Anyphaena dixiana
This record describes Anyphaena dixiana (species). Recorded family: Anyphaenidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
May be quickly recognized by the spur borne on the dorsal prong of the RTA of males and the greatly reduced epigynal midpiece of females. Palp (ventral/lateral) Epigynum (ventral/dorsal dissected) Closest to A. crebrispina .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Anyphaenidae (Ghost Spiders)
- Genus
- Anyphaena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Specimens have been taken from 5400 to 9000 feet (1650-2750 m), in yellow pine/oak and montane forests, in alfalfa, under dead agave and frequently in houses."
Geographic Range
North-central Colorado south to western Texas and west to southern California.
Seasonal Activity
"Mature males have been taken from mid-August through mid-May, mature females from late September through late April."
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Anyphaena dixiana. 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 Anyphaena dixiana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Anyphaena dixiana
What is Anyphaena dixiana?
Anyphaena dixiana is a species in the family Anyphaenidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Anyphaena dixiana?
~4.14 mm female ~3.85 mm male
How do you identify Anyphaena dixiana?
May be quickly recognized by the spur borne on the dorsal prong of the RTA of males and the greatly reduced epigynal midpiece of females. Palp (ventral/lateral) Epigynum (ventral/dorsal dissected)
Where is Anyphaena dixiana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens have been taken from 5400 to 9000 feet (1650-2750 m), in yellow pine/oak and montane forests, in alfalfa, under dead agave and frequently in houses. |
| Range | North-central Colorado south to western Texas and west to southern California. |
When is Anyphaena dixiana active?
Anyphaena dixiana: seasonal activity - Mature males have been taken from mid-August through mid-May, mature females from late September through late April..