Arethyna coloradensis
This record describes Arethyna coloradensis (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palp This species is very similar to A. volucripes . Both sexes of A. coloradensis average larger in size and the coloration is much darker. The epigynum is not easily differentiated from that of A. volucripes with the median atria slightly larger and lateral fovea slightly wider apart. This species largely replaces A. volucripes in Canada.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Dictynidae (Mesh Web Weavers)
- Genus
- Arethyna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Maine west to Washington as well as Canada south in the Great Plains to Texas and south in the mountainous west to Arizona
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Arethyna coloradensis. 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 Arethyna coloradensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kevin Pfeiffer; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Arethyna coloradensis
What is Arethyna coloradensis?
Arethyna coloradensis is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Arethyna coloradensis?
Palp This species is very similar to A. volucripes . Both sexes of A. coloradensis average larger in size and the coloration is much darker. The epigynum is not easily differentiated from that of A. volucripes with the median atria slightly larger and lateral fovea slightly wider apart.
Where is Arethyna coloradensis found?
Range: Maine west to Washington as well as Canada south in the Great Plains to Texas and south in the mountainous west to Arizona