Baryphyma pratense
This record describes Baryphyma pratense (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2 to 2.5 mm. Prosoma brown, with black margin, black median spot and radial stripes. Opisthosoma dark grey to black. Male with elevated head region. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is required to confirm this species. Flood plains of lowland rivers, ditches and marshes. Found near the base of reeds, sedges, rushes and tussocky grasses in flood meadows and in sedge marshes, wet meadows and rough grassland as well as in flood debris and on riverbanks. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Baryphyma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Flood plains of lowland rivers, ditches and marshes. Found near the base of reeds, sedges, rushes and tussocky grasses in flood meadows and in sedge marshes, wet meadows and rough grassland as well as in flood debris and on riverbanks.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and Summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in suitable habitat.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Baryphyma pratense. 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 Baryphyma pratense (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baryphyma pratense
What is Baryphyma pratense?
Baryphyma pratense is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Baryphyma pratense?
2 to 2.5 mm. Prosoma brown, with black margin, black median spot and radial stripes. Opisthosoma dark grey to black. Male with elevated head region.
Where is Baryphyma pratense found?
Habitat: Flood plains of lowland rivers, ditches and marshes. Found near the base of reeds, sedges, rushes and tussocky grasses in flood meadows and in sedge marshes, wet meadows and rough grassland as well as in flood debris and on riverbanks.
When is Baryphyma pratense active?
Baryphyma pratense: seasonal activity - Spring and Summer..