Metellina merianae
This record describes Metellina merianae (species). Recorded family: Tetragnathidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 12 mm. Quite variable in pattern and colour. Prosoma yellowish green, with irregular black stripes, margin black. Sternum black. Chelicerae red-brown. Legs yellowish green, annulated and spotted irregularly with black. Opisthosoma greenish, brownish to almost black, dorsally with vague folium, ventrally with broad, dark median part. Variable in appearance, good quality photographs required. This spider produces an orb web in shady, damp habitats, but is usually found concealed away from its web during the day. Both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, with peaks in late spring/early summer and late summer/autumn. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Metellina+merianae No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Tetragnathidae
- Genus
- Metellina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This spider produces an orb web in shady, damp habitats, but is usually found concealed away from its web during the day.
Seasonal Activity
Both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, with peaks in late spring/early summer and late summer/autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metellina merianae. 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 Metellina merianae (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Metellina merianae
What is Metellina merianae?
Metellina merianae is a species in the family Tetragnathidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Metellina merianae?
8 to 12 mm. Quite variable in pattern and colour. Prosoma yellowish green, with irregular black stripes, margin black. Sternum black. Chelicerae red-brown. Legs yellowish green, annulated and spotted irregularly with black. Opisthosoma greenish, brownish to almost black, dorsally with vague folium, ventrally with broad, dark median part.
Where is Metellina merianae found?
Habitat: This spider produces an orb web in shady, damp habitats, but is usually found concealed away from its web during the day.
When is Metellina merianae active?
Metellina merianae: seasonal activity - Both sexes have been recorded throughout the year, with peaks in late spring/early summer and late summer/autumn..