Micaria pulicaria
This record describes Micaria pulicaria (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Palp Epigynum This species seems closest to M. tripunctata but can be distinguished by the shorter, wider embolus of males and the relatively shorter paramedian 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
Habitat
"Specimens have been collected in salt marshes, sphagnum and calcareous bogs, tallgrass prairies, and fields, in aspen, balsam fir, black spruce, cedar, cottonwood, maple, oak, pine, poplar, and willow forests, under tidal drift and in buildings at elevations up to 12,000 feet."
Geographic Range
This species is Holarctic. In North America it can be found from Alaska south to New Mexico and east to Nova Scotia; it can also be found from Europe east through Siberia and south to northern China. This is probably the world's most widespread ant mimic.
Seasonal Activity
Mature males and females have been found year-round but such specimens are rarer in the winter months.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of name, Sundevall.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Micaria pulicaria. 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 pulicaria (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Micaria pulicaria
What is Micaria pulicaria?
Micaria pulicaria is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Micaria pulicaria?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~3.3 mm |
| Females | ~3.9 mm |
How do you identify Micaria pulicaria?
Palp Epigynum
Where is Micaria pulicaria found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens have been collected in salt marshes, sphagnum and calcareous bogs, tallgrass prairies, and fields, in aspen, balsam fir, black spruce, cedar, cottonwood, maple, oak, pine, poplar, and willow forests, under tidal drift and in buildings at elevations up to 12,000 feet. |
| Range | This species is Holarctic. In North America it can be found from Alaska south to New Mexico and east to Nova Scotia; it can also be found from Europe east through Siberia and south to northern China. This is probably the world's most widespread ant mimic. |
When is Micaria pulicaria active?
Micaria pulicaria: seasonal activity - Mature males and females have been found year-round but such specimens are rarer in the winter months..