Subject: Huge crab-shell shaped spider in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains
Location: Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador (Andes Mountains)
May 1, 2014 4:52 am
A few months ago while on a hike in the Andes we spotted a large spider hole – with this huge spider inside. The crab-shell shape was a first for us. One of our readers suggested that it’s a Ancylometes (giant fishing spider).
We have a video of the spider in the url below – and we would love to know something about it.
http://www.gringosabroad.com/red-fanged-tarantula-cuenca-ecuador/
Thanks so much!
Signature: Bryan Haines
Hi Bryan,
Based on the eye pattern (see BugGuide), we believe this is a Wolf Spider in the family Lycosidae. Large individuals might bite, but they are not considered dangerous. Perhaps one of our readers will be able to provide a comment with a genus or species name.
The species is Lycosa erythrognatha
Thanks for this identification Roberto. We will be returning to our office tomorrow and we will search for some links.