Metepeira palustris
This record describes Metepeira palustris (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
No median longitudinal band on the black sternum. Black coxae, sometimes yellow coxae or both black and yellow coxae. This species was formerly considered a subspecies of M. grandiosa .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
- eastern & northern - Canada to British Columbia, south to Maine, New York, South Dakota.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Chamberlin & Ivie. Year first published: 1942.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metepeira palustris. 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 palustris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Metepeira palustris
What is Metepeira palustris?
Metepeira palustris is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Metepeira palustris?
No median longitudinal band on the black sternum. Black coxae, sometimes yellow coxae or both black and yellow coxae.
Where is Metepeira palustris found?
Range: - eastern & northern - Canada to British Columbia, south to Maine, New York, South Dakota.