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

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body length: 2.5 to 3 mm. Prosoma red-brown, margin darkened. Sternum red-brown. Chelicerae without denticles. |
| Legs | Legs 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
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- 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.
Photos of Agyneta subtilis (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..
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