Palliduphantes ericaeus
This record describes Palliduphantes ericaeus (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male body length: 1.3 to 1.9 mm, Female body length: 1.3 to 2.4 mm. Prosoma yellow-brown, with dark margin. Legs yellowish. Opisthosoma yellow-grey. Male palp with slightly serrated end of lamella. Epigyne with flat scapus, hardly protruding. Lateral parts of epigyne approximately as long as wide, rounded. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Generally found at or close to ground level amongst plant stems in heather and grasses. It occurs in damp grassland such as in marshes and around ponds, coarse grassland, chalk downland, heathland, as well as in the litter of broad-leaved and mixed woodlands. Essentially a ground zone species probably requiring fairly humid conditions for it has also been found in sewage filter beds. Adults are found throughout the year, mostly between late spring and autumn. The species is fairly common and widespread throughout most of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Palliduphantes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Generally found at or close to ground level amongst plant stems in heather and grasses. It occurs in damp grassland such as in marshes and around ponds, coarse grassland, chalk downland, heathland, as well as in the litter of broad-leaved and mixed woodlands. Essentially a ground zone species probably requiring fairly humid conditions for it has also been found in sewage filter beds.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are found throughout the year, mostly between late spring and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is fairly common and widespread throughout most of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Palliduphantes ericaeus. 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 Palliduphantes ericaeus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Palliduphantes ericaeus
What is Palliduphantes ericaeus?
Palliduphantes ericaeus is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Palliduphantes ericaeus?
1.3 to 1.9 mm, Female body length: 1.3 to 2.4 mm. Prosoma yellow-brown, with dark margin. Legs yellowish. Opisthosoma yellow-grey.
Where is Palliduphantes ericaeus found?
Habitat: Generally found at or close to ground level amongst plant stems in heather and grasses. It occurs in damp grassland such as in marshes and around ponds, coarse grassland, chalk downland, heathland, as well as in the litter of broad-leaved and mixed woodlands. Essentially a ground zone species probably requiring fairly humid conditions for it has also been found in sewage filter beds.
When is Palliduphantes ericaeus active?
Palliduphantes ericaeus: seasonal activity - Adults are found throughout the year, mostly between late spring and autumn..