Hypsosinga pygmaea
This record describes Hypsosinga pygmaea (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body length 3 to 4.5 mm. Prosoma black-brown, eye region and margin slightly brighter. Prosoma black-brown. Sternum black (c.f. Hypsosinga sanguinea - sternum yellowish red, sometimes darkened). |
| Legs | Legs reddish yellow, unicoloured. Opisthosoma strongly bulged, black-brown with 3 white longitudinal stripes, mainly males (rarely) completely black, ventrally black with 2 bright longitudinal stripes. Photos must exclude other Hypsosinga species, particularly H. sanguinea . This species spins orb webs on low vegetation, often on calcareous grassland but also in damper areas of heathland, acid grassland, and other tussocky and rough grasslands. The species is widespread in parts of southern Britain, with few widely scattered records in the north. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Hypsosinga+pygmaea No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species spins orb webs on low vegetation, often on calcareous grassland but also in damper areas of heathland, acid grassland, and other tussocky and rough grasslands.
Seasonal Activity
Adults in summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in parts of southern Britain, with few widely scattered records in the north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Hypsosinga pygmaea. 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 Hypsosinga pygmaea (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypsosinga pygmaea
What is Hypsosinga pygmaea?
Hypsosinga pygmaea is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Hypsosinga pygmaea?
3 to 4.5 mm. Prosoma black-brown, eye region and margin slightly brighter. Prosoma black-brown. Sternum black (c.f.
Where is Hypsosinga pygmaea found?
Habitat: This species spins orb webs on low vegetation, often on calcareous grassland but also in damper areas of heathland, acid grassland, and other tussocky and rough grasslands.
When is Hypsosinga pygmaea active?
Hypsosinga pygmaea: seasonal activity - Adults in summer..