Spruce Fir Moss Spider
Microhexura montivaga
This record describes Microhexura montivaga (species). Recorded family: Microhexuridae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Listed as endangered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service since 1995. Main threat is the invasive exotic Balsam Wooly Adelgid, which is killing off Fraser Fir trees over large areas of the souther Appalachians (to which the spider is endemic). The spider lives exclusively under lush mats of moss; if the trees are killed, the moss below is dessicated and dies, leaving the spider without habitat.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Microhexuridae
- Genus
- Microhexura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Spruce/fir forests, typically damp, but well-drained moss mats growing on rocks and boulders in well-shaded areas (USFWS, 2011)
Geographic Range
Certain mountains in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwest Virginia (USFWS, 2011)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Most likely springtails and mites
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Microhexura montivaga. 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 Spruce Fir Moss Spider (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose
Frequently Asked Questions About Spruce Fir Moss Spider
What is Spruce Fir Moss Spider?
Spruce Fir Moss Spider (Microhexura montivaga) is a species in the family Microhexuridae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Spruce Fir Moss Spider found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Spruce/fir forests, typically damp, but well-drained moss mats growing on rocks and boulders in well-shaded areas (USFWS, 2011) |
| Range | Certain mountains in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwest Virginia (USFWS, 2011) |
What does Spruce Fir Moss Spider eat?
The diet of the Spruce Fir Moss Spider includes Most likely springtails and mites.