Mecaphesa schlingeri
This record describes Mecaphesa schlingeri (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
To paraphrase Schick (see page 120 of reference below): Dorsum of abdomen characteristically marked with broad red stripes including a pair of lateral stripes originating at anterior dorsolateral margin of abdomen and curving ventrad halfway back on abdomen where they terminate, as well as a paramedial pair with a common origin on the dorsum of abdomen near anteromedial margin, diverging caudad until halfway back on abdomen and then converging to meet just before anal tubercle, and finally two pairs of oblique bilateral stripes extending laterocaudad from paramedial stripes, paralleling the ventrally curving portion of the lateral stripes and terminating at the same level as the latter... Palp
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Thomisidae (Crab Spiders)
- Genus
- Mecaphesa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from California.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Mecaphesa schlingeri. 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 Mecaphesa schlingeri (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Mecaphesa schlingeri
What is Mecaphesa schlingeri?
Mecaphesa schlingeri is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Mecaphesa schlingeri?
Males average 4 mm in length; females average 6.0-6.5 mm in length.
How do you identify Mecaphesa schlingeri?
To paraphrase Schick (see page 120 of reference below): Dorsum of abdomen characteristically marked with broad red stripes including a pair of lateral stripes originating at anterior dorsolateral margin of abdomen and curving ventrad halfway back on abdomen where they terminate, as well as a paramedial pair with a common origin on the dorsum of abdomen near anteromedial margin, diverging caudad until halfway back on abdomen and then converging to meet just before anal tubercle, and finally two pairs of oblique bilateral stripes extending laterocaudad from paramedial stripes, paralleling the ventrally curving portion of the lateral stripes and terminating at the same level as the latter... Palp
Where is Mecaphesa schlingeri found?
Range: Known only from California.