Oedothorax fuscus
This record describes Oedothorax fuscus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females 2.1 to 3.0 mm, males 2.0 to 2.3 mm. Prosoma (cephalothorax) brown-orange-brown, male: with a crown. Opisthosoma (abdomen) grey dorsally with lighter longitudinal stripes. Female epigyne and male pedipalps are characteristic. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. A common aeronaut, this spider found in a variety of grassland (including lawns), arable, recently burnt heathland and wetland habitats. Adults have been recorded throughout the year, but mostly in the summer and autumn. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Oedothorax+fuscus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Oedothorax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A common aeronaut, this spider found in a variety of grassland (including lawns), arable, recently burnt heathland and wetland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Adults have been recorded throughout the year, but mostly in the summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in most of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Oedothorax fuscus. 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 Oedothorax fuscus (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oedothorax fuscus
What is Oedothorax fuscus?
Oedothorax fuscus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Oedothorax fuscus found?
Habitat: A common aeronaut, this spider found in a variety of grassland (including lawns), arable, recently burnt heathland and wetland habitats.
When is Oedothorax fuscus active?
Oedothorax fuscus: seasonal activity - Adults have been recorded throughout the year, but mostly in the summer and autumn..