Mimetus epeiroides
This record describes Mimetus epeiroides (species). Recorded family: Mimetidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The carapace is light yellow with four thin black lines extending from the eyes to converge at the dorsal groove. The abdomen is yellow with black markings, especially on the posterior half. On the front of each chelicera near its base is a black spot. Ventral surface of femora I and II with two thin, black lines, sometimes broken. We are not sure why the description mentions ventral, but not dorsal lines on femurs I & II.
Wikipedia reference for Mimetus epeiroides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimetus epeiroides.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
New England west to Utah
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Emerton. Year first published: 1882.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Mimetus epeiroides. 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 Mimetus epeiroides (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott
Frequently Asked Questions About Mimetus epeiroides
What is Mimetus epeiroides?
Mimetus epeiroides is a species in the family Mimetidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Mimetus epeiroides?
Female ~ 4.5 mm Male ~ 3.5 mm
How do you identify Mimetus epeiroides?
The carapace is light yellow with four thin black lines extending from the eyes to converge at the dorsal groove. The abdomen is yellow with black markings, especially on the posterior half. On the front of each chelicera near its base is a black spot. Ventral surface of femora I and II with two thin, black lines, sometimes broken.
Where is Mimetus epeiroides found?
Range: New England west to Utah