Argenna obesa
This record describes Argenna obesa (species). Recorded family: Argyronetidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Palp:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Argyronetidae
- Genus
- Argenna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
A. obesa is widespread from Newfoundland west to Oregon and south to New Jersey and southern Ohio and south in the western mountains to Utah.
Seasonal Activity
Adults have been collected May to July
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Argenna obesa. 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 Argenna obesa (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chad Heins
Frequently Asked Questions About Argenna obesa
How big is Argenna obesa?
Chamberlin and Gertsch--Females: 2.1-3.4mm; males: ~2.2mm Kaston--Females: 2.5-3.1mm; males: ~2.3mm
How do you identify Argenna obesa?
Palp:
Where is Argenna obesa found?
Range: A. obesa is widespread from Newfoundland west to Oregon and south to New Jersey and southern Ohio and south in the western mountains to Utah.
When is Argenna obesa active?
Argenna obesa: seasonal activity - Adults have been collected May to July.