Mothercare Spider
Phylloneta sisyphia
This record describes Phylloneta sisyphia (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Size 3 mm to 4 mm. The Mothercare Spider has a very rounded abdomen which has distinctive black and white markings on the back and some orange-brown streaks on the underside. Hedgerows and on various other vegetation. Often in gorse or thistles. The Mothercare Spider gets its name from its caring nature towards its young. The blue-green egg sac is guarded by the female. When the babies hatch, the mother feeds them on regurgitated food. As they grow she shares larger food items with them. As with other species she will die before the young leave the nest and the young will eat her body. Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Genus
- Phylloneta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and on various other vegetation. Often in gorse or thistles.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The Mothercare Spider gets its name from its caring nature towards its young. The blue-green egg sac is guarded by the female. When the babies hatch, the mother feeds them on regurgitated food. As they grow she shares larger food items with them. As with other species she will die before the young leave the nest and the young will eat her body.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Phylloneta sisyphia. 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 Mothercare Spider (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mothercare Spider
What is Mothercare Spider?
Mothercare Spider (Phylloneta sisyphia) is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Mothercare Spider?
3 mm to 4 mm. The Mothercare Spider has a very rounded abdomen which has distinctive black and white markings on the back and some orange-brown streaks on the underside.
Where is Mothercare Spider found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and on various other vegetation. Often in gorse or thistles.
When is Mothercare Spider active?
Mothercare Spider: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Mothercare Spider?
The Mothercare Spider gets its name from its caring nature towards its young. The blue-green egg sac is guarded by the female. When the babies hatch, the mother feeds them on regurgitated food. As they grow she shares larger food items with them. As with other species she will die before the young leave the nest and the young will eat her body.