Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus
This record describes Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus (unresolved taxon). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.5 to 5 mm. Straight or tuning fork dark midline on the prosoma; prominent leg spines. Opisthosoma grey-brown with black spots. Legs red-brown, annulated with brown and with prominent spines. Microscopic examination of genitalia needed for confirmation of this species. A wide range of habitats including gardens and buildings. Previously only one species of Megalepthyphantes was known from the UK, M. nebulosus . In 1999 a similar spider was discovered in Kent, since when it seems to have increased its range along the Thames corridor, through south-eastern England and has now been found as far west as Cornwall. While closely related to the European species M. collinus , the new specimens appear to be sufficiently different to be treated as a good species in its own right. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Megalepthyphantes+sp.+near+collinus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Megalepthyphantes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A wide range of habitats including gardens and buildings.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Previously only one species of
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus. 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 Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus
What is Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus?
Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus is a unresolved taxon in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus?
3.5 to 5 mm. Straight or tuning fork dark midline on the prosoma; prominent leg spines. Opisthosoma grey-brown with black spots. Legs red-brown, annulated with brown and with prominent spines.
Where is Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus found?
Habitat: A wide range of habitats including gardens and buildings.
When is Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus active?
Megalepthyphantes sp. near collinus: seasonal activity - All year round..