Genus of spiders
Atypus, also called purseweb spiders, is a genus of atypical tarantulas first described by Pierre André Latreille in 1804. It occurs in Eurasia, with one species ("A. affinis") reaching into North Africa. Only three of the described species occur in Europe: "A. piceus", "A. affinis", and "A. muralis". Specimens from the USA formerly known as "A. snetsingeri" represent an introduced population of "A. karschi".
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). "Atypus" cobwebs have also been used in Sichuan and Tibet to manage the symptoms of diabetes.
Identification features.
They are three-clawed, medium to large spiders with eight eyes. They have six spinnerets with the median spinneret truncated. The prolateral sides of the maxillae are elongated. The cephalic side of the cephalothorax is elevated. They have large chelicerae with long and thin fangs. The male sternum has marginal ridges.
Species.
As of  2022[ [update]] it contains 33 species:
Medical usage.
The cobwebs produced by spiders in the genus "Atypus", called Huidouba, have traditionally been consumed in Sichuan and Tibet to manage the symptoms of diabetes. Several studies have corroborated their therapeutic effects.
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).
References.
 ;templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" / ;