Metepeira gosoga
This record describes Metepeira gosoga (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Light colored carapace having only the posterior head region dark, by the white abdomen. Two adjacent black marks surrounded by white pigment on the venter. There is a second form that Piel 2001 says is more common than the one Levi described. Here is what he says: Wide white median line with pair of large white spots on either side of spiracle. Sometimes with parallel pair of lateral white lines that join transverse white line posteriorly.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Desert vegetation.
Geographic Range
Southern Utah to southern Arizona west to California.
Seasonal Activity
Collected June to August.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Chamberlin & Ivie. Year first published: 1935.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metepeira gosoga. 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 Metepeira gosoga (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Metepeira gosoga
What is Metepeira gosoga?
Metepeira gosoga is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Metepeira gosoga?
Females 7.5 to 9.4 mm, Males 4.4 to 5.5 mm
How do you identify Metepeira gosoga?
Light colored carapace having only the posterior head region dark, by the white abdomen. Two adjacent black marks surrounded by white pigment on the venter. There is a second form that Piel 2001 says is more common than the one Levi described. Here is what he says: Wide white median line with pair of large white spots on either side of spiracle. Sometimes with parallel pair of lateral white lines that join transverse white line posteriorly.
Where is Metepeira gosoga found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Desert vegetation. |
| Range | Southern Utah to southern Arizona west to California. |
When is Metepeira gosoga active?
Metepeira gosoga: seasonal activity - Collected June to August..