Pachygnatha clercki
This record describes Pachygnatha clercki (species). Recorded family: Tetragnathidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
4-6mm. Prosoma yellow-brown with dark margin and median stripe. Chelicerae same colour as prosoma. Opisthosoma mostly light yellow, folium vague, sometimes with dark median line. Pachygnatha clercki is a ground-living species usually found in wet habitats such as bogs and marshes, and on the margins of streams, rivers and lakes. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, though never common. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Pachygnatha+clercki
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Tetragnathidae (Long-jawed Orb Weavers)
- Genus
- Pachygnatha (Thickjawed Orb Weavers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pachygnatha clercki
Seasonal Activity
All year round
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain, though never common.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pachygnatha clercki. 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 Pachygnatha clercki (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachygnatha clercki
What is Pachygnatha clercki?
Pachygnatha clercki is a species in the family Tetragnathidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Pachygnatha clercki found?
Habitat: Pachygnatha clercki
When is Pachygnatha clercki active?
Pachygnatha clercki: seasonal activity - All year round.