Lathys humilis
This record describes Lathys humilis (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
To 2.5mm. Legs grey and annulated. The opisthosoma is greenish brown with a dark or red-brown pattern dorsally, consisting of longitudinal lines and chevrons. The spider occurs on bushes and trees in woodland and scrub, and can be beaten off oak, holly, yew, pines, gorse, etc. It may also be fairly common on ornamental evergreens and privet hedges in parks and gardens. Juveniles over-winter in leaf litter, brushwood, under bark and other similar situations. Adults occur mainly in May and June, with females persisting into July or even September. The species is widely distributed in the southern half of Britain, but with very few records from Scotland or the west. 1,971 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Dictynidae
- Genus
- Lathys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The spider occurs on bushes and trees in woodland and scrub, and can be beaten off oak, holly, yew, pines, gorse, etc. It may also be fairly common on ornamental evergreens and privet hedges in parks and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Juveniles over-winter in leaf litter, brushwood, under bark and other similar situations. Adults occur mainly in May and June, with females persisting into July or even September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widely distributed in the southern half of Britain, but with very few records from Scotland or the west.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Lathys humilis. 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 Lathys humilis (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lathys humilis
What is Lathys humilis?
Lathys humilis is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Lathys humilis found?
Habitat: The spider occurs on bushes and trees in woodland and scrub, and can be beaten off oak, holly, yew, pines, gorse, etc. It may also be fairly common on ornamental evergreens and privet hedges in parks and gardens.
When is Lathys humilis active?
Lathys humilis: seasonal activity - Juveniles over-winter in leaf litter, brushwood, under bark and other similar situations. Adults occur mainly in May and June, with females persisting into July or even September..