Piratula hygrophila
This record describes Piratula hygrophila (species). Recorded family: Lycosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Males 4.5 to 5.5 mm, females 5 to 5.7 mm. Prosoma dark brown to black, with distinct bands of prosoma. Legs distinctly annulated (mainly femur). Opisthosoma with bright spots on both sides of median line. 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. In the ground layer of damp woodland, raised bogs, lowland heaths, marshy grassland and other damp or wet habitats, but not normally associated with open water. Widespread in the southern half of Britain. Less frequently recorded than P. piraticus, with which it often occurs, but may be locally abundant. It is possibly under-recorded because it is less active during the day and more likely to remain hidden under vegetation. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Pirata+hygrophilus No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In the ground layer of damp woodland, raised bogs, lowland heaths, marshy grassland and other damp or wet habitats, but not normally associated with open water.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain. Less frequently recorded than P. piraticus, with which it often occurs, but may be locally abundant. It is possibly under-recorded because it is less active during the day and more likely to remain hidden under vegetation.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Piratula hygrophila. 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 Piratula hygrophila (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Piratula hygrophila
What is Piratula hygrophila?
Piratula hygrophila is a species in the family Lycosidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Piratula hygrophila found?
Habitat: In the ground layer of damp woodland, raised bogs, lowland heaths, marshy grassland and other damp or wet habitats, but not normally associated with open water.
When is Piratula hygrophila active?
Piratula hygrophila: seasonal activity - Summer..