Mouse Spider
Scotophaeus blackwalli
This record describes Scotophaeus blackwalli (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Approximately 9 to 12 mms long. The Mouse Spider gets its name from the grey coloured abdomen which is covered in tiny hairs and resembles mouse fur. 3 dorsal spines on femur III & IV. Scotophaeus scutulatus (rare) - 2 dorsal spines (proximal and median, no distal spine) on femur III & IV. A clear photo showing the spines on the upper surface of femur III &/or IV is required. In southern Britain they are found in gardens and houses. In the north they are found mainly indoors. All year, more frequently in summer and autumn. This species does not create a web, instead it wanders about in search of prey - usually at night. It is an ambush predator that feeds on small insects. Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Gnaphosidae (Ground Spiders)
- Genus
- Scotophaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In southern Britain they are found in gardens and houses. In the north they are found mainly indoors.
Seasonal Activity
All year, more frequently in summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species does not create a web, instead it wanders about in search of prey - usually at night. It is an ambush predator that feeds on small insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Scotophaeus blackwalli. 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 Mouse Spider (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouse Spider
What is Mouse Spider?
Mouse Spider (Scotophaeus blackwalli) is a species in the family Gnaphosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Mouse Spider found?
Habitat: In southern Britain they are found in gardens and houses. In the north they are found mainly indoors.
When is Mouse Spider active?
Mouse Spider: seasonal activity - All year, more frequently in summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Mouse Spider?
This species does not create a web, instead it wanders about in search of prey - usually at night. It is an ambush predator that feeds on small insects.