Centromerus sylvaticus
This record describes Centromerus sylvaticus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2.2-4mm. Prosoma yellow-brown, with dark margin in head region. Sternum brown, suffused with black.. Chelicerae relatively long. Legs yellow-brown, robust. Opisthosoma grey to black, sometimes with bright transverse stripes posteriorly, ventrally mostly lighter. This is one of the 'money spiders' in the Linyphidae family - which has more UK species than any other. Tibial spines: 2-2-2-2 TmIV: no TmI: 0.35-0.42 This species can only be confirmed by examination of the genitals of mature specimens. Frequent in the ground litter and moss of moderately damp woodland and rough grassland. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Centromerus+sylvaticus No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Linyphiinae
- Genus
- Centromerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Frequent in the ground litter and moss of moderately damp woodland and rough grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Autumn-Spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Centromerus sylvaticus. 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 Centromerus sylvaticus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Centromerus sylvaticus
What is Centromerus sylvaticus?
Centromerus sylvaticus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Centromerus sylvaticus?
2.2-4mm. Prosoma yellow-brown, with dark margin in head region. Sternum brown, suffused with black.. Chelicerae relatively long. Legs yellow-brown, robust. Opisthosoma grey to black, sometimes with bright transverse stripes posteriorly, ventrally mostly lighter. This is one of the 'money spiders' in the Linyphidae family - which has more UK species than any other.
Where is Centromerus sylvaticus found?
Habitat: Frequent in the ground litter and moss of moderately damp woodland and rough grassland.
When is Centromerus sylvaticus active?
Centromerus sylvaticus: seasonal activity - Autumn-Spring..