Horse-head spider
Stemonyphantes lineatus
This record describes Stemonyphantes lineatus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Relatively easy to identify, this is a stunningly marked and colourful spider. The pinkish mottled body has a darker central band of varying strength. The head is light brown and also has a darker central line. Usually found at or near ground level in a wide variety of habitats such as grassland, especially chalk downland, occurring in rabbit burrows, beneath overhanging grass tussocks, under stones and detritus, and in gardens. Occasionally found on taller vegetation. All year, with peaks between April and June and also in September and October. The species is widespread in much of England, but scattered and patchy in some areas, and more scattered in Wales and Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Stemonyphantes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found at or near ground level in a wide variety of habitats such as grassland, especially chalk downland, occurring in rabbit burrows, beneath overhanging grass tussocks, under stones and detritus, and in gardens. Occasionally found on taller vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
All year, with peaks between April and June and also in September and October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in much of England, but scattered and patchy in some areas, and more scattered in Wales and Scotland.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Stemonyphantes lineatus. 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 Horse-head spider (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse-head spider
What is Horse-head spider?
Horse-head spider (Stemonyphantes lineatus) is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Horse-head spider found?
Habitat: Usually found at or near ground level in a wide variety of habitats such as grassland, especially chalk downland, occurring in rabbit burrows, beneath overhanging grass tussocks, under stones and detritus, and in gardens. Occasionally found on taller vegetation.
When is Horse-head spider active?
Horse-head spider: seasonal activity - All year, with peaks between April and June and also in September and October..