Donacochara speciosa
This record describes Donacochara speciosa (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4 to 5 mm. Prosoma yellow-brown. Sternum yellow-brown. Chelicerae yellow-brown. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma yellowish, pink or white with black pattern. Longitudinal band interrupted several times, merging with spots and transverse stripes posteriorly. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is required to confirm this species. Wet places such as fens and marshes, and in sewage beds, probably mainly in reed-beds. Uncommon in Britain. Mostly confined to eastern England with occasional scattered records from elsewhere. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Donacochara+speciosa No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Donacochara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wet places such as fens and marshes, and in sewage beds, probably mainly in reed-beds.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon in Britain. Mostly confined to eastern England with occasional scattered records from elsewhere.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Donacochara speciosa. 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 Donacochara speciosa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Donacochara speciosa
What is Donacochara speciosa?
Donacochara speciosa is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Donacochara speciosa?
4 to 5 mm. Prosoma yellow-brown. Sternum yellow-brown. Chelicerae yellow-brown. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma yellowish, pink or white with black pattern. Longitudinal band interrupted several times, merging with spots and transverse stripes posteriorly.
Where is Donacochara speciosa found?
Habitat: Wet places such as fens and marshes, and in sewage beds, probably mainly in reed-beds.
When is Donacochara speciosa active?
Donacochara speciosa: seasonal activity - All year..