Pardosa saltans
This record describes Pardosa saltans (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
One of the smaller wolf spiders (5 to 7 mm). The cephalothorax (head and thorax) of the female is dark brown has a lighter brown median strip. In the male the cephalothorax is almost black with a paler grey median strip. A difficult species to identify in the field as there are other similar species. 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. Along woodland edges and sunny places within woods. The females make and carry several egg sacs and are fond of basking in the sun to help speed up the development of the spiderlings. A common and widespread spider in Britain.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Along woodland edges and sunny places within woods.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and early summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The females make and carry several egg sacs and are fond of basking in the sun to help speed up the development of the spiderlings.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common and widespread spider in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pardosa saltans. 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 saltans (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pardosa saltans
What is Pardosa saltans?
Pardosa saltans is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Pardosa saltans found?
Habitat: Along woodland edges and sunny places within woods.
When is Pardosa saltans active?
Pardosa saltans: seasonal activity - Spring and early summer..
What is the life cycle of a Pardosa saltans?
The females make and carry several egg sacs and are fond of basking in the sun to help speed up the development of the spiderlings.