Orodrassus canadensis
This record describes Orodrassus canadensis (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Gnaphosidae (Ground Spiders)
- Genus
- Orodrassus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Elevation 3,000-5,400 feet in pitfall traps in coniferous forests, Jack Pine forests in cabins, under the bark of stumps and from crowns of Black Spruce
Geographic Range
Nova Scotia west to Yukon Territories and south into Washington and South Dakota
Seasonal Activity
Mature males: mid-July to mid-September Mature females: mid-April to mid-September
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Orodrassus canadensis. 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 Orodrassus canadensis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Orodrassus canadensis
How big is Orodrassus canadensis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~7.7 mm |
| Females | ~9.4 mm |
Where is Orodrassus canadensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Elevation 3,000-5,400 feet in pitfall traps in coniferous forests, Jack Pine forests in cabins, under the bark of stumps and from crowns of Black Spruce |
| Range | Nova Scotia west to Yukon Territories and south into Washington and South Dakota |
When is Orodrassus canadensis active?
Orodrassus canadensis: seasonal activity - Mature males: mid-July to mid-September Mature females: mid-April to mid-September.