Clubiona reclusa
This record describes Clubiona reclusa (species). Recorded family: Clubionidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This is a medium sized, slightly elongated sac-spider. It is brownish in colour and has a rather velvety appearance. Several other Clubiona species look very similar and identification requires high power magnification to examine the male palpal organs and genitalia. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification. The spider can be found amongst low vegetation and detritus in a wide range of habitats, most often in damp or marshy situations, but also scrub grassland, nettle beds, rubbish tips and heathland. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally persisting into the autumn and winter. The female can often be found with her eggs in a retreat constructed in a curled leaf held with silk. Common and widespread throughout Britain. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Clubiona+reclusa
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Clubionidae
- Genus
- Clubiona
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The spider can be found amongst low vegetation and detritus in a wide range of habitats, most often in damp or marshy situations, but also scrub grassland, nettle beds, rubbish tips and heathland.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally persisting into the autumn and winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The female can often be found with her eggs in a retreat constructed in a curled leaf held with silk.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread throughout Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Clubiona reclusa. 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 Clubiona reclusa (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clubiona reclusa
What is Clubiona reclusa?
Clubiona reclusa is a species in the family Clubionidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Clubiona reclusa found?
Habitat: The spider can be found amongst low vegetation and detritus in a wide range of habitats, most often in damp or marshy situations, but also scrub grassland, nettle beds, rubbish tips and heathland.
When is Clubiona reclusa active?
Clubiona reclusa: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally persisting into the autumn and winter..
What is the life cycle of a Clubiona reclusa?
The female can often be found with her eggs in a retreat constructed in a curled leaf held with silk.