Black Lace-weaver Spider
Amaurobius ferox
This record describes Amaurobius ferox (species). Recorded family: Amaurobiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Female to 16 mm; male to 12 mm. This spider usually has a dark abdomen with a wide and paler 'cardiac' mark but this is often reduced to a series of pale spots. The intensity of dorsal marking varies and it can easily be mistaken for the other members of this genus. Often found in cellars, houses and gardens. Adult females all year; males in spring and autumn. Builds an irregular, lace-like web around a rudimentary funnel. It is widespread and frequent in Britain. 1,311 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Amaurobiidae (Hacklemesh Weavers)
- Genus
- Amaurobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found in cellars, houses and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Adult females all year; males in spring and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Builds an irregular, lace-like web around a rudimentary funnel.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and frequent in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Amaurobius ferox. 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 Black Lace-weaver Spider (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Lace-weaver Spider
What is Black Lace-weaver Spider?
Black Lace-weaver Spider (Amaurobius ferox) is a species in the family Amaurobiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Black Lace-weaver Spider found?
Habitat: Often found in cellars, houses and gardens.
When is Black Lace-weaver Spider active?
Black Lace-weaver Spider: seasonal activity - Adult females all year; males in spring and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Black Lace-weaver Spider?
Builds an irregular, lace-like web around a rudimentary funnel.