Gibbaranea gibbosa
This record describes Gibbaranea gibbosa (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A medium-sized orb-weaver (females up to 7mm long) with prominent tubercles on the shoulders of the abdomen. It is often attractively marked with some degree of green and sometimes also pinkish red. The spider spins an orb web on trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, in woodland, hedgerows and more open areas. Both sexes are adult from early to mid summer. Although never particularly common, this species is widespread in southern and eastern England, with scattered records in the west, Wales and north to central Scotland. 1,009 British records for this species to 2015
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The spider spins an orb web on trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, in woodland, hedgerows and more open areas.
Seasonal Activity
Both sexes are adult from early to mid summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although never particularly common, this species is widespread in southern and eastern England, with scattered records in the west, Wales and north to central Scotland.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Gibbaranea gibbosa. 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 Gibbaranea gibbosa (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gibbaranea gibbosa
What is Gibbaranea gibbosa?
Gibbaranea gibbosa is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Gibbaranea gibbosa found?
Habitat: The spider spins an orb web on trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, in woodland, hedgerows and more open areas.
When is Gibbaranea gibbosa active?
Gibbaranea gibbosa: seasonal activity - Both sexes are adult from early to mid summer..