Micaria rossica
This record describes Micaria rossica (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
M. rossica can be distinguished from C. longipalpa by its thinner tibiae and femur coloration (femurs I-III are red while femur IV is black). This species seems closest to M. foxi but can be distinguished by the longer embolus of males and the larger epigynal septum of females.
Wikipedia reference for Micaria rossica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micaria rossica.
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, emergence and intercept traps in litter among stones, in aspen, lodgepole pine, and spruce forests, in alfalfa fields, sagebrush, salt marshes, and tall grass prairies at elevations up to 12,500 feet."
Geographic Range
This species has a Holarctic distribution. In BugGuide's range it can be found from Alaska to Minnesota and south to California and New Mexico.
Seasonal Activity
Mature males: late April to mid-August Mature females: late April to mid-September
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Thorell. Year first published: 1875.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Micaria rossica. 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 rossica (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Micaria rossica
What is Micaria rossica?
Micaria rossica is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Micaria rossica?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~3.9 mm |
| Females | ~4.8 mm |
How do you identify Micaria rossica?
M. rossica can be distinguished from C. longipalpa by its thinner tibiae and femur coloration (femurs I-III are red while femur IV is black).
Where is Micaria rossica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens have been collected in pitfall, emergence and intercept traps in litter among stones, in aspen, lodgepole pine, and spruce forests, in alfalfa fields, sagebrush, salt marshes, and tall grass prairies at elevations up to 12,500 feet. |
| Range | This species has a Holarctic distribution. In BugGuide's range it can be found from Alaska to Minnesota and south to California and New Mexico. |
When is Micaria rossica active?
Micaria rossica: seasonal activity - Mature males: late April to mid-August Mature females: late April to mid-September.