About Meta dolloff Levi, 1980
The Dolloff cave spider, scientifically named Meta dolloff Levi, 1980, is native to California and is one of the rarest spider species in North America. In 1996, this species was classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. The Dolloff cave spider has only been recorded in habitats within California: it was first found in caves of the Empire Cave System near the University of California, Santa Cruz, and in Gray Whale Ranch State Park. Since its initial discovery in Empire and Dolloff Caves, it has also been found regularly living and reproducing outside of natural caves, in other subterranean environments including railroad tunnels and human-dug soil pits at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This spider builds its webs close to niches and depressions in cave walls, and feeds primarily on moths and harvestmen.
