Lepthyphantes minutus
This record describes Lepthyphantes minutus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Confirmation of this species requires examination of the genitals of mature specimens. Tree trunks, old bird nests and sometimes in houses. Builds a small sheet web
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Lepthyphantes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tree trunks, old bird nests and sometimes in houses. Builds a small sheet web
Seasonal Activity
May to November.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread and common in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Lepthyphantes minutus. 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 minutus (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lepthyphantes minutus
What is Lepthyphantes minutus?
Lepthyphantes minutus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Lepthyphantes minutus?
between 3 and 4 mm. Despite its specific name '
Where is Lepthyphantes minutus found?
Habitat: Tree trunks, old bird nests and sometimes in houses. Builds a small sheet web
When is Lepthyphantes minutus active?
Lepthyphantes minutus: seasonal activity - May to November..