Pisaura mirabilis is an intriguing member of the order Arachnida, commonly known as the nursery web spider. It is a prominent species found in the Valencia region, showcasing fascinating behaviors and adaptations.

Description:

• Appearance: Pisaura mirabilis is easily recognizable by its slender body, which is typically a brownish or greyish color, often with a pale stripe running along the cephalothorax. This stripe can help camouflage the spider among plant stems and leaves.
• Size: Females are larger than males, with adult females measuring about 10-15 mm, while males reach around 8-12 mm.
• Eye Arrangement: This species has eight eyes arranged in two distinctive rows on the head, aiding in their keen vision.

Behavior:

• Hunting: Unlike many spiders that construct webs to catch prey, the nursery web spider actively hunts its prey, such as insects, using its speed and agility.
• Reproduction and Nursery Web: The species gets its name from the unique behavior of the female, who constructs a protective nursery web for her eggs. After mating, the female carries the egg sac in her jaws until they are ready to hatch. She then constructs a tent-like web structure among vegetation where the spiderlings can safely emerge.
• Courtship and Mating: The male Pisaura mirabilis is known for presenting a silk-wrapped prey gift to the female during courtship, which can help increase his chances of mating successfully.

Habitat:

• Environment: This species prefers a variety of habitats such as grasslands, gardens, and forest edges. It is a common sight in the Comunidad Valenciana, thriving in its Mediterranean climate.
• Behavioral Adaptations: The nursery web spider is adept at blending into its environment, using its coloring and stillness to avoid predators.