Artema atlanta
This record describes Artema atlanta (species). Recorded family: Pholcidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Largest pholcid in the world. Abdomen is globular. Males' chelicerae have a very conspicuous black modification. Web is a domed sheet with a network of irregular threads above it.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Synanthropic (on or near human habitations).
Geographic Range
" Artema atlanta is the largest pholcid in the world and was introduced to North America. At this time, the only known colonies of this spider in the continental U.S. are in southern Arizona and southeastern California." ~R.J.Adams (June 14, 2009)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Walckenaer, 1837
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Artema atlanta. 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 Artema atlanta (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , cheins , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Artema atlanta
What is Artema atlanta?
Artema atlanta is a species in the family Pholcidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Artema atlanta?
Body length 8-11mm
How do you identify Artema atlanta?
Largest pholcid in the world. Abdomen is globular. Males' chelicerae have a very conspicuous black modification.
Where is Artema atlanta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Synanthropic (on or near human habitations). |
| Range | Artema atlanta is the largest pholcid in the world and was introduced to North America. At this time, the only known colonies of this spider in the continental U.S. are in southern Arizona and southeastern California. ~R.J.Adams (June 14, 2009) |