Pachygnatha degeeri
This record describes Pachygnatha degeeri (species). Recorded family: Tetragnathidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
3-4mm. Prosoma dark brown. Chelicerae same colour as prosoma. Opisthosoma with distinct folium, medially with 2-3 longitudinal silver spots. Mainly in grassland and in low vegetation, but also comes into gardens. Spring to autumn but adults may be found at any time of year..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Tetragnathidae
- Genus
- Pachygnatha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly in grassland and in low vegetation, but also comes into gardens.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn but adults may be found at any time of year..
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pachygnatha degeeri. 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 degeeri (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachygnatha degeeri
What is Pachygnatha degeeri?
Pachygnatha degeeri is a species in the family Tetragnathidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Pachygnatha degeeri found?
Habitat: Mainly in grassland and in low vegetation, but also comes into gardens.
When is Pachygnatha degeeri active?
Pachygnatha degeeri: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn but adults may be found at any time of year...