| 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 |
| 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.
As Gnaphosidae, Poecilochroa have large cylindrical spinnerets. They are nocturnal, spending the day in silken retreats and going out at night to hunt.
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.
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.
As of September 2025[update], this genus includes 28 species:
