Mastigusa diversa
This record describes Mastigusa diversa (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body length 3 to 3.5 mm. Prosoma light yellow-brown. Sternum yellow-brown. |
| Legs | Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma light yellowish, sometimes with vague brownish or blackish pattern. Male palps highly distinctive. In natural light females have metallic blue iridescence on the femurs and also have a double row of spines on the underside of the front tibiae. These two features can be seen with a hand-lens. Cicurina cicur (similar appearance but does not have metallic blue iridescence on the femurs). Good quality photos of males showing unique structure of palps required. Females are difficult to identify and may require microscopic examination. This spider has a strong association with ant nests, occasionally found under the bark and in the hollow trunks of dead and ancient trees. National Rarity Status; Vulnerable (VU) JNCC Red List. Known mostly from a few sites in the Charnwood area. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Mastigusa+macrophthalma |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Dictynidae
- Genus
- Mastigusa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This spider has a strong association with ant nests, occasionally found under the bark and in the hollow trunks of dead and ancient trees.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
National Rarity Status; Vulnerable (VU) JNCC Red List.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Mastigusa diversa. 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 Mastigusa diversa (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mastigusa diversa
What is Mastigusa diversa?
Mastigusa diversa is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Mastigusa diversa?
3 to 3.5 mm. Prosoma light yellow-brown. Sternum yellow-brown. Legs yellow-brown. Opisthosoma light yellowish, sometimes with vague brownish or blackish pattern. Male palps highly distinctive. In natural light females have metallic blue iridescence on the femurs and also have a double row of spines on the underside of the front tibiae. These two features can be seen with a hand-lens.
Where is Mastigusa diversa found?
Habitat: This spider has a strong association with ant nests, occasionally found under the bark and in the hollow trunks of dead and ancient trees.
When is Mastigusa diversa active?
Mastigusa diversa: seasonal activity - All year..