Cnephalocotes obscurus
This record describes Cnephalocotes obscurus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Males 1.5 to 1.9mm, females 1.5 to 2 mm. Prosoma black-brown. Legs yellow-orange to brown. Opisthosoma dark grey to black with distinct impressed dots. Confirmation of this species requires examination of the genitalia of mature specimens. Found in a wide variety of habitats including acid, neutral and calcareous grassland, rocky moorland, broad-leaved woodland and disused quarries and gravel pits. Widespread throughout much of Britain but with a patchy and scattered distribution. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Cnephalocotes+obscurus No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Cnephalocotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats including acid, neutral and calcareous grassland, rocky moorland, broad-leaved woodland and disused quarries and gravel pits.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread throughout much of Britain but with a patchy and scattered distribution.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Cnephalocotes obscurus. 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 Cnephalocotes obscurus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cnephalocotes obscurus
What is Cnephalocotes obscurus?
Cnephalocotes obscurus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Cnephalocotes obscurus found?
Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats including acid, neutral and calcareous grassland, rocky moorland, broad-leaved woodland and disused quarries and gravel pits.
When is Cnephalocotes obscurus active?
Cnephalocotes obscurus: seasonal activity - All year..