Pardosa amentata
This record describes Pardosa amentata (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Pardosa amentata is a wolf spider between 5 mm and 8 mm in length and has a brownish coloured body with darker brown markings or spots. Confirmation of this species requires examination of the genitals of mature specimens. Confirmation 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. The spider occurs in a wide range of open habitats, especially in damp situations. It has been recorded from grasslands, marshes, riversides, fens, salt marsh, woodland clearings, hedge banks, moorland, blanket bog, waste ground, field margins and rarely heathland. In gardens this is usually the commonest Pardosa species. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in early to mid-summer, and sometimes again in early autumn. Widespread and fairly frequent in most of Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The spider occurs in a wide range of open habitats, especially in damp situations. It has been recorded from grasslands, marshes, riversides, fens, salt marsh, woodland clearings, hedge banks, moorland, blanket bog, waste ground, field margins and rarely heathland. In gardens this is usually the commonest Pardosa species.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in early to mid-summer, and sometimes again in early autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in most of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pardosa amentata. 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 Pardosa amentata (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pardosa amentata
What is Pardosa amentata?
Pardosa amentata is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Pardosa amentata?
and has a brownish coloured body with darker brown markings or spots.
Where is Pardosa amentata found?
Habitat: The spider occurs in a wide range of open habitats, especially in damp situations. It has been recorded from grasslands, marshes, riversides, fens, salt marsh, woodland clearings, hedge banks, moorland, blanket bog, waste ground, field margins and rarely heathland. In gardens this is usually the commonest Pardosa species.
When is Pardosa amentata active?
Pardosa amentata: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in early to mid-summer, and sometimes again in early autumn..