Dictyna saepei
This record describes Dictyna saepei (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very dark species which resembles idahoana and peon in coloration. The abdomen usually has the typical markings confluent to form a quite uniform black stripe from base to apex, has the sides blackish, and the median black stripe on the venter boldly outlined by the whitish patch on each side . Palp Epigynum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Dictynidae (Mesh Web Weavers)
- Genus
- Dictyna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
"California, Oregon and Washington ".
Seasonal Activity
Possibly a spring-maturing species in California? I have found adult males in March in the central CA inner coast range and in May in Modoc County so far (K. Schneider).
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Dictyna saepei. 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 saepei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Dictyna saepei
What is Dictyna saepei?
Dictyna saepei is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Dictyna saepei?
This is a very dark species which resembles idahoana and peon in coloration. The abdomen usually has the typical markings confluent to form a quite uniform black stripe from base to apex, has the sides blackish, and the median black stripe on the venter boldly outlined by the whitish patch on each side . Palp Epigynum
Where is Dictyna saepei found?
Range: California, Oregon and Washington .
When is Dictyna saepei active?
Dictyna saepei: seasonal activity - Possibly a spring-maturing species in California? I have found adult males in March in the central CA inner coast range and in May in Modoc County so far (K. Schneider)..