Pink Prowler
Oonops domesticus
This record describes Oonops domesticus (species). Recorded family: Oonopidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
1.5 to 2 mm, pinkish-orange spider. Characteristic way of slowly walking with its front legs out-stretched, interspersed with short bursts of running. Its small size and pinkish colour make it difficult to spot, particularly because it often nocturnal. Tibia I with 5 ventral spines (c.f. Oonops pulcher, 4 spines on Tibia I). 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. In warmer parts of Europe this spider lives under stones, amongst leaf-litter, etc. In the UK it is more or less completely synanthropic and only found in houses. During the day, it hides away in a silken cell behind furniture, curtains, pictures, papers, etc. Feeds on tiny prey such as mites and booklice. Few records, probably under-recorded due to its small size and nocturnal habits. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Oonops+domesticus
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In warmer parts of Europe this spider lives under stones, amongst leaf-litter, etc. In the UK it is more or less completely synanthropic and only found in houses. During the day, it hides away in a silken cell behind furniture, curtains, pictures, papers, etc. Feeds on tiny prey such as mites and booklice.
Seasonal Activity
Year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Few records, probably under-recorded due to its small size and nocturnal habits.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Oonops domesticus. 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 Pink Prowler (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Prowler
What is Pink Prowler?
Pink Prowler (Oonops domesticus) is a species in the family Oonopidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Pink Prowler?
and pinkish colour make it difficult to spot, particularly because it often nocturnal.
Where is Pink Prowler found?
Habitat: In warmer parts of Europe this spider lives under stones, amongst leaf-litter, etc. In the UK it is more or less completely synanthropic and only found in houses. During the day, it hides away in a silken cell behind furniture, curtains, pictures, papers, etc. Feeds on tiny prey such as mites and booklice.
When is Pink Prowler active?
Pink Prowler: seasonal activity - Year round..