Microneta viaria
This record describes Microneta viaria (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small (2 to 3mm) sheetweb spider. Positive identification requires careful examination of male palps (4-5 long spines on patella) or female epigyne. Usually found in woodland litter and leaf litter under scrub and in hedgerows. Sometimes found in grasslands, quarries, urban wasteland and gardens. Adults can be found throughout the year with peaks in spring, early summer and autumn. 6566 British records for this species to 2018.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Linyphiinae
- Genus
- Microneta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in woodland litter and leaf litter under scrub and in hedgerows. Sometimes found in grasslands, quarries, urban wasteland and gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found throughout the year with peaks in spring, early summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Microneta viaria. 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 Microneta viaria (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Microneta viaria
What is Microneta viaria?
Microneta viaria is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Microneta viaria?
requires careful examination of male palps (4-5 long spines on patella) or female epigyne.
Where is Microneta viaria found?
Habitat: Usually found in woodland litter and leaf litter under scrub and in hedgerows. Sometimes found in grasslands, quarries, urban wasteland and gardens.
When is Microneta viaria active?
Microneta viaria: seasonal activity - Adults can be found throughout the year with peaks in spring, early summer and autumn..