Argyrodes elevatus
This record describes Argyrodes elevatus (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Voucher specimens (Det. Lenny Vincent): - Female - Male This is a kleptoparasite that steals small insects from the orb webs of other spiders, as well as pillages large prey items that have already been caught and often predigested by the host spider.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Argyrodes (Robber Spiders)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is often found in the webs of other spiders, such as Nephila & Argiope .
Geographic Range
se US, CA / south to S. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Egg sac:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Argyrodes elevatus Taczanowski, 1873
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Argyrodes elevatus. 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 Argyrodes elevatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Argyrodes elevatus
What is Argyrodes elevatus?
Argyrodes elevatus is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Argyrodes elevatus?
Body length 3-4mm
How do you identify Argyrodes elevatus?
Voucher specimens (Det. Lenny Vincent): - Female - Male
Where is Argyrodes elevatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species is often found in the webs of other spiders, such as Nephila & Argiope . |
| Range | se US, CA / south to S. Amer. |
What is the life cycle of a Argyrodes elevatus?
Egg sac: