Neottiura bimaculata
This record describes Neottiura bimaculata (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small dark coloured spider with a broad whitish or yellowish dorsal stripe. The webs of this species are found on low vegetation, bushes and sometimes the lower branches of trees in a wide variety of habitats. Both sexes are mature mainly in early and mid-summer, females occasionally surviving through to the autumn. Females carry their egg-sac attached to their spinners and are often encountered whilst grubbing around in rough grassland. Common in southern Britain. The species is widespread in much of England, but is apparently very locally distributed in upland areas and the north of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Neottiura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The webs of this species are found on low vegetation, bushes and sometimes the lower branches of trees in a wide variety of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Both sexes are mature mainly in early and mid-summer, females occasionally surviving through to the autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females carry their egg-sac attached to their spinners and are often encountered whilst grubbing around in rough grassland.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in southern Britain. The species is widespread in much of England, but is apparently very locally distributed in upland areas and the north of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Neottiura bimaculata. 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 Neottiura bimaculata (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Neottiura bimaculata
What is Neottiura bimaculata?
Neottiura bimaculata is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Neottiura bimaculata found?
Habitat: The webs of this species are found on low vegetation, bushes and sometimes the lower branches of trees in a wide variety of habitats.
When is Neottiura bimaculata active?
Neottiura bimaculata: seasonal activity - Both sexes are mature mainly in early and mid-summer, females occasionally surviving through to the autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Neottiura bimaculata?
Females carry their egg-sac attached to their spinners and are often encountered whilst grubbing around in rough grassland.