Diaea dorsata
This record describes Diaea dorsata (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Diaea dorsata is one of the smaller crab spiders. Females can grow up to 6 mm, males up to 4 mm. Prosoma (head and thorax area) and legs are green, and the abdomen is yellowish with a red-brown mark. This spider can change its colour to fit its surroundings; however, the process takes several days. This species is strongly associated with woodland, perhaps with a preference for evergreens and conifers, and is found on the leaves of bushes and trees such as oak, box, yew and conifers, and is therefore usually collected by beating. It can also be found in leaf litter, and occasionally in the field layer of undisturbed scrubby grassland. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May and June, females persisting occasionally into the late autumn. D. dorsata is locally widespread in the southern half of England, becoming scattered in the west and north as far as Yorkshire.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Thomisidae
- Genus
- Diaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is strongly associated with woodland, perhaps with a preference for evergreens and conifers, and is found on the leaves of bushes and trees such as oak, box, yew and conifers, and is therefore usually collected by beating. It can also be found in leaf litter, and occasionally in the field layer of undisturbed scrubby grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May and June, females persisting occasionally into the late autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
D. dorsata
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Diaea dorsata. 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 Diaea dorsata (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Diaea dorsata
What is Diaea dorsata?
Diaea dorsata is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Diaea dorsata found?
Habitat: This species is strongly associated with woodland, perhaps with a preference for evergreens and conifers, and is found on the leaves of bushes and trees such as oak, box, yew and conifers, and is therefore usually collected by beating. It can also be found in leaf litter, and occasionally in the field layer of undisturbed scrubby grassland.
When is Diaea dorsata active?
Diaea dorsata: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May and June, females persisting occasionally into the late autumn..