Ozyptila sanctuaria
This record describes Ozyptila sanctuaria (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2 to 4 mm. A dark crab spider with squat appearance. 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. Widespread but scattered from central England southwards. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Ozyptila+sanctuaria No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Thomisidae
- Genus
- Ozyptila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open habitats, dry meadows.
Seasonal Activity
Summer-Autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but scattered from central England southwards.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Ozyptila sanctuaria. 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 sanctuaria (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozyptila sanctuaria
What is Ozyptila sanctuaria?
Ozyptila sanctuaria is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Ozyptila sanctuaria?
2 to 4 mm. A dark crab spider with squat appearance.
Where is Ozyptila sanctuaria found?
Habitat: Open habitats, dry meadows.
When is Ozyptila sanctuaria active?
Ozyptila sanctuaria: seasonal activity - Summer-Autumn..