Evarcha falcata
This record describes Evarcha falcata (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The abdomen is chestnut brown patterned with black and with a conspicuous pale crescent at the anterior end. Mainly a woodland spider which occurs in the foliage of trees and on lower vegetation such as heather and gorse in woodland clearings. March to November but peaking May to August. The spider is widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, but becomes very scattered in the north of England and Scotland. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Salticidae
- Genus
- Evarcha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly a woodland spider which occurs in the foliage of trees and on lower vegetation such as heather and gorse in woodland clearings.
Seasonal Activity
March to November but peaking May to August.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The spider is widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, but becomes very scattered in the north of England and Scotland. It is widespread in north-western and central Europe.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Evarcha falcata. 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 Evarcha falcata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Evarcha falcata
What is Evarcha falcata?
Evarcha falcata is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Evarcha falcata found?
Habitat: Mainly a woodland spider which occurs in the foliage of trees and on lower vegetation such as heather and gorse in woodland clearings.
When is Evarcha falcata active?
Evarcha falcata: seasonal activity - March to November but peaking May to August..