Pardosa palustris
This record describes Pardosa palustris (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
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. Open, sparsely vegetated and bare ground, in habitats including heathland, moorland, grasslands, flood meadows, arable land and waste ground. Both sexes are adult in summer, occasionally into the autumn. The species is widespread and fairly frequent in most of Britain. 5084 British records for this species to 2014. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open, sparsely vegetated and bare ground, in habitats including heathland, moorland, grasslands, flood meadows, arable land and waste ground.
Seasonal Activity
Both sexes are adult in summer, occasionally into the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread and fairly frequent in most of Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Pardosa palustris. 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 palustris (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pardosa palustris
What is Pardosa palustris?
Pardosa palustris is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Pardosa palustris found?
Habitat: Open, sparsely vegetated and bare ground, in habitats including heathland, moorland, grasslands, flood meadows, arable land and waste ground.
When is Pardosa palustris active?
Pardosa palustris: seasonal activity - Both sexes are adult in summer, occasionally into the autumn..