Gea heptagon
This record describes Gea heptagon (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palp This is the only member belonging to this genus.
Identification notes
Palp
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
New Jersery south to Florida, west to Michigan, Kansas, and Texas and then to California. BugGuide has expanded its known distribution and it is known to occur from Massachusetts west to Minnesota.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apparently English heptagon- "seven-sided shape", from Greek heptagonos ('επταγωνος) This is probably a noun in apposition, which would mean it doesn't have to agree with the genus name in gender.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Gea heptagon. 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 Gea heptagon (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , cheins , Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Gea heptagon
What is Gea heptagon?
Gea heptagon is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Gea heptagon?
Palp
Where is Gea heptagon found?
Range: New Jersery south to Florida, west to Michigan, Kansas, and Texas and then to California. BugGuide has expanded its known distribution and it is known to occur from Massachusetts west to Minnesota.