Micaria constricta
This record describes Micaria constricta (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Epigynum (undissected-ventral/dissected ventral/dissected dorsal)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Gnaphosidae (Ground Spiders)
- Genus
- Micaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"specimens have been collected in pitfall traps, under stones, in meadows, talus, and moss, and in aspen, lodgepole and bristlecone pine, and spruce-fir forests as well as above tree-line (up to 12,500ft)"
Geographic Range
Yukon Territories south to California, Arizona and Colorado
Seasonal Activity
Mature males: early May to early October Mature females: mid-June to early October
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Micaria constricta. 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 Micaria constricta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Micaria constricta
What is Micaria constricta?
Micaria constricta is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Micaria constricta?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~3.4 mm |
| Females | ~3.6 mm |
How do you identify Micaria constricta?
Epigynum (undissected-ventral/dissected ventral/dissected dorsal)
Where is Micaria constricta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | specimens have been collected in pitfall traps, under stones, in meadows, talus, and moss, and in aspen, lodgepole and bristlecone pine, and spruce-fir forests as well as above tree-line (up to 12,500ft) |
| Range | Yukon Territories south to California, Arizona and Colorado |
When is Micaria constricta active?
Micaria constricta: seasonal activity - Mature males: early May to early October Mature females: mid-June to early October.