Metepeira ventura
This record describes Metepeira ventura (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A median light streak may be present on the carapace and the light sternal band is sometimes broken. The middle of the posterior head region often has a light streak not found in grinnelli, crassipes or arizonica . The following image is closest to the ventral drawing in the work cited: (two white ventral marks & 2 spots around spinnerets, light U mark under the abdominal white mark)
Wikipedia reference for Metepeira ventura: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metepeira_ventura.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metepeira ventura. 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 ventura (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins , pfeiffer
Frequently Asked Questions About Metepeira ventura
What is Metepeira ventura?
Metepeira ventura is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Metepeira ventura?
A median light streak may be present on the carapace and the light sternal band is sometimes broken. The middle of the posterior head region often has a light streak not found in grinnelli, crassipes or arizonica . The following image is closest to the ventral drawing in the work cited: (two white ventral marks & 2 spots around spinnerets, light U mark under the abdominal white mark)
Where is Metepeira ventura found?
Range: California.
When is Metepeira ventura active?
Metepeira ventura: seasonal activity - May to September..