Linyphia hortensis
This record describes Linyphia hortensis (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Size about 4 mm. The male has a dark brown rather cylindrical abdomen that usually has two pale patches at the top. The female is broader bodied and more strongly marked. The spider is found on low vegetation, especially dog's-mercury, mostly but not exclusively in woodland. It is also found in hedgerows and can be swept off low plants in these habitats. Adults of both sexes are found from late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally being recorded until late November. Makes a small sheet web amongst the low vegetation. Fairly frequent. The species is widespread in England and Wales, becoming very scattered and patchy in Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Linyphia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The spider is found on low vegetation, especially dog's-mercury, mostly but not exclusively in woodland. It is also found in hedgerows and can be swept off low plants in these habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found from late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally being recorded until late November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Makes a small sheet web amongst the low vegetation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent. The species is widespread in England and Wales, becoming very scattered and patchy in Scotland.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Linyphia hortensis. 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 Linyphia hortensis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Linyphia hortensis
What is Linyphia hortensis?
Linyphia hortensis is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Linyphia hortensis?
about 4 mm. The male has a dark brown rather cylindrical abdomen that usually has two pale patches at the top. The female is broader bodied and more strongly marked.
Where is Linyphia hortensis found?
Habitat: The spider is found on low vegetation, especially dog's-mercury, mostly but not exclusively in woodland. It is also found in hedgerows and can be swept off low plants in these habitats.
When is Linyphia hortensis active?
Linyphia hortensis: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found from late spring to mid-summer, females occasionally being recorded until late November..
What is the life cycle of a Linyphia hortensis?
Makes a small sheet web amongst the low vegetation.