Larinioides cornutus
This record describes Larinioides cornutus (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females reach a body length of about 13 mm, males up to 8 mm. A variable species with a dark, distinct V-shape on the abdomen above which there a two pincer like markings. Prosoma (cephalothorax) brown (c.f. Larinioides sclopetarius - prosoma grey). Confirmation 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. These spiders are most often found in damper areas, especially near to water. The web is built between grasses, or in low shrubbery. They hide during the day in a silken retreat that opens at the bottom, masked with plant and animal matter and leave it during the night. The web is remade in the evening. The male lives with the female during mating time, which is in autumn and again in spring. The female produces three to five yellow egg sacs during the summer. Widespread and common throughout Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
These spiders are most often found in damper areas, especially near to water.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The web is built between grasses, or in low shrubbery. They hide during the day in a silken retreat that opens at the bottom, masked with plant and animal matter and leave it during the night. The web is remade in the evening. The male lives with the female during mating time, which is in autumn and again in spring. The female produces three to five yellow egg sacs during the summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common throughout Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Larinioides cornutus. 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 Larinioides cornutus (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Larinioides cornutus
What is Larinioides cornutus?
Larinioides cornutus is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Larinioides cornutus?
of about 13 mm, males up to 8 mm. A variable species with a dark, distinct V-shape on the abdomen above which there a two pincer like markings. Prosoma (cephalothorax) brown (c.f.
Where is Larinioides cornutus found?
Habitat: These spiders are most often found in damper areas, especially near to water.
When is Larinioides cornutus active?
Larinioides cornutus: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Larinioides cornutus?
The web is built between grasses, or in low shrubbery. They hide during the day in a silken retreat that opens at the bottom, masked with plant and animal matter and leave it during the night. The web is remade in the evening. The male lives with the female during mating time, which is in autumn and again in spring. The female produces three to five yellow egg sacs during the summer.