Anyphaena fraterna
This record describes Anyphaena fraterna (species). Recorded family: Anyphaenidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A species that can be fairly easily recognized under a microscope by the long and narrow median apophysis of the males and by the female's epigynal plate being wider anteriorly than posteriorly. Habitus (male/female) Palp (ventral view) Epigynum (ventral/dissected ventral/dissected dorsal)
Wikipedia reference for Anyphaena fraterna: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anyphaena fraterna.
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
Geographic Range
Southern New York west to eastern Kansas, south to western Florida and eastern Texas.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (Banks, 1896)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Anyphaena fraterna. 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 fraterna (6)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Anyphaena fraterna
What is Anyphaena fraterna?
Anyphaena fraterna is a species in the family Anyphaenidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Anyphaena fraterna?
Body length of adult female 5.3-5.7mm, of adult male 4.3-5mm.
How do you identify Anyphaena fraterna?
A species that can be fairly easily recognized under a microscope by the long and narrow median apophysis of the males and by the female's epigynal plate being wider anteriorly than posteriorly. Habitus (male/female) Palp (ventral view) Epigynum (ventral/dissected ventral/dissected dorsal)
Where is Anyphaena fraterna found?
Range: Southern New York west to eastern Kansas, south to western Florida and eastern Texas.