| Poecilochroa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| P. variana | |
 | |
| P. variana | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Gnaphosidae |
| Genus: | Poecilochroa Westring, 1874 [1] |
| Type species | |
| P. variana (C. L. Koch, 1839) | |
| Species | |
28, see text | |
Poecilochroa is a genus of ground spiders that was first described by Niklas Westring in 1874. [2]
As Gnaphosidae, Poecilochroa have large cylindrical spinnerets. They are nocturnal, spending the day in silken retreats and going out at night to hunt. [3]
Poecilochroa are divided into two gnaphosid groups based on their abdomen colouration: those with plain abdomens are in the Echemus group, while those with black and white abdomen are in the Herpyllus group. Males of both groups have well-developed dorsal scuta. [4]
Poecilochroa occur in various habitats including on and under stones and dead leaves, on vegetation, in steppes, grasslands, dry fields, stream beds and forest floors. [5] [6]
As of September 2025 [update] , this genus includes 28 species: [1]
