Drassodes cupreus
This record describes Drassodes cupreus (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
D. cupreus is the most common of the UK spiders in this genus but cannot easily be distinguished from D. lapidotus . The female is 9-18 mm with a mousy grey abdomen and long tubular spinners. If we cannot be certain that an image is D. cupreus but it is likely to be this species, it is highlighted in a red box It is very similar to D. lapidotus and certain identification requires detailed examination. Under stones and leaf litter in dry places. A ground spider - it is a fierce nocturnal hunter, spending the day in its silken retreat. In 1999 Swedish scientists discovered that it has a built in sense of navigation.
Identification notes
requires detailed examination.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Gnaphosidae
- Genus
- but cannot easily be distinguished from
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under stones and leaf litter in dry places.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A ground spider - it is a fierce nocturnal hunter, spending the day in its silken retreat. In 1999 Swedish scientists discovered that it has a built in sense of navigation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Drassodes cupreus. 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 Drassodes cupreus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Drassodes cupreus
What is Drassodes cupreus?
Drassodes cupreus is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Drassodes cupreus?
requires detailed examination.
Where is Drassodes cupreus found?
Habitat: Under stones and leaf litter in dry places.
What is the life cycle of a Drassodes cupreus?
A ground spider - it is a fierce nocturnal hunter, spending the day in its silken retreat. In 1999 Swedish scientists discovered that it has a built in sense of navigation.