Cryptachaea rupicola
This record describes Cryptachaea rupicola (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The body is dirty gray with darker grayish to black spots and stripes. The legs have alternating dark and light bands. The middle apex of the abdomen has a small bump which is dark on top and light on the rear.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Cryptachaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA & southeastern Canada (published collection localities include: ON, QC, AR, PA, WI, IL, MI, IN, ME, NH, MA, CT, NY, NJ, MD, KY, TN, NC, GA, AL).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Unlike the similar Parasteatoda tepidariorum , it camouflages its retreat using available debris.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Cryptachaea rupicola. 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 Cryptachaea rupicola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptachaea rupicola
What is Cryptachaea rupicola?
Cryptachaea rupicola is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Cryptachaea rupicola?
Female - 3 mm Male - 2 mm
How do you identify Cryptachaea rupicola?
The body is dirty gray with darker grayish to black spots and stripes. The legs have alternating dark and light bands. The middle apex of the abdomen has a small bump which is dark on top and light on the rear.
Where is Cryptachaea rupicola found?
Range: Eastern USA & southeastern Canada (published collection localities include: ON, QC, AR, PA, WI, IL, MI, IN, ME, NH, MA, CT, NY, NJ, MD, KY, TN, NC, GA, AL).
What is the life cycle of a Cryptachaea rupicola?
Unlike the similar Parasteatoda tepidariorum , it camouflages its retreat using available debris.