AraneaeDictynidae – Mesh Web Weavers

Emblyna reticulata

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

Identification and Appearance

Emblyna reticulata - Emblyna reticulata
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins

Identification notes

Palp Epigynum

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

"Western United States from South Dakota and Montana to Washington, southward through the coast and Rocky Mountain states and Texas into Baja California and Mexico ".

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Emblyna reticulata. 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 reticulata (5)

Emblyna reticulata - photo 1
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Emblyna reticulata - photo 2
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Emblyna reticulata - photo 3
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Emblyna reticulata - photo 4
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Emblyna reticulata - photo 5
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins

Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins

Frequently Asked Questions About Emblyna reticulata

How big is Emblyna reticulata?

About 2-4 mm.

How do you identify Emblyna reticulata?

Palp Epigynum

Where is Emblyna reticulata found?

Range: Western United States from South Dakota and Montana to Washington, southward through the coast and Rocky Mountain states and Texas into Baja California and Mexico .

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.