AraneaeDictynidae – Mesh Web Weavers

Emblyna decaprini

This record describes Emblyna decaprini (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Emblyna decaprini - Emblyna decaprini
Contributed by Chad Heins

Identification notes

Palp:

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae (Spiders)
Family
Dictynidae (Mesh Web Weavers)
Genus
Emblyna

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Connecticut and New York but there is a BugGuide record from western Minnesota and an iNaturalist observation from Ohio suggesting a more significant range.

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Emblyna decaprini. 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.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Emblyna decaprini (4)

Emblyna decaprini - photo 1
Contributed by Chad Heins
Emblyna decaprini - photo 2
Contributed by Chad Heins
Emblyna decaprini - photo 3
Contributed by Chad Heins
Emblyna decaprini - photo 4
Contributed by Chad Heins

Photo credits: Contributed by Chad Heins

Frequently Asked Questions About Emblyna decaprini

How big is Emblyna decaprini?
FeatureDetails
Female~1.55mm
Male~1.45mm
How do you identify Emblyna decaprini?

Palp:

Where is Emblyna decaprini found?

Range: Connecticut and New York but there is a BugGuide record from western Minnesota and an iNaturalist observation from Ohio suggesting a more significant range.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Chad Heins. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.