Cheiracanthium erraticum
This record describes Cheiracanthium erraticum (species). Recorded family: Miturgidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A foliage spider. The markings of this spider are distinctive. It has a wide dark red stripe running down the centre of the abdomen, which is in turn surrounded by an area of creamy-yellow. The head is a reddish brown. Usually found among grass and low plants, often living in silk cells. Typically a heathland species. The wasp Homonotus sanguinolentus a rare species is dependent on Cheiracanthium species. The wasp enters the egg-laying retreat of gravid female spiders and lays an egg on the front of the spider's abdomen. The spider remains alive in the retreat whilst the wasp larva feeds on its body fluids. After about 10 days the wasp larva kills the spider and consumes the remains. This spider is fairly common and widespread in Britain 1,522 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Miturgidae
- Genus
- Cheiracanthium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found among grass and low plants, often living in silk cells. Typically a heathland species.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The wasp Homonotus sanguinolentus a rare species is dependent on Cheiracanthium species. The wasp enters the egg-laying retreat of gravid female spiders and lays an egg on the front of the spider's abdomen. The spider remains alive in the retreat whilst the wasp larva feeds on its body fluids. After about 10 days the wasp larva kills the spider and consumes the remains.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This spider is fairly common and widespread in Britain
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Cheiracanthium erraticum. 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 Cheiracanthium erraticum (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheiracanthium erraticum
What is Cheiracanthium erraticum?
Cheiracanthium erraticum is a species in the family Miturgidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Cheiracanthium erraticum found?
Habitat: Usually found among grass and low plants, often living in silk cells. Typically a heathland species.
What is the life cycle of a Cheiracanthium erraticum?
The wasp Homonotus sanguinolentus a rare species is dependent on Cheiracanthium species. The wasp enters the egg-laying retreat of gravid female spiders and lays an egg on the front of the spider's abdomen. The spider remains alive in the retreat whilst the wasp larva feeds on its body fluids. After about 10 days the wasp larva kills the spider and consumes the remains.