Larinioides sclopetarius
This record describes Larinioides sclopetarius (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females reach a body length of about 10 mm, males are somewhat smaller. Generally black and white and sometimes velvet-like in appearance, prosoma (cephalothorax) grey (c.f. Larinioides cornutus - prosoma brown). 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. Usually found near water, often on man-made structures; rarely on vegetation. Males can be found mostly during summer; females are active until November in central Europe. They often hide during the day and wait for prey in the centre of their web at night. Widespread in England and southern Wales, but less common and more local than the related L. cornutus . 910 British records or this species to 2014.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found near water, often on man-made structures; rarely on vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Males can be found mostly during summer; females are active until November in central Europe.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They often hide during the day and wait for prey in the centre of their web at night.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England and southern Wales, but less common and more local than the related
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Larinioides sclopetarius. 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 sclopetarius (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Larinioides sclopetarius
What is Larinioides sclopetarius?
Larinioides sclopetarius is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Larinioides sclopetarius?
of about 10 mm, males are somewhat smaller. Generally black and white and sometimes velvet-like in appearance, prosoma (cephalothorax) grey (c.f.
Where is Larinioides sclopetarius found?
Habitat: Usually found near water, often on man-made structures; rarely on vegetation.
When is Larinioides sclopetarius active?
Larinioides sclopetarius: seasonal activity - Males can be found mostly during summer; females are active until November in central Europe..
What is the life cycle of a Larinioides sclopetarius?
They often hide during the day and wait for prey in the centre of their web at night.