At a glance
Essentials
- Size
- Males: 6.5–7.2 mm; females: 10.0–11.5 mm. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
- Distribution
- Endemic to the Seychelles.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
Unlike Cryptothele verrucosa, C. alluaudi presents a pattern on the carapace and almost non-existent soil camouflage coverage on the body.
- 02
The separation between the anterior lateral eyes is half the diameter of an eye, while in C. verrucosa it is a full diameter.
- 03
The male embolus is long and filamentous, unlike the short and wide one of C. verrucosa.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
Cryptothele alluaudi is a spider of the family Zodariida, described by Eugène Simon in 1893. It is the only species of the genus Cryptothele whose somatic morphology and the configuration of its copulatory organs have been thoroughly studied. It is distributed endemically in the Seychelles. Regarding its size, males measure between 6.5 and 7.2 mm, while females reach between 10.0 and 11.5 mm. Although its general appearance is similar to that of other species of the genus, it is distinguished by presenting a pattern on the carapace and practically lacking soil camouflage on the body.