European Yellow Sac Spider

The species is native over a wide area of Eurasia, from Europe through Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran to Central Asia and southern Siberia. There is evidence that the species is spreading in northeastern Germany, e.g. Brandenburg. The main reason is an increase in fallow, uncultivated land in these areas, though changing weather patterns leading to increased aridity and less precipitation may also play a role. C. punctorium is most numerous in the steppes of Central Asia. Off the coast of Australia and in Oceania, the species is considered invasive.

The mating season for Cheiracanthium punctorium begins in early summer, when males deliberately seek out desired females. Both genders possess the ability to reproduce and mate numerous times.

About 14 days after mating, females produce egg sacs of about 4 cm in high grass. The sac opens from the bottom and is aggressively defended for approximately 17 days after the young are born. Once mature, spiderlings are emancipated from their nests. Relying not on the power of the wind but on static electricity, the juveniles deploy silk 'balloons' and venture off to begin adult life.