Invisible Spider
Drapetisca socialis
This record describes Drapetisca socialis (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The white on the abdomen varies but the pattern on the carapace is recognisable. They are smallish spiders, up to 4 mm. This spider is usually found on the lower trunks of trees, particularly Beech. It spins a very fine web which is almost invisible to the naked eye. Can be very common and is found over much of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Drapetisca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This spider is usually found on the lower trunks of trees, particularly Beech.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It spins a very fine web which is almost invisible to the naked eye.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Can be very common and is found over much of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Drapetisca socialis. 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 Invisible Spider (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisible Spider
What is Invisible Spider?
Invisible Spider (Drapetisca socialis) is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Invisible Spider found?
Habitat: This spider is usually found on the lower trunks of trees, particularly Beech.
What is the life cycle of a Invisible Spider?
It spins a very fine web which is almost invisible to the naked eye.