , and females construct multiple nests to guard egg sacs containing 100–200 eggs each, laying a total of up to about 800 eggs over their 18–24 month lifespan and guarding each sac until the spiderlings hatch after about 17 days and disperse. The species earns its "rain spider" moniker from frequent appearances in homes ahead of rainy seasons, and while its bite causes mild symptoms in s, it poses no significant danger. It serves as prey for certain wasps, such as Tachypompilus ignitus, which paralyze and provision it for larvae.

Taxonomy

Etymology and nomenclature

The genus name Palystes derives from the Latin palaestes or Greek palaistes, meaning "wrestler" or "boxer," a reference to the aggressive hunting behavior characteristic of these huntsman spiders in the family Sparassidae. The specific epithet superciliosus comes from the Latin superciliosus, meaning "eyebrowed" or "with prominent eyebrows." Palystes superciliosus is known by several common names in , including "common rain spider" and "lizard-eating spider," with Afrikaans equivalents such as reënspinnekop (rain spider) and akkedisvretendespinnekop (lizard-eating spider). The name "rain spider" stems from the species' tendency to invade homes and buildings frequently during or just before rainy periods, particularly in summer, when males become more active from to in search of mates or prey. The "lizard-eating" moniker reflects observations of this spider preying on small lizards, though insects form the bulk of its diet. In terms of , P. superciliosus was originally described by L. Koch in , but the name Palystes natalius (originally Heteropoda natalia Karsch, 1878; combination by Pocock, 1898) was long considered valid until a comprehensive revision confirmed it as a junior of P. superciliosus based on morphological examination and distribution overlap. This reclassification was formalized by Croeser in 1996, who synonymized P. natalius along with other names like P. spenceri, P. pulchripes, and P. modificus under P. superciliosus to resolve taxonomic confusion in the .

Taxonomic history

Palystes superciliosus was first described by the German arachnologist Ludwig Carl Christian Koch in 1875, based on female and male specimens collected from southern Africa. The original description appeared in Koch's Die Arachniden Australiens, where he detailed the species' diagnostic features, including its large body size and leg patterning, illustrated on plate 61, figure 1. Upon its description, P. superciliosus was placed in the newly established genus Palystes, also authored by Koch in the same year, within the family Sparassidae (huntsman spiders). The genus Palystes is characterized by its large-bodied species with a flattened cephalothorax, prominent eyes arranged in a characteristic huntsman pattern, and distinctive genital structures, such as the complex male embolus and female spermathecae, which distinguish it from other Sparassidae genera like Heteropoda or Olios. Early taxonomic treatments saw confusion with related taxa; for instance, Heteropoda natalia Karsch, 1878 (later Palystes natalius) was proposed based on similar southern African specimens but was later recognized as a junior synonym of P. superciliosus. This synonymy, along with others like Palystes spenceri Pocock, 1896, Palystes pulchripes Pocock, 1896, and Palystes modificus Strand, 1906, was formalized in the comprehensive revision of the genus by Croeser in 1996, which used morphological analyses of genitalic and somatic traits to confirm P. superciliosus as a valid in the superciliosus-group. Subsequent updates, including those in the , have upheld this classification without further revisions. Close relatives within the include like P. castaneus (Latreille, 1819), which shares the African distribution but belongs to a separate group defined by color and leg banding differences.

Description

Morphology

Palystes superciliosus possesses a flattened, crab-like body structure characteristic of huntsman spiders in the family Sparassidae, consisting of a fused to the without a visible constriction, which facilitates movement through narrow crevices and under bark. The eight legs are long and robust, arranged in a sprawling configuration due to rotated leg joints that allow the spider to scuttle sideways or forward in a crab-like manner, enhancing its speed and maneuverability. The are prominent and bear fangs capable of injecting , while the pedipalps serve in prey manipulation and, in males, feature specialized structures such as a reduced tibial apophysis for reproductive functions. The sensory apparatus includes eight eyes arranged in two rows, with the anterior median eyes positioned lower and directed forward, often accompanied by a broad clypeal of closely adpressed white to yellow setae that contribute to the species' distinctive "" appearance. The body is densely covered in sensory hairs, or setae, which provide tactile feedback essential for navigating environments and detecting vibrations. Key adaptations include a lightweight yet robust that supports rapid locomotion without excessive weight, and six spinnerets at the posterior end of the used to produce primarily for constructing protective sacs rather than for web-building. This morphology underscores the species' reliance on active rather than passive web capture.

Size and coloration

Palystes superciliosus exhibits in size, with females being larger and more robust than males. Adult females have a body length of 25–30 mm and a span reaching up to 110 mm, while males are slightly smaller and more slender. The dorsum of the body is typically colored cream, fawn, or dark brown to grey, often featuring darker stripes, mottled patterns, and slightly darker markings overall. The bear distinctive longitudinal or yellow setal stripes. The ventral side is lighter in tone, with the matching the general body color but marked by a single dark transverse bar between the second pair of . The is hairy, bearing a dark median heart-shaped mark dorsally and a dark band below the book lungs ventrally. display more pronounced banding on the ventral surfaces. A distinctive band below the clypeal edge contributes to the species' characteristic "eyebrow"-like ridges above the eyes. Coloration shows minimal sexual dimorphism, with both sexes sharing similar tan to dark brown dorsal hues and patterning.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

_Palystes superciliosus is endemic to southern Africa, where it occurs natively in Namibia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini. Within South Africa, the species is distributed across all nine provinces, ranging from the eastern KwaZulu-Natal Province westward through Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and Free State, and southward into the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is commonly observed in both coastal regions and inland locales, with records extending into various protected areas and agro-ecosystems. There are no verified records of P. superciliosus establishing populations outside of Africa. The species remains widespread and abundant throughout its range, exhibiting no documented population declines.

Habitat preferences

Palystes superciliosus primarily inhabits scrubland, savannah woodland, and fynbos regions across southern Africa, showing a clear preference for vegetated areas that provide ample cover for ambush predation and shelter. These environments, often characterized by a mix of open grasslands, scattered trees, and shrubby undergrowth, support the spider's nocturnal hunting lifestyle by offering proximity to insect prey and structural elements for daytime retreat. The species also occurs in coastal dune scrub and low-altitude forest edges, but it tends to avoid dense, closed-canopy forests in favor of more open, accessible habitats. Within these primary habitats, P. superciliosus favors microhabitats such as under loose bark, in rock crevices, or beneath stones, where it spends the day hidden from predators and extreme conditions. It is also commonly observed in leaf litter and along the bases of in gardens and plantations, adapting well to structurally similar sites near settlements. These sheltered spots align with its need for and protection, particularly in regions with seasonal rainfall variations. The species demonstrates a strong association with human-modified environments, frequently invading homes and urban areas as an adept synanthrope, especially in higher-rainfall zones. It seeks refuge in walls, ceilings, and foliage during rainy periods, entering buildings shortly before storms to escape wet conditions outdoors. This behavior underscores its opportunistic use of artificial structures mimicking natural crevices, allowing it to thrive in suburban gardens and even montane or coastal human dwellings.

Ecology and behavior

Diet and predation

_Palystes superciliosus is an opportunistic predator with a diet primarily consisting of insects such as moths, crickets, cockroaches, and beetles, which it encounters while foraging in vegetation or near human dwellings. It also preys on small vertebrates, including geckos like the marbled leaf-toed gecko (Afrogecko porphyreus) and the Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis), as well as other arachnids, demonstrating its versatility as a generalist feeder. As a hunter, P. superciliosus does not construct webs but relies on direct capture through and pursuit strategies, using its in foliage and exceptional speed—enabled by long, powerful legs—to stalk and pounce on prey. Once captured, the injects to immobilize the victim and extrudes to liquefy the internals, which it then consumes.

Locomotion and activity patterns

_Palystes superciliosus, a member of the family Sparassidae, exhibits remarkable locomotion adapted to its active hunting lifestyle. These spiders are extremely fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 1 m/s over short distances, allowing them to pursue prey effectively. Their legs are arranged laterally, enabling a characteristic sideways scuttling that facilitates rapid movement in any direction, including backward. Additionally, P. superciliosus are excellent climbers, adept at scaling vertical surfaces such as tree bark, walls, and foliage using specialized setae on their tarsi for adhesion. The activity patterns of P. superciliosus are primarily nocturnal, with individuals emerging at to and becoming most active during the night, when they hunt for and small vertebrates. However, they display opportunistic behavior, occasionally active during the day if disturbed. Activity intensifies during the rainy seasons in their Southern African range, often leading to increased incursions into dwellings seeking or prey. Diurnally, they retreat to sheltered spots, such as under loose bark or in vegetation crevices, to avoid predators and . In response to threats, P. superciliosus employs defensive strategies focused on evasion rather than confrontation. When threatened, individuals may rapidly flee at high speeds or adopt thanatosis, feigning death by lying motionless to deter predators. They exhibit no aggressive displays toward humans, preferring escape over attack unless cornered.

Mating behavior

Males of Palystes superciliosus initiate by approaching s cautiously, often at night, to minimize the risk of aggression from the larger . During this phase, males tap the substrate with their legs and pedipalps, generating vibrations that serve as signals to indicate non-threatening intent and readiness to mate. Once is accepted, copulation begins with the male straddling the 's . The typically rotates her body to position the toward the male's palp, allowing insertion of the . Sperm transfer involves a rapid screw-turning rotation of the palp bulb, with distension and contraction occurring 25-30 times per palp over 6-7 hours; the male alternates between palps, and the may respond to additional leg taps during the process. Contractions start at 10-20 seconds each and gradually lengthen to about 5 minutes toward the end. Although sexual cannibalism poses a risk during mating due to the species' predatory nature, it is infrequently reported in P. superciliosus, with observations indicating that females generally do not consume males. No mate guarding behavior is documented; males depart shortly after completing sperm transfer.

Egg sac construction and parental care

The female Palystes superciliosus constructs a distinctive egg sac, often described as a "bag of leaves," by weaving silk around a cluster of 50 to 300 eggs and incorporating nearby twigs and leaves for structural support and camouflage. Females may produce multiple egg sacs over their 18–24 month lifespan, laying a total of approximately 800 eggs across several clutches. This spherical or lenticular structure measures approximately 60–100 mm in diameter, roughly the size of a tennis ball, and is typically suspended or attached to vegetation in a sheltered location. Once completed, the female attaches the sac to a substrate using lines and remains nearby to guard it aggressively against potential predators, such as wasps or other arthropods, for the duration of the . The eggs hatch inside the sac after approximately 3 weeks (17 days to hatch and 4 additional days to emerge), with the lings emerging by chewing through the and leaf layers. Unlike some that carry their egg sacs, P. superciliosus females do not transport the sac but instead provide stationary protection, enhancing its within the habitat's foliage. Following emergence, the spiderlings cluster under the mother's protection near the nest for approximately 1–2 weeks, benefiting from her defense, before dispersing independently into the environment. The young undergo their first molt under her protection. The mother typically does not survive much longer after dispersal, as her energy reserves are depleted from the reproductive and caretaking efforts.

Relationship with humans

Bites and venom effects

Palystes superciliosus bites occur primarily in defensive situations when the spider is handled or provoked, as it is not aggressive toward humans. Due to the spider's large size, its fangs can easily penetrate human skin. The venom of P. superciliosus is designed mainly for subduing insect and small vertebrate prey. In humans, envenomation causes localized effects including intense pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes itching or a burning sensation, which typically resolve within 1–2 days without systemic involvement in healthy adults. Nausea or headache may occasionally occur but are rare. No fatalities have been recorded from bites, and the venom is not considered medically significant. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, involving cleaning the wound, applying to reduce swelling and , and using over-the-counter antihistamines or analgesics as needed. Hospitalization is unnecessary for uncomplicated cases, though individuals with allergies should monitor for severe reactions. No specific exists or is required.

Cultural and ecological role

_Palystes superciliosus, commonly known as the rain spider, holds cultural significance in Southern African communities due to its association with impending rainfall. Local folklore often portrays the spider's increased activity and appearance in homes or vegetation as a predictor of rain, a belief stemming from observations of heightened foraging and mating behaviors during the wet season from August to December. This plays a vital ecological role as an in its microhabitats, primarily controlling populations of such as moths, flies, and by actively hunting on and within human dwellings. In agricultural settings like avocado orchards, it contributes to as part of a diverse assemblage, preying on crop-damaging arthropods and helping regulate pest outbreaks without relying on chemical interventions. Additionally, it serves as prey for other organisms, including Pompilidae wasps that paralyze and provision the spiders for their larvae, thus integrating into broader dynamics. The conservation status of P. superciliosus is classified as , reflecting its wide distribution and adaptability to both natural savannahs and human-modified landscapes such as orchards and urban areas. While not currently threatened, the species remains vulnerable to use in , which can reduce populations and diminish their role in natural pest .

References

  1. https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/35127/Palystes_superciliosus
  2. https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA03040798_181
  3. https://www.jungledragon.com/specie/1772/common_rain_spider.html
  4. https://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/arachnids/spiders/sparassidae/palystes.htm
  5. https://www.etymonline.com/word/supercilious
  6. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/347801
  7. https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/AJA03040798_197
  8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3088420/
  9. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/spiders/huntsman-spiders/
  10. https:///learn/animals/spiders/huntsman-spiders/
  11. https://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/arachnids/spiders/sparassidae/palystes_superciliosus.htm
  12. https://www.arc.agric.za/arc-ppri/Fact%20Sheets%20Library/Rain%20Spider.pdf
  13. https://www.arc.agric.za/arc-ppri/Documents/5.SPIDERATLASFAMILIESSPAZOR.pdf
  14. https://koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/download/149/766
  15. https://spideridentifications.com/rain.html
  16. https://www.whatsthatbug.com/rain-spider-all-you-need-to-know-in-a-nutshell/
  17. https://pictureinsect.com/wiki/Palystes_superciliosus.html
  18. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/the-top-fastest-spiders-in-the-world/
  19. https://www.justspiders.com/huntsman-information
  20. https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_giantcrab_spider.php
  21. https://animaltalk.co.za/10-cool-things-about-rain-spiders/
  22. https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/spider/rain-spider-sparassidae/
  23. https://www.thoughtco.com/why-some-animals-play-dead-373909
  24. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/huntsman-spider.htm
  25. https://www.scribd.com/doc/87190163/Spider-Club-of-SA-Rain-Spider-New-Mailer
  26. https://dewetswild.com/tag/palystes-superciliosus/
  27. https://fireflyafrica.co.za/rain-spider-nest/
  28. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790322001439
  29. https://notesbynats.com/spiders-in-my-garden/
  30. https://pictureinsect.com/harmful/Palystes-superciliosus.html
  31. https://www.occhealth.co.za/_assets/articles/155/744.pdf
  32. https://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/arachnids/spiders/bites.htm
  33. https://www.arc.agric.za/arc-ppri/PublishingImages/Pages/Biosystematics/Spider%20Research%20Centre/Spider-in-avodaco-orchards-/Spiders%20in%20avocado%20orchards.pdf
  34. https://journals.co.za/doi/10.1080/0035919X.2024.2324912
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