Diplostyla concolor
This record describes Diplostyla concolor (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small, dark brown or blackish species. Length about 3 mm. The female epigyne is highly characteristic with a very long scapus, unvarying in width. D. concolor is found in a wide variety of situations, usually at ground level. It can be found in grassland (probably being commonest on calcareous grassland), broad-leaved and mixed woodlands, hedgerows, marsh and waterside vegetation, moss, leaf litter and under ground cover such as stones and is especially common in disturbed situations. It usually occurs in small mixed-sex groups under stones, pieces of wood, rubbish, etc. Adults of both sexes are commonly recorded throughout the year. The species is widespread in Britain but becoming very scattered and patchy in the west and north. 6851 British records for this species to 2013
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Linyphiinae
- Genus
- Diplostyla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
D. concolor is found in a wide variety of situations, usually at ground level. It can be found in grassland (probably being commonest on calcareous grassland), broad-leaved and mixed woodlands, hedgerows, marsh and waterside vegetation, moss, leaf litter and under ground cover such as stones and is especially common in disturbed situations. It usually occurs in small mixed-sex groups under stones, pieces of wood, rubbish, etc.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are commonly recorded throughout the year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in Britain but becoming very scattered and patchy in the west and north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Diplostyla concolor. 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 Diplostyla concolor (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Diplostyla concolor
What is Diplostyla concolor?
Diplostyla concolor is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Diplostyla concolor?
about 3 mm. The female epigyne is highly characteristic with a very long scapus, unvarying in width.
Where is Diplostyla concolor found?
Habitat: D. concolor is found in a wide variety of situations, usually at ground level. It can be found in grassland (probably being commonest on calcareous grassland), broad-leaved and mixed woodlands, hedgerows, marsh and waterside vegetation, moss, leaf litter and under ground cover such as stones and is especially common in disturbed situations. It usually occurs in small mixed-sex groups under stones, pieces of wood, rubbish, etc.
When is Diplostyla concolor active?
Diplostyla concolor: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are commonly recorded throughout the year..