Anelosimus vittatus
This record describes Anelosimus vittatus (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small spider with a wide, rich brown band running the length of the abdomen. Carapace is light brown with a thin dark border and a broad brown median band tapering towards the rear. This species constructs its scaffold webs on bushes, trees and tall plants in a wide variety of habitats, perhaps with a preference for oaks. Both sexes are mature in late spring and summer, with a peak between May and July, females occasionally surviving through to late autumn. The species is fairly common in much of England, but rare elsewhere in Britain. 3921 British records for this species to 2013
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Genus
- Anelosimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species constructs its scaffold webs on bushes, trees and tall plants in a wide variety of habitats, perhaps with a preference for oaks.
Seasonal Activity
Both sexes are mature in late spring and summer, with a peak between May and July, females occasionally surviving through to late autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is fairly common in much of England, but rare elsewhere in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Anelosimus vittatus. 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 Anelosimus vittatus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anelosimus vittatus
What is Anelosimus vittatus?
Anelosimus vittatus is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Anelosimus vittatus?
of the abdomen. Carapace is light brown with a thin dark border and a broad brown median band tapering towards the rear.
Where is Anelosimus vittatus found?
Habitat: This species constructs its scaffold webs on bushes, trees and tall plants in a wide variety of habitats, perhaps with a preference for oaks.
When is Anelosimus vittatus active?
Anelosimus vittatus: seasonal activity - Both sexes are mature in late spring and summer, with a peak between May and July, females occasionally surviving through to late autumn..