Maevia expansa
This record describes Maevia expansa (species). Recorded family: Salticidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Males are similar to M inclemens but have large areas of white scales around the AMEs (large forward facing eyes in center: Anterior Median Eyes). Males are dimorphic with a black form and a grayish form. Adult females are best identified by the two parallel dorsal lines running down the abdomen, mostly solid colors beginning with red and becoming black posteriorly.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Salticidae (Jumping Spiders)
- Genus
- Maevia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mesic floodplain hardwood forest
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and early summer
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Maevia expansa. 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 Maevia expansa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Giff Beaton; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Maevia expansa
What is Maevia expansa?
Maevia expansa is a species in the family Salticidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Maevia expansa?
Males are similar to M inclemens but have large areas of white scales around the AMEs (large forward facing eyes in center: Anterior Median Eyes). Males are dimorphic with a black form and a grayish form. Adult females are best identified by the two parallel dorsal lines running down the abdomen, mostly solid colors beginning with red and becoming black posteriorly.
Where is Maevia expansa found?
Habitat: Mesic floodplain hardwood forest
When is Maevia expansa active?
Maevia expansa: seasonal activity - Late spring and early summer.