Green huntsman spider
Micrommata virescens
The green huntsman spider is the only representative of the Sparassidae family in Central Europe. It does not build webs but hunts freely in the vegetation of sunny forest edges and damp meadows. Its green coloration provides excellent camouflage among leaves and grasses while it waits for prey.
Details
Identification
Bright green body, eight eyes in two transverse rows, lack of spines on the underside of the metatarsi, males with red abdominal stripes.
Social behavior
Solitary and often aggressive or cannibalistic towards conspecifics.
Diet
Insects such as flies, small beetles, grasshoppers, and occasionally butterflies.
Hunting strategy
Ambush predator that actively pounces on prey without using a web.
Overwintering
Overwinters as a subadult (juvenile) in leaf litter or under moss.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator for regulating insect populations in the herb layer.
Natural predators
Birds, lizards, parasitic wasps, and larger predatory spiders.
Competitor species
Other hunting spiders such as crab spiders or wolf spiders in the same habitat.
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control through predation of phytophagous insects.
Threats
Loss of semi-open habitats due to intensive agriculture and encroachment of scrub.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
The only species of the Sparassidae family in Central Europe. Characterized by its green coloration and eye arrangement in two rows (4:4), with eyes surrounded by whitish hairs. Does not build capture webs.
Habitat
Open deciduous forests, forest edges, sunny meadows with tall grass, shrubs, and semi-dry grasslands. Prefers warm locations.
Role in food web
Important predator in the herb layer for regulating insect populations; serves as food for birds and spider wasps.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of structurally rich forest edges and extensively managed grasslands due to agricultural intensification or scrub encroachment.
Population trend
Currently classified as 'least concern' in Germany, regionally stable, partially benefiting from climate warming.