Hibana velox

Hibana velox (formerly known as Aysha velox), often called the yellow ghost spider, is a common spider species in North America. It can be found in foliage and in houses, and is effective at preying on insects like the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Gracillariidae).

Yellow ghost spider
Male Hibana velox
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Araneomorphae
Family:	Anyphaenidae
Genus:	Hibana
Species:	H. velox
Binomial name
Hibana velox (Becker, 1879)
Synonyms
Anyphaena velox Anyphaena floridana Aysha orlandensis Anyphaena verrilli Chiracanthium falculum Anyphaena pallidula Aysha velox

The Hibana genus was discovered and described by Antônio Brescovit in 1991.^[1] It is a very common species within North America.^[2] It is in the family Anyphaenidae, which is often referred to as sac spiders or ghost spiders. Hence, the common name Yellow Ghost Spider. This family of sac spiders differs from the family Clubionidae sac spiders by the placement of the abdominal spiracle.^[3] The family Anyphaenidae, is relatively common and found throughout the tropical region of the world. Within North America, it is mainly found along the east coast and all through the south. Ranging from Texas to Florida to the Carolinas all the way to Canada.^[4]

When it comes to the physical characteristics of Hibana velox, they are fairly simple. The size of the body can range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. The abdomen is described as being elongated with pairs of spinnerets.^[5] The spinnerets are located towards the epigastric furrow just underneath the abdomen. They vary in color such as brown and yellow or beige and tan; some even appear to have dark colored markings on their back. This species can often be recognized by their short retrolateral tibial apophysis and lack of the ventral tibial apophysis.^[6] Though their mouths are relatively small, they do have four promarginal teeth along with eight retromarginal denticles.^[6] They have eight very small eyes that are grouped into two sets of fours.

Their habitat includes hot, humid, and tropical environments. These spiders can be found throughout the United States to South America.^[7] Within North America, they are found all across the south and up along the east coast. They are abundant in Florida and stay there year around.^[8] When looking for this species in the wild, it is common to look for their silken retreats under rocks, behind tree bark, and within leave litter.^[5] They are very nocturnal animals and are usually hiding during the day in their retreats.^[9] In the state of Florida, these spiders have been known to colonize on mangrove islands and take shelter there.^[10]

The Yellow Ghost Spider's diet varies depending on the seasons and its location.^[11] Most spiders are considered to be terrestrial carnivores or even opportunistic feeders.^[12] However, Hibana velox's diet usually consist of tree crop, insect egg sacs, and small invertebrates. Tree crops contain natural sugars and nectar which can be a great energy source for the Yellow Ghost Spider.^[12] When given the chance to engage in oophagy, this species is mainly attracted to lepidopteran eggs and other species of spider eggs. Given that they are opportunistic feeders, they may even prey upon coleopteran eggs.^[13]

This species of spider has a lot of random characteristics as well. Such as their venomous bite.^[5] For targeted prey it can be deadly but for humans it is rarely an issue. However, some bites can become swollen and sore after initial encounter. If left untreated, the wound can turn necrotic.^[5] Within the agriculture industry, the Yellow Ghost Spider is often used as a method of pest control in citrus orchards.^[14] One arthropod that this spider often preys on is the Citrus Leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella).^[15] This pest can be detrimental to orchard farmers.^[16]