Gonatium rubens
This record describes Gonatium rubens (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Found in a variety of open habitats, in grass tussocks, mosses and gorse. All year round peaking August to October, with female numbers spiking again in April and May. Widespread and quite frequent in Britain. 5874 British records for this species to 2013.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Gonatium
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of open habitats, in grass tussocks, mosses and gorse.
Seasonal Activity
All year round peaking August to October, with female numbers spiking again in April and May.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite frequent in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Gonatium rubens. 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 Gonatium rubens (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gonatium rubens
What is Gonatium rubens?
Gonatium rubens is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Gonatium rubens found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of open habitats, in grass tussocks, mosses and gorse.
When is Gonatium rubens active?
Gonatium rubens: seasonal activity - All year round peaking August to October, with female numbers spiking again in April and May..