Erigone atra
This record describes Erigone atra (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Erigone atra is only about 2 to 2.5 millimeters. The abdomen is covered with short hair whilst the forebody is hairless and has a smooth glossy surface. In the male, the eye region is greatly increased. The legs in both sexes are coloured uniformly brown. Found at ground level on low vegetation and under the bark of fallen trees or under stones. Adults can be found at all times of the year, with peak numbers in summer. When weather conditions are suitable it stands on outstretched legs with the tip of its abdomen pointing in the air. It lets out a line of silk which, if the air currents are favourable, lifts the spider to considerable heights and conveys it to a new location. Such a procedure means that some perish on the journey or land in unsuitable places. This is when many people discover these money spiders on their person or in close proximity. One of most common spiders, it is widespread throughout most of Britain, possibly becoming more scattered in the north. 13,716 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Erigoninae
- Genus
- Erigone
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found at ground level on low vegetation and under the bark of fallen trees or under stones.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found at all times of the year, with peak numbers in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
When weather conditions are suitable it stands on outstretched legs with the tip of its abdomen pointing in the air. It lets out a line of silk which, if the air currents are favourable, lifts the spider to considerable heights and conveys it to a new location. Such a procedure means that some perish on the journey or land in unsuitable places. This is when many people discover these money spiders on their person or in close proximity.
Additional species information
Recorded status
One of most common spiders, it is widespread throughout most of Britain, possibly becoming more scattered in the north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Erigone atra. 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 Erigone atra (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Erigone atra
What is Erigone atra?
Erigone atra is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Erigone atra found?
Habitat: Found at ground level on low vegetation and under the bark of fallen trees or under stones.
When is Erigone atra active?
Erigone atra: seasonal activity - Adults can be found at all times of the year, with peak numbers in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Erigone atra?
When weather conditions are suitable it stands on outstretched legs with the tip of its abdomen pointing in the air. It lets out a line of silk which, if the air currents are favourable, lifts the spider to considerable heights and conveys it to a new location. Such a procedure means that some perish on the journey or land in unsuitable places. This is when many people discover these money spiders on their person or in close proximity.