Green Lynx Spider

Peucetia viridans

True spiderintermediateVenom: Mild

About

A brilliant green lynx spider (family Oxyopidae, not a jumper) that ambushes pollinators from flowers and foliage — agile, able to leap, and a fascinating display animal. No prey web; give it tall plants to hunt from, warm temps, and moderate humidity with light misting. Harmless to humans (bite is painful but not medically significant); note that guarding females can 'spit' venom defensively, so don't handle. Lives about a year.

Taxonomy

FamilyOxyopidae

GenusPeucetia

Native regionSouthern USA, Central America

TypeArboreal

Temperamentagile ambusher; females spray venom in defense

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale 16-26 mm, male ~12 mm body

Leg span0.47–1.02 in

Growth ratefast

Life stagesSling → juvenile → adult

Climate

Temperature72–85°F

Humidity50–65%

Enclosure

Adult size4x4x8 inches (vertical)

Substratecoco fiber with tall plants/foliage to ambush from; light mist

Substrate depth1-2 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflies, crickets, moths

Adult cadence2-3 prey per week

Times kept: 2