Cyclosa conica
This record describes Cyclosa conica (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This is an odd looking spider. It has a single tubercle (hump) on the rear of its abdomen This spider can be quite variable in colour and pattern, however its shape is so distinctive that it is hard to mistake. Usually found in well wooded areas, often in deep woodland. It builds a web with stabilimentum (lines accross the centre of the web) which it often covers in dead insects. When a fly hits this spider's web it will immediately rush straight towards the fly, most spiders will shake their webs first. Although widespread and fairly frequent in Britain it is easily overlooked. 1,703 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in well wooded areas, often in deep woodland.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It builds a web with stabilimentum (lines accross the centre of the web) which it often covers in dead insects. When a fly hits this spider's web it will immediately rush straight towards the fly, most spiders will shake their webs first.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although widespread and fairly frequent in Britain it is easily overlooked.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Cyclosa conica. 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 Cyclosa conica (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyclosa conica
What is Cyclosa conica?
Cyclosa conica is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Cyclosa conica found?
Habitat: Usually found in well wooded areas, often in deep woodland.
When is Cyclosa conica active?
Cyclosa conica: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Cyclosa conica?
It builds a web with stabilimentum (lines accross the centre of the web) which it often covers in dead insects. When a fly hits this spider's web it will immediately rush straight towards the fly, most spiders will shake their webs first.