Dicymbium nigrum
This record describes Dicymbium nigrum (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females 1.9 to 2.5 mm, males 1.8 to 2.4 mm. Dicymbium brevisetosum and Dicymbium nigrum are very difficult to separate. Separation of these species can only be based on males, with females being indistinguishable from each other. The genitalia of the two species are identical. The British Arachnological Society record these two as separate species with females being grouped together as Dicymbium nigrum/brevisetosum and males needing detailed microscopic examination before acceptance to species level. Identification is made more difficult as there are intermediate specimens, and by the fact that the two species may be able to interbreed as they have identical genitalia. Any records of females, or of males which have not been microscopically examined and shown to be conclusively of one species should be recorded to the aggregate page. Confirmation of conclusive microscopic features required for positive identification. A common aeronaut which has been found in a wide variety of habitats including sphagnum bogs, grassland, damp woodland, heathland, marshes, wastelands and detritus. Adults have been recorded throughout the year with peaks in early summer and autumn. Fairly widespread in Britain but difficulty of identification make it difficult to arrive at a true status. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Dicymbium+nigrum No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Erigoninae
- Genus
- Dicymbium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A common aeronaut which has been found in a wide variety of habitats including sphagnum bogs, grassland, damp woodland, heathland, marshes, wastelands and detritus.
Seasonal Activity
Adults have been recorded throughout the year with peaks in early summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread in Britain but difficulty of identification make it difficult to arrive at a true status.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Dicymbium nigrum. 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 Dicymbium nigrum (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicymbium nigrum
What is Dicymbium nigrum?
Dicymbium nigrum is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Dicymbium nigrum found?
Habitat: A common aeronaut which has been found in a wide variety of habitats including sphagnum bogs, grassland, damp woodland, heathland, marshes, wastelands and detritus.
When is Dicymbium nigrum active?
Dicymbium nigrum: seasonal activity - Adults have been recorded throughout the year with peaks in early summer and autumn..