Microlinyphia pusilla
This record describes Microlinyphia pusilla (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This species displays strong sexual dimorphism: The male is black and shiny with a narrow abdomen that often has two white spots, and with a body length (excluding legs) of around 5 mm; The female is slightly larger with a much plumper, slivery abdomen bearing a leaf-shaped black mark. Microlinyphia impigra is similar but females have thinner dark cardiac mark. Males usually lack the abdominal white patches seen on M. pusilla . This species spins a horizontal sheet web in low vegetation in a wide range of habitats including heathland, but is perhaps commonest in grassland. Both sexes are mature in spring and summer, with a peak from early to mid-summer, individuals occasionally persisting into the autumn. The species is widespread in much of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Linyphiinae
- Genus
- Microlinyphia (Platform Spiders)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species spins a horizontal sheet web in low vegetation in a wide range of habitats including heathland, but is perhaps commonest in grassland.
Seasonal Activity
Both sexes are mature in spring and summer, with a peak from early to mid-summer, individuals occasionally persisting into the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in much of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Microlinyphia pusilla. 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 Microlinyphia pusilla (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Microlinyphia pusilla
What is Microlinyphia pusilla?
Microlinyphia pusilla is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Microlinyphia pusilla found?
Habitat: This species spins a horizontal sheet web in low vegetation in a wide range of habitats including heathland, but is perhaps commonest in grassland.
When is Microlinyphia pusilla active?
Microlinyphia pusilla: seasonal activity - Both sexes are mature in spring and summer, with a peak from early to mid-summer, individuals occasionally persisting into the autumn..