Ocrepeira ectypa
This record describes Ocrepeira ectypa (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This nocturnal spider builds a specialized web with no sticky threads. Built in the fork of a small branch, the web consists of several radii connected to a small hub. The radii act like trip wires to alert the spider to prey walking along the branches. Once detected, the spider circles the branch, binding the prey against it. It's unclear to me whether other species of Ocrepeira in our area have similar habits.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Web built among small branches, at night.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Contrary to most orb weavers, this one preys on walking insects instead of flying insects.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Greek ektypos (εκτυπος)- "engraved in relief, embossed"
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Ocrepeira ectypa. 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 Ocrepeira ectypa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cheins , Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Ocrepeira ectypa
What is Ocrepeira ectypa?
Ocrepeira ectypa is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Ocrepeira ectypa found?
Habitat: Web built among small branches, at night.
What does Ocrepeira ectypa eat?
The diet of the Ocrepeira ectypa includes Contrary to most orb weavers, this one preys on walking insects instead of flying insects..