Micaria gosiuta
This record describes Micaria gosiuta (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palp Epigynum This species resembles M. longipes and M. delicatula but can be distinguised by the basal bulge on the retrolateral tibial apophysis of males and the relatively short paramedian epigynal ducts of females.
Identification notes
Palp Epigynum
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
Geographic Range
"Oregon and Idaho south to Baja California Sur and Sonora"
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Gertsch 1942.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Micaria gosiuta. 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 gosiuta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Micaria gosiuta
What is Micaria gosiuta?
Micaria gosiuta is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Micaria gosiuta?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~4.3 mm |
| Females | ~4.9 mm |
How do you identify Micaria gosiuta?
Palp Epigynum
Where is Micaria gosiuta found?
Range: Oregon and Idaho south to Baja California Sur and Sonora