Oxyopes scalaris explained

Oxyopes scalaris, the western lynx spider, is a species of lynx spider in the family Oxyopidae. It is found in North America. A study based in Washington found that this species reaches adulthood and is most active in spring and early summer.^[1] They are considered beneficial in orchards.^[2]

Behavior

Similar to wolf spiders and jumping spiders, western lynx spiders are active hunters that are fast runners and leapers with good vision. Rather than hunting on the ground, they often lie in wait to capture prey on plants, trees, and bushes. Their long, spiny bristles form a “basket-like” cage that may assist in capturing prey and providing the spider with some protection.^[3]

They don’t spin webs, but use silk for other purposes including safety lines and their egg sacks.

Notes and References

1. Miliczky . Eugene R. . Horton . David R. . Calkins . Carrol O. . 2008 . Observations on phenology and overwintering of spiders associated with apple and pear orchards in south-central Washington . Journal of Arachnology . en . 36 . 3 . 565–573 . 10.1636/T07-29.1 . 73518332 . 0161-8202.
2. Miliczky . E.R. . Horton . D.R. . June 2005 . Densities of beneficial arthropods within pear and apple orchards affected by distance from adjacent native habitat and association of natural enemies with extra-orchard host plants . Biological Control . en . 33 . 3 . 249–259 . 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2005.03.002. 2005BiolC..33..249M .
3. https://www.missoulabutterflyhouse.org/western-lynx-spider-oxyopes-scalaris-2/, Western Lynx Spider (Oxyopes scalaris),“Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium”,June 18, 2021