AraneaeLinyphiidae

Agyneta subtilis

This record describes Agyneta subtilis (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Agyneta subtilis - Agyneta subtilis
FeatureDescription
BodyBody length: 2.5 to 3 mm. Prosoma red-brown, margin darkened. Sternum red-brown. Chelicerae without denticles.
LegsLegs yellow-brown, tibia and metatarsus darker. Opisthosoma dark brown to black. Confirmation of this species requires examination of the genitalia of mature specimens. Found in a variety of habitats including undergrowth and leaf litter in broad-leaved woodland, and in moss and grass. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Agyneta+subtilis No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Genus
Agyneta

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats including undergrowth and leaf litter in broad-leaved woodland, and in moss and grass.

Seasonal Activity

Spring-Autumn.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Widespread but scattered in Britain.

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Agyneta subtilis. 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.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Agyneta subtilis (2)

Agyneta subtilis - photo 1
Agyneta subtilis - photo 2

Frequently Asked Questions About Agyneta subtilis

What is Agyneta subtilis?

Agyneta subtilis is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.

How big is Agyneta subtilis?

2.5 to 3 mm. Prosoma red-brown, margin darkened. Sternum red-brown. Chelicerae without denticles. Legs yellow-brown, tibia and metatarsus darker. Opisthosoma dark brown to black.

Where is Agyneta subtilis found?

Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats including undergrowth and leaf litter in broad-leaved woodland, and in moss and grass.

When is Agyneta subtilis active?

Agyneta subtilis: seasonal activity - Spring-Autumn..