Micaria micans
This record describes Micaria micans (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Micaria micans has a dark longitudinal stripes on the dorsal of femora III and IV (sometimes also recognizable on the tibiae of these legs), caused by stripe-like arrangement of dark hairs and dark pigmentation of the cuticule; it prefers warm, dry sites. In 2019 DNA analysis split the species Micaria pulicaria into two: Micaria pulicaria sensu stricto does not have these stripes; favours damper habitats. The colour difference is a reliable and supported by DNA. There are also characteristics of the epigyne and particularly the male palp which help, but these are very subtle! Uncertain records and old records prior to the split (unless the specimen has been re-determined) are recorded as Micaria pulicaria sensu lato. Detailed examination must have taken place to show the dark longitudinal stripes on the dorsal of femora III and IV and a photograph showing this should be attached. M. micans is often to be found in open areas of short vegetation where there are scattered stones or small beds of stones, it tends to prefer drier habtats than Micaria pulicaria. The Micaria pulicaria/micans aggregate is widespread and fairly frequent throughout most of Britain. True status of the two individual species may have to be re-evaluated when more individuals have been recorded to species level.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Gnaphosidae
- Genus
- Micaria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
M. micans is often to be found in open areas of short vegetation where there are scattered stones or small beds of stones, it tends to prefer drier habtats than Micaria pulicaria.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is late spring to mid-summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The Micaria pulicaria/micans aggregate is widespread and fairly frequent throughout most of Britain. True status of the two individual species may have to be re-evaluated when more individuals have been recorded to species level.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Micaria micans. 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 micans (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micaria micans
What is Micaria micans?
Micaria micans is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Micaria micans found?
Habitat: M. micans is often to be found in open areas of short vegetation where there are scattered stones or small beds of stones, it tends to prefer drier habtats than Micaria pulicaria.
When is Micaria micans active?
Micaria micans: seasonal activity - Peak time is late spring to mid-summer..