Bathyphantes gracilis
This record describes Bathyphantes gracilis (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The carapace is brown and the abdomen features black bars on a grey-brown background although this colouration is variable and some specimens are wholly grey-brown or black. Examination of the genitalia is required to confirm this species. Common in grassland and undergrowth of all kinds, including heathland, woodlands and marshy habitats. Adults can be found at all times of the year, but mostly in the summer and autumn. The species is widespread and common throughout most of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Bathyphantes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Common in grassland and undergrowth of all kinds, including heathland, woodlands and marshy habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found at all times of the year, but mostly in the summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread and common throughout most of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Bathyphantes gracilis. 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 Bathyphantes gracilis (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathyphantes gracilis
What is Bathyphantes gracilis?
Bathyphantes gracilis is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Bathyphantes gracilis found?
Habitat: Common in grassland and undergrowth of all kinds, including heathland, woodlands and marshy habitats.
When is Bathyphantes gracilis active?
Bathyphantes gracilis: seasonal activity - Adults can be found at all times of the year, but mostly in the summer and autumn..