Leptorhoptrum robustum
This record describes Leptorhoptrum robustum (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 4.8 mm. Prosoma brown, with dark margin and radial stripes. Sternum brown, tinged with black. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma grey to almost black. Confirmation to species level requires examination of the genitalia of mature specimens. Found in a wide range of damp habitats but often associated with sewage treatment plants. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Leptorhoptrum+robustum No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Leptorhoptrum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a wide range of damp habitats but often associated with sewage treatment plants.
Seasonal Activity
Summer-Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Widespread but scattered in Britain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Locally common in Leicestershire and Rutland.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Leptorhoptrum robustum. 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 Leptorhoptrum robustum (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptorhoptrum robustum
What is Leptorhoptrum robustum?
Leptorhoptrum robustum is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Leptorhoptrum robustum?
3 to 4.8 mm. Prosoma brown, with dark margin and radial stripes. Sternum brown, tinged with black. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma grey to almost black.
Where is Leptorhoptrum robustum found?
Habitat: Found in a wide range of damp habitats but often associated with sewage treatment plants.
When is Leptorhoptrum robustum active?
Leptorhoptrum robustum: seasonal activity - Summer-Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Leptorhoptrum robustum?
Widespread but scattered in Britain.