Nopalityna sublata
This record describes Nopalityna sublata (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females come in dark and light forms but can be variable. Males are redder. Epigynum Palp
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Dictynidae (Mesh Web Weavers)
- Genus
- Nopalityna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is quite common in forest understories from my experience. (ChH) Kaston mentions this species' habit of forming webs in larger leaves of shrubs and vines [herbs], causing them to curl inward.
Geographic Range
New England west to Manitoba and South Dakota and south to Florida, Texas and Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Kaston indicates they mature in April in Connecticut , suggesting this species matures in spring. I have found mature adults through June in Minnesota. (ChH)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nopalityna sublata (Hentz, 1850)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Nopalityna sublata. 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 Nopalityna sublata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cheins , pfeiffer
Frequently Asked Questions About Nopalityna sublata
What is Nopalityna sublata?
Nopalityna sublata is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Nopalityna sublata?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Females | 2.0-3.5mm or 2.3-3.7mm |
| Males | 2.0-3.5mm or 2.0-2.5mm |
How do you identify Nopalityna sublata?
Females come in dark and light forms but can be variable. Males are redder. Epigynum Palp
Where is Nopalityna sublata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species is quite common in forest understories from my experience. (ChH) Kaston mentions this species' habit of forming webs in larger leaves of shrubs and vines [herbs], causing them to curl inward. |
| Range | New England west to Manitoba and South Dakota and south to Florida, Texas and Mexico |
When is Nopalityna sublata active?
Nopalityna sublata: seasonal activity - Kaston indicates they mature in April in Connecticut , suggesting this species matures in spring. I have found mature adults through June in Minnesota. (ChH).