AraneaeGnaphosidae – Ground Spiders

Haplodrassus maculatus

This record describes Haplodrassus maculatus (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Haplodrassus maculatus - Haplodrassus maculatus
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins

Identification notes

Palp

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae (Spiders)
Family
Gnaphosidae (Ground Spiders)
Genus
Haplodrassus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

"Southern California and Baja California Norte ".

Seasonal Activity

"Mature males have been taken from late February through mid-May, mature females from early January through mid-May ".

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Haplodrassus maculatus. 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.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Haplodrassus maculatus (4)

Haplodrassus maculatus - photo 1
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Haplodrassus maculatus - photo 2
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Haplodrassus maculatus - photo 3
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Haplodrassus maculatus - photo 4
Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins

Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins

Frequently Asked Questions About Haplodrassus maculatus

How big is Haplodrassus maculatus?

Male about 4 mm, female about 5.5 mm .

How do you identify Haplodrassus maculatus?

Palp

Where is Haplodrassus maculatus found?

Range: Southern California and Baja California Norte .

When is Haplodrassus maculatus active?

Haplodrassus maculatus: seasonal activity - Mature males have been taken from late February through mid-May, mature females from early January through mid-May ..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.