Labyrinth Spider

Description

Agelena labyrinthica is a species of spider in the family Agelenidae.It is a widespread species in Europe. Funnel-web spiders typically range in size from 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 inches) for males and 10–14 mm (0.39–0.55 in) for females. Agelena labyrinthica, however, has a body length of up to 18 mm (0.71 in).The abdomen is dark with a pale central band flanked by white chevron marks. The cephalothorax is yellow-brown and bears two, broad longitudinal stripes positioned towards the front of the spider. Common to all spiders in the family Agelenidae, is the prominent pair of two segmented posterior spinnerets. However, in A. labyrinthica these segmented spinnerets are further elongated, with the second segment being almost twice the length of the basal segment.Another morphological feature of A. labyrinthica is the spider's venom apparatus. Showing many similarities with the species Loxosceles intermedia, the venom glands of A. labyrinthica generally consists of paired structures located in the spider's abdomen. These paired structures interact with two ducts that lead into the spider's fangs. The venom glands of A. labyrinthica are considered to be relatively large, and extend out of the chelicerae to reach the middle of the abdomen. The venom glands of A. labyrinthica also are unique in that they are long and tubular and are surrounded by a layer of muscles that encircle the glands.