Metepeira grandiosa
This record describes Metepeira grandiosa (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
2 subspecies - both have no median longitudinal band on the black sternum. - I don't know if these two are still considered subspecies. - alpina - Coxae never black. - grandiosa - More variable than the others.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
2 subspecies - alpina - Rocky Mountains - Rocky Mountain area of Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Oklahoma, to British Columbia, Oregon and south to Chihuahua. - grandiosa - Pacific - British Columbia to California.
Seasonal Activity
2 subspecies - alpina - June to August - grandiosa - March to October.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Chamberlin & Ivie. Year first published: 1941.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metepeira grandiosa. 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 grandiosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Metepeira grandiosa
What is Metepeira grandiosa?
Metepeira grandiosa is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Metepeira grandiosa?
2 subspecies - both have no median longitudinal band on the black sternum. - I don't know if these two are still considered subspecies. - alpina - Coxae never black. - grandiosa - More variable than the others.
Where is Metepeira grandiosa found?
Range: 2 subspecies - alpina - Rocky Mountains - Rocky Mountain area of Saskatchewan, North Dakota, Oklahoma, to British Columbia, Oregon and south to Chihuahua. - grandiosa - Pacific - British Columbia to California.
When is Metepeira grandiosa active?
Metepeira grandiosa: seasonal activity - 2 subspecies - alpina - June to August - grandiosa - March to October..