Callilepis pluto
This record describes Callilepis pluto (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Voucher specimen with epigynum: Palp
Identification notes
Voucher specimen with epigynum: Palp
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
Dry places such as rocky hillsides, quarries, and sandy beaches. They use surface debris as daytime shelter.
Geographic Range
Found from western Northwest Territories to Maine, south to Oregon, Colorado and Alabama
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Callilepis pluto. 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 pluto (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Callilepis pluto
What is Callilepis pluto?
Callilepis pluto is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Callilepis pluto?
Voucher specimen with epigynum: Palp
Where is Callilepis pluto found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dry places such as rocky hillsides, quarries, and sandy beaches. They use surface debris as daytime shelter. |
| Range | Found from western Northwest Territories to Maine, south to Oregon, Colorado and Alabama |