Nursery Web Spider
Pisaura mirabilis
This record describes Pisaura mirabilis (species). Recorded family: Pisauridae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male length: 10-13 mm. Female length: 12-15 mm. They vary in colour from grey through orange to dark brown. The abdomen is slender and is divided by a pale line and there are pale 'tear marks' at the sides of its eyes. Usually found in long grass or other dense vegetation. Peak season for adults is between May and July, but may be recorded in most months of the year. It likes to sunbathe and typically holds its front two pairs of legs together pointing forwards. During mating the male presents the female with a carefully wrapped insect as a present. The female carries her eggs in a ball shaped, pea-sized sack with her. Just before the babies hatch she builds a silk tent and puts them inside for protection. Feeds on flies and other small insects. It uses quick sprinting and strength to overpower its prey. Widespread throughout much of Britain, though less records from the north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Pisauridae
- Genus
- Pisaura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in long grass or other dense vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Peak season for adults is between May and July, but may be recorded in most months of the year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It likes to sunbathe and typically holds its front two pairs of legs together pointing forwards. During mating the male presents the female with a carefully wrapped insect as a present. The female carries her eggs in a ball shaped, pea-sized sack with her. Just before the babies hatch she builds a silk tent and puts them inside for protection. Feeds on flies and other small insects. It uses quick sprinting and strength to overpower its prey.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread throughout much of Britain, though less records from the north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pisaura mirabilis. 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 Nursery Web Spider (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursery Web Spider
What is Nursery Web Spider?
Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) is a species in the family Pisauridae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Nursery Web Spider?
10-13 mm. Female length: 12-15 mm. They vary in colour from grey through orange to dark brown. The abdomen is slender and is divided by a pale line and there are pale 'tear marks' at the sides of its eyes.
Where is Nursery Web Spider found?
Habitat: Usually found in long grass or other dense vegetation.
When is Nursery Web Spider active?
Nursery Web Spider: seasonal activity - Peak season for adults is between May and July, but may be recorded in most months of the year..
What is the life cycle of a Nursery Web Spider?
It likes to sunbathe and typically holds its front two pairs of legs together pointing forwards. During mating the male presents the female with a carefully wrapped insect as a present. The female carries her eggs in a ball shaped, pea-sized sack with her. Just before the babies hatch she builds a silk tent and puts them inside for protection. Feeds on flies and other small insects. It uses quick sprinting and strength to overpower its prey.