Heliophanus flavipes
This record describes Heliophanus flavipes (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small species at around 5 mm. A striking spider with a dark body covered with numerous paler hairs which are sometimes golden. Its legs and palps are a golden lemony yellow in colour. Identification of this species Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. It may occur on low vegetation and the shrub layer, or on lower branches of trees, but always shows a preference for sunny conditions. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July, females occasionally persisting into September. The species is local but widespread in much of the southern half of Britain and central eastern Scotland, but very scattered or absent in upland areas and much of the north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Salticidae
- Genus
- Heliophanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It may occur on low vegetation and the shrub layer, or on lower branches of trees, but always shows a preference for sunny conditions.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July, females occasionally persisting into September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is local but widespread in much of the southern half of Britain and central eastern Scotland, but very scattered or absent in upland areas and much of the north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Heliophanus flavipes. 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 Heliophanus flavipes (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Heliophanus flavipes
What is Heliophanus flavipes?
Heliophanus flavipes is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Heliophanus flavipes found?
Habitat: It may occur on low vegetation and the shrub layer, or on lower branches of trees, but always shows a preference for sunny conditions.
When is Heliophanus flavipes active?
Heliophanus flavipes: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in May, June and July, females occasionally persisting into September..