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Atypus

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Atypus
A. karschi
Scientific classification
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Atypus

Latreille, 1804
Species

A.affinis
A. karschi
A. muralis
A. piceus
many more, see text

Diversity
26 species

Atypus is a genus of mygalomorph spiders. It occurs in Eurasia, with one species (A. affinis) reaching into North Africa, and one species (A. snetsingeri) in the USA. Only three of the 26 species occur in Europe: A. piceus, A. affinis and A. muralis.

Peasants in the southern Carpathian Mountains used to cut up tubes built by Atypus and cover wounds with the inner lining. It reportedly facilitated healing, and even connected with the skin. This is believed to be due to antiseptic properties of spider silk (which is made of protein).[1]

Species

References

  1. ^ Heimer, S. (1988). Wunderbare Welt der Spinnen. Urania. p.14