AraneaeGnaphosidae – Ground Spiders

Micaria triangulosa

This record describes Micaria triangulosa (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Micaria triangulosa - Micaria triangulosa
Contributed by Chad Heins

This distinctive species can be recognized easily by the short, basally situation retrolateral tibial apophysis of males and the triangular anteromedian epigynal depression of females. 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

This species is only known from Texas.

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Micaria triangulosa. 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.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Micaria triangulosa (5)

Micaria triangulosa - photo 1
Contributed by Chad Heins
Micaria triangulosa - photo 2
Contributed by Chad Heins
Micaria triangulosa - photo 3
Contributed by Chad Heins
Micaria triangulosa - photo 4
Contributed by Chad Heins
Micaria triangulosa - photo 5
Contributed by Chad Heins

Photo credits: Contributed by Chad Heins

Frequently Asked Questions About Micaria triangulosa

What is Micaria triangulosa?

Micaria triangulosa is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.

How big is Micaria triangulosa?
FeatureDetails
Males~2.2 mm
Females~2.8 mm
How do you identify Micaria triangulosa?

This distinctive species can be recognized easily by the short, basally situation retrolateral tibial apophysis of males and the triangular anteromedian epigynal depression of females. Palp Epigynum

Where is Micaria triangulosa found?

Range: This species is only known from Texas.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Chad Heins. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.