Agroeca

Agroeca is a genus of European wolf spiders belonging to the family Liocranidae. These small to medium-sized spiders are typically found in woodland and heathland habitats. They are often observed on the ground, foraging among leaf litter, moss, and low vegetation. The genus Agroeca was described by Anton Ausserer in 1871.

The bodies of Agroeca spiders are generally a uniform brown or reddish-brown color, with some species exhibiting subtle markings. They possess eight eyes arranged in two rows, a common characteristic of wolf spiders. Their legs are robust and adapted for quick movement across various substrates. Agroeca spiders are nocturnal hunters, preying on small insects and other arthropods. They do not build webs to catch prey but instead rely on their speed and agility to ambush their victims.

Reproduction in Agroeca species follows the typical pattern for spiders, with males and females meeting for mating. The female will lay her eggs in a silken sac, which she often guards until the spiderlings hatch. The exact number of species within the Agroeca genus can vary with taxonomic revisions, but it includes several distinct species found across Europe. Their ecological role involves contributing to the control of insect populations within their natural environments.