Parasteatoda lunata
This record describes Parasteatoda lunata (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
2.5 to 6 mm. Parasteatoda lunata has a distinctive large yellowish patch posteriorly on its unusually proportioned abdomen, and red patches laterally, contrasting with black overall colour. There is also another form which is browner in colour. P. simulans is more similar to P. tepidariorum in colour – both are duller than P. lunata. Usually associated with bushes and trees. The large scaffold webs of this spider are found on bushes and the lower branches of trees, 1.5 to 2 metres above the ground and in large crevices on the sides of trunks such as old birch trees. The spider is widespread in much of England but apparently absent to the north of the Humber and from most of western Britain. It is rather local and infrequent in distribution. Infrequent in VC55; there are 12 records prior to September 2018. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Genus
- Parasteatoda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually associated with bushes and trees. The large scaffold webs of this spider are found on bushes and the lower branches of trees, 1.5 to 2 metres above the ground and in large crevices on the sides of trunks such as old birch trees.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The spider is widespread in much of England but apparently absent to the north of the Humber and from most of western Britain. It is rather local and infrequent in distribution.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Parasteatoda lunata. 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 Parasteatoda lunata (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Parasteatoda lunata
What is Parasteatoda lunata?
Parasteatoda lunata is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Parasteatoda lunata found?
Habitat: Usually associated with bushes and trees. The large scaffold webs of this spider are found on bushes and the lower branches of trees, 1.5 to 2 metres above the ground and in large crevices on the sides of trunks such as old birch trees.
When is Parasteatoda lunata active?
Parasteatoda lunata: seasonal activity - May to September..