Agroeca proxima
This record describes Agroeca proxima (species). Recorded family: Liocranidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body length male: 3.8 to 5 mm. |
| Body | Body length female: 5.2 to 7.5 mm. Opisthosoma brown-grey to light yellow-brown with distinct chevrons. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. This nocturnal hunter is ground living with a preference for fairly dry habitats amongst leaf litter, grasses, heather and other low vegetation. It is one of the commonest species on heathland. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late summer and autumn, occasionally into late winter and spring with females persisting into the summer. The species produces distinctive egg sacs, which are probably noted more often than the adults. The egg sacs are shaped like an upside down wine glass, and are hung from any vegetation, including the trunks and lower branches of trees. They are often covered with debris by the female, which helps to camouflage them. The species is widely distributed throughout Britain and fairly common. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Agroeca+proxima No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Liocranidae
- Genus
- Agroeca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This nocturnal hunter is ground living with a preference for fairly dry habitats amongst leaf litter, grasses, heather and other low vegetation. It is one of the commonest species on heathland.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late summer and autumn, occasionally into late winter and spring with females persisting into the summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The species produces distinctive egg sacs, which are probably noted more often than the adults. The egg sacs are shaped like an upside down wine glass, and are hung from any vegetation, including the trunks and lower branches of trees. They are often covered with debris by the female, which helps to camouflage them.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widely distributed throughout Britain and fairly common.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Agroeca proxima. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Agroeca proxima (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agroeca proxima
What is Agroeca proxima?
Agroeca proxima is a species in the family Liocranidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Agroeca proxima?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 3.8 to 5 mm. Body length |
| Female | 5.2 to 7.5 mm. Opisthosoma brown-grey to light yellow-brown with distinct chevrons. |
Where is Agroeca proxima found?
Habitat: This nocturnal hunter is ground living with a preference for fairly dry habitats amongst leaf litter, grasses, heather and other low vegetation. It is one of the commonest species on heathland.
When is Agroeca proxima active?
Agroeca proxima: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late summer and autumn, occasionally into late winter and spring with females persisting into the summer..
What is the life cycle of a Agroeca proxima?
The species produces distinctive egg sacs, which are probably noted more often than the adults. The egg sacs are shaped like an upside down wine glass, and are hung from any vegetation, including the trunks and lower branches of trees. They are often covered with debris by the female, which helps to camouflage them.