Cricket Bat Spider
Mangora acalypha
This record describes Mangora acalypha (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male 3 mm, female up to 6 mm. Prosoma light greenish, with black margin and median stripe. Sternum almost black. Legs yellowish. Tibia III with 2 rows of plumose trichobothria. Opisthosoma whitish yellow, rarely greenish, posteriorly with Cricket Bat marking consisting of 3 rows of black spots followed by longitudinal stripes, remaining pattern irregular, mostly consisting of longitudinal stripes. Ventrally black with 2 pairs of large, yellow spots. Photographs required to confirm this uncommon species. Occurs on heathland and in open woodland. It can usually be found in the centre of its small but densely woven orb web, which is constructed on low vegetation such as heather and gorse. Mature early in the season, adults occurring mainly from May to June. The species has a widespread but patchy distribution in southern England and south Wales. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Mangora+acalypha
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs on heathland and in open woodland. It can usually be found in the centre of its small but densely woven orb web, which is constructed on low vegetation such as heather and gorse.
Seasonal Activity
Mature early in the season, adults occurring mainly from May to June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species has a widespread but patchy distribution in southern England and south Wales.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Mangora acalypha. 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 Cricket Bat Spider (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cricket Bat Spider
What is Cricket Bat Spider?
Cricket Bat Spider (Mangora acalypha) is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Cricket Bat Spider found?
Habitat: Occurs on heathland and in open woodland. It can usually be found in the centre of its small but densely woven orb web, which is constructed on low vegetation such as heather and gorse.
When is Cricket Bat Spider active?
Cricket Bat Spider: seasonal activity - Mature early in the season, adults occurring mainly from May to June..