Labyrinth spider
Agelena labyrinthica
The labyrinth spider is a prominent member of the funnel-web spider family, primarily found in sunny, dry open-land habitats. It is well-known for its large, horizontal sheet web that transitions into a namesake, complex tubular retreat. The species exhibits a characteristic pattern with two dark longitudinal stripes on the prosoma and a pale herringbone pattern on the abdomen. During the breeding season in midsummer, the female intensively guards her egg sacs within the protective silken tube.
Details
Identification
Two dark longitudinal stripes on the light brown prosoma; abdomen with a grey-brown herringbone pattern; conspicuously long posterior spinnerets.
Social behavior
Solitary; during mating season, males often live peacefully in the female's web for a period of time.
Diet
Various insects, especially grasshoppers, flies, beetles, and hymenopterans that land on the web.
Hunting strategy
Ambush predator; the spider waits in the retreat funnel for vibrations on the sheet web and overwhelms prey with speed.
Spawning substrate
Large, white egg cocoon suspended in the innermost part of the labyrinth-like retreat funnel.
Overwintering
Overwintering usually occurs as a juvenile or in the egg stage within the protective cocoon.
Ecology
Ecological role
Significant predator of insects in the herb layer of open-land ecosystems.
Natural predators
Insectivorous birds, spider wasps, ichneumon wasps, and larger predatory spiders.
Competitor species
Other funnel-web spiders (e.g., Allagelena gracilens) and orb-weaver spiders at similar vegetation heights.
Ecosystem service
Natural regulation of insect populations, including potential agricultural pests.
Threats
Habitat loss due to intensive agriculture, eutrophication, and scrub encroachment of dry grasslands.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
Notably long, two-segmented posterior spinnerets; large, horizontal funnel web with a tubular retreat ending in a labyrinthine structure; characteristic pattern on the abdomen.
Habitat
Open, sun-exposed locations such as dry grasslands, heathlands, sunny forest edges, fallow land, and extensively managed shrub structures; prefers dry-warm climates.
Role in food web
Significant predator of insects in open-land habitats; serves as an important food source for birds, lizards, and specialized spider wasps.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of semi-open habitats due to succession (scrub encroachment), intensive agriculture (pesticide use), and the destruction of edge structures by mowing.
Population trend
Stable; common and widespread in suitable habitats in Central Europe, though locally declining due to land sealing and intensification of land use.