Callilepis imbecilla
This record describes Callilepis imbecilla (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palp Epigynum This species apparently replaces C. pluto in the Mississippi River Valley and the extreme southern United State.
Identification notes
Palp Epigynum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Gnaphosidae (Ground Spiders)
- Genus
- Callilepis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under boards in leaf litter in stands of oak, hickory, pine, citrus and sand pine as well as on sand dunes and beaches
Geographic Range
Southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida north to Illinois and Ohio as well as Ontario .
Seasonal Activity
May to August
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Keyserling. Year first published: 1887.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Callilepis imbecilla. 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 Callilepis imbecilla (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Callilepis imbecilla
What is Callilepis imbecilla?
Callilepis imbecilla is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Callilepis imbecilla?
Palp Epigynum
Where is Callilepis imbecilla found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Under boards in leaf litter in stands of oak, hickory, pine, citrus and sand pine as well as on sand dunes and beaches |
| Range | Southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida north to Illinois and Ohio as well as Ontario . |
When is Callilepis imbecilla active?
Callilepis imbecilla: seasonal activity - May to August.