Ozyptila praticola
This record describes Ozyptila praticola (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Females reach up to 4 mm and males grow up to 3 mm. Both sexes are of a dark reddish brown. Identification of this species Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. A species that occurs in the litter zone in a variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, parks and gardens and even disturbed areas such as quarries. In highly structured habitats the spider is able to climb to the lower branches of trees and may also be found under bark. Throughout the year, but with one peak building between April and June and a smaller peak building from July to September. The species is widespread in the southern half of Britain as far north as Northumberland, but with few records in the west.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Thomisidae (Crab Spiders)
- Genus
- Ozyptila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A species that occurs in the litter zone in a variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, parks and gardens and even disturbed areas such as quarries. In highly structured habitats the spider is able to climb to the lower branches of trees and may also be found under bark.
Seasonal Activity
Throughout the year, but with one peak building between April and June and a smaller peak building from July to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in the southern half of Britain as far north as Northumberland, but with few records in the west.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Ozyptila praticola. 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 Ozyptila praticola (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozyptila praticola
What is Ozyptila praticola?
Ozyptila praticola is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Ozyptila praticola found?
Habitat: A species that occurs in the litter zone in a variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, parks and gardens and even disturbed areas such as quarries. In highly structured habitats the spider is able to climb to the lower branches of trees and may also be found under bark.
When is Ozyptila praticola active?
Ozyptila praticola: seasonal activity - Throughout the year, but with one peak building between April and June and a smaller peak building from July to September..