Lepthyphantes leprosus
This record describes Lepthyphantes leprosus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Confirmation of this species requires examination of the genitals of mature specimens. L. leprosus is found in all types of buildings, from newly built houses (noticed within nine months of completion) to derelict barns. It forms small webs across corners of rooms, behind cupboards, etc. mostly at fairly low levels. It also occurs in disused quarries, in bark of old trees in parkland and broad-leaved woodland, under man-hole covers, in rubbish and in garden litter. Adults of both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, possibly with peaks in the autumn and spring. Widespread and probably fairly common in Britain, but seems to be under recorded - it becomes more scattered and infrequent further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Linyphiinae
- Genus
- Lepthyphantes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
L. leprosus is found in all types of buildings, from newly built houses (noticed within nine months of completion) to derelict barns. It forms small webs across corners of rooms, behind cupboards, etc. mostly at fairly low levels. It also occurs in disused quarries, in bark of old trees in parkland and broad-leaved woodland, under man-hole covers, in rubbish and in garden litter.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, possibly with peaks in the autumn and spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and probably fairly common in Britain, but seems to be under recorded - it becomes more scattered and infrequent further north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Lepthyphantes leprosus. 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 Lepthyphantes leprosus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lepthyphantes leprosus
What is Lepthyphantes leprosus?
Lepthyphantes leprosus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Lepthyphantes leprosus found?
Habitat: L. leprosus is found in all types of buildings, from newly built houses (noticed within nine months of completion) to derelict barns. It forms small webs across corners of rooms, behind cupboards, etc. mostly at fairly low levels. It also occurs in disused quarries, in bark of old trees in parkland and broad-leaved woodland, under man-hole covers, in rubbish and in garden litter.
When is Lepthyphantes leprosus active?
Lepthyphantes leprosus: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, possibly with peaks in the autumn and spring..