Araneus gemma
This record describes Araneus gemma (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | carapace and abdomen vary in color from gray to brownish purple. The abdomen has anterior paired humps and may have a medial light stripe that varies in length. |
| Male | similar in color and pattern to the female. This species is thought to mate with A. gemmoides which creates a cross between those two species. [This needs a citation.] |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Builds web in open areas of trees, large shrubs and around houses.
Geographic Range
Western Montana west to British Columbia and south to California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin for "bud" or "gem"
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Araneus gemma. 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 Araneus gemma (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Wirth; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , cheins , Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Araneus gemma
What is Araneus gemma?
Araneus gemma is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Araneus gemma?
The female measures 10 to 12mm* long; male smaller than the female, measuring 6 to 8 mm long (*according to BugGuide records the female may be as large as 23 mm)
How do you identify Araneus gemma?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | carapace and abdomen vary in color from gray to brownish purple. The abdomen has anterior paired humps and may have a medial light stripe that varies in length. |
| Male | similar in color and pattern to the female. |
Where is Araneus gemma found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Builds web in open areas of trees, large shrubs and around houses. |
| Range | Western Montana west to British Columbia and south to California |