Epiceraticelus mandyae
This record describes Epiceraticelus mandyae (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male/Female Palp Epigynum Mandy Howe for whom this species was named was also a BugGuide contributing editor.
Identification notes
Male/Female Palp Epigynum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Erigoninae
- Genus
- Epiceraticelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Specimens are usually taken from within the leaf litter in mature pine and oak forests.
Geographic Range
"Eastern United States from Virginia to South Carolina and along the Gulf Coast to Louisiana; most specimens have been found at lower elevations on the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain."
Seasonal Activity
Adults are usually collected from January–May.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "The species name is derived from the name of the late arachnologist, Amanda “Mandy” Howe (4 September 1983–20 August 2016), in honor of her contributions to the North American arachnology community."
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Epiceraticelus mandyae. 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 Epiceraticelus mandyae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Epiceraticelus mandyae
What is Epiceraticelus mandyae?
Epiceraticelus mandyae is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Epiceraticelus mandyae?
~1.1–1.4mm
How do you identify Epiceraticelus mandyae?
Male/Female Palp Epigynum
Where is Epiceraticelus mandyae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens are usually taken from within the leaf litter in mature pine and oak forests. |
| Range | Eastern United States from Virginia to South Carolina and along the Gulf Coast to Louisiana; most specimens have been found at lower elevations on the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain. |
When is Epiceraticelus mandyae active?
Epiceraticelus mandyae: seasonal activity - Adults are usually collected from January–May..