Periegops is a genusofspiders with six eyes instead of the usual eight.[1] It is the only genus in its family (Periegopidae) and has three described species.[2] It was long considered to be a member of SicariidaeorSegestriidae until Raymond Forster elevated it to the family level in 1995.[3]
This genus of spider has only six eyes, as opposed to eight, which is typical for spiders. Body length varies from 5.9 mm to 10.9 mm depending on species and sex. Carapace is an orange colour and is darker on the anterior side. Abdomen is brown or creamy brown and usually have a chevron pattern. The family can be distinguished by the pattern of eye positions, which are in three clusters of two eyes.[5]
NoPeriegops species has been observed creating webs for prey capture, but rather has been observed using silk to create drag lines and silk retreats. Periegops are likely all fast moving, nocturnal hunters.[5]
InP. suterii, females have been found with two to three males with them, which may imply that the female has a way of attracting males to them.[5]
^Forster, R. R. (1995). "The Australian spider family Periegopidae Simon, 1893 (Araneae: Sicarioidea)". Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement. 52: 91–105.
^Simon, E. (1893a). Histoire naturelle das araignées. Paris 1, 257–488. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.51973
