Macrargus rufus
This record describes Macrargus rufus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small spider with a length of little more than 3.5mm. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. M. rufus is primarily a spider of woodlands, where it may be abundant in the leaf litter, moss and grass under broad-leaved and coniferous trees, from ancient oak woodland to beech and larch plantations. Adults of both sexes are mostly found in the autumn, through the winter and spring, females into early summer, occasionally persisting later. The species is widespread in much of Britain, but absent or very scattered in some areas. Its winter season may result in under-recording. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Macrargus+rufus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Macrargus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
M. rufus is primarily a spider of woodlands, where it may be abundant in the leaf litter, moss and grass under broad-leaved and coniferous trees, from ancient oak woodland to beech and larch plantations.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are mostly found in the autumn, through the winter and spring, females into early summer, occasionally persisting later.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in much of Britain, but absent or very scattered in some areas. Its winter season may result in under-recording.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Macrargus rufus. 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 Macrargus rufus (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrargus rufus
What is Macrargus rufus?
Macrargus rufus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Macrargus rufus?
of little more than 3.5mm.
Where is Macrargus rufus found?
Habitat: M. rufus is primarily a spider of woodlands, where it may be abundant in the leaf litter, moss and grass under broad-leaved and coniferous trees, from ancient oak woodland to beech and larch plantations.
When is Macrargus rufus active?
Macrargus rufus: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are mostly found in the autumn, through the winter and spring, females into early summer, occasionally persisting later..