AraneaeLinyphiidae

Bathyphantes nigrinus

This record describes Bathyphantes nigrinus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Bathyphantes nigrinus - Bathyphantes nigrinus

Length 2.5-3mm. Prosoma reddish brown, with darkened margins. Sternum almost black. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma dark grey, dorsally and laterally mostly with bright pattern, sometimes dorsally bright without pattern. This is one of the 'money spiders' in the Linyphidae family - which has more UK species than any other. Most are small and need microscopic examination to identify. Examination of the genitalia is required to confirm this species. Mainly occurs in shaded woodland but also in damper habitats. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Bathyphantes+nigrinus No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Genus
Bathyphantes

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Mainly occurs in shaded woodland but also in damper habitats.

Seasonal Activity

Spring-autumn.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Widespread but local in Britain.

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Bathyphantes nigrinus. 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.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Bathyphantes nigrinus (4)

Bathyphantes nigrinus - photo 1
Bathyphantes nigrinus - photo 2
Bathyphantes nigrinus - photo 3
Bathyphantes nigrinus - photo 4

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathyphantes nigrinus

What is Bathyphantes nigrinus?

Bathyphantes nigrinus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.

How big is Bathyphantes nigrinus?

2.5-3mm. Prosoma reddish brown, with darkened margins. Sternum almost black. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma dark grey, dorsally and laterally mostly with bright pattern, sometimes dorsally bright without pattern. This is one of the 'money spiders' in the Linyphidae family - which has more UK species than any other. Most are small and need microscopic examination to identify.

Where is Bathyphantes nigrinus found?

Habitat: Mainly occurs in shaded woodland but also in damper habitats.

When is Bathyphantes nigrinus active?

Bathyphantes nigrinus: seasonal activity - Spring-autumn..