- Nyctimus is also a spider genus (Thomisidae)
In
Greek mythology,
Nyctimus was one of the fifty sons of the
Arcadian king
Lycaon. His role in the death of Lycaon varies from source to source. One version tells that he was killed and served up as part of a feast to
Zeus; and was later brought back to life. Another story claims that he was the only son of Lycaon to survive the wrath of Zeus as a result of the interference of
Gaia. In both versions, Nyctimus succeeds his father as king of
Arcadia. His rule was short lived, however, due to floods in the age of
Deucalion, which some speculate was caused by the impiety of his brothers.