Dictyna arundinacea
This record describes Dictyna arundinacea (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small (3 mm) spider which may be variable in appearance, but often with a pale body and a darker central pattern. Apical ends of tarsi I, II and III darker than remaining segments. Confirmation requires microscopic examination of the genitalia of adult specimens. Confirmation requires microscopic examination of the genitalia of adult specimens. The species is found on low, especially dry or dead vegetation (Jones 1983), in rough grassland or herbage growing at the edges of fields, hedges and woodland rides. Adults occur from late spring to mid-summer peaking in May and June. It spins its web in the tops of plants which supply rigidity and suitable structural spaces. The old heads of various umbellifers, docks, thistles and plants like Hypericum are favoured situations. On heathland the spider is very common on heather. The spider is not deterred by the prey's size, which is always bitten in the leg until dead. The species is widespread in Britain, but more scattered in the west and north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Dictynidae
- Genus
- Dictyna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The species is found on low, especially dry or dead vegetation (Jones 1983), in rough grassland or herbage growing at the edges of fields, hedges and woodland rides.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur from late spring to mid-summer peaking in May and June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It spins its web in the tops of plants which supply rigidity and suitable structural spaces. The old heads of various umbellifers, docks, thistles and plants like Hypericum are favoured situations. On heathland the spider is very common on heather. The spider is not deterred by the prey's size, which is always bitten in the leg until dead.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in Britain, but more scattered in the west and north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Dictyna arundinacea. 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 Dictyna arundinacea (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dictyna arundinacea
What is Dictyna arundinacea?
Dictyna arundinacea is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Dictyna arundinacea found?
Habitat: The species is found on low, especially dry or dead vegetation (Jones 1983), in rough grassland or herbage growing at the edges of fields, hedges and woodland rides.
When is Dictyna arundinacea active?
Dictyna arundinacea: seasonal activity - Adults occur from late spring to mid-summer peaking in May and June..
What is the life cycle of a Dictyna arundinacea?
It spins its web in the tops of plants which supply rigidity and suitable structural spaces. The old heads of various umbellifers, docks, thistles and plants like Hypericum are favoured situations. On heathland the spider is very common on heather. The spider is not deterred by the prey's size, which is always bitten in the leg until dead.