Porrhomma pygmaeum
This record describes Porrhomma pygmaeum (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2 or 3 mm. This is a small dark blackish spider with paler legs. The main habitat for this species is in damp marshy places. However it is a common aeronaut and can be found in many habitats at all levels, from woodland leaf litter, through grassland of many types, and upwards into shrub and canopy layers. Adults of both sexes can be found at any time of year, with a peak in spring and early summer. The species is widespread in much of England, Wales and the east of Scotland, scattered elsewhere. 3855 British records for this species to 2013.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Porrhomma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The main habitat for this species is in damp marshy places. However it is a common aeronaut and can be found in many habitats at all levels, from woodland leaf litter, through grassland of many types, and upwards into shrub and canopy layers.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes can be found at any time of year, with a peak in spring and early summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread in much of England, Wales and the east of Scotland, scattered elsewhere.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Porrhomma pygmaeum. 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 Porrhomma pygmaeum (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Porrhomma pygmaeum
What is Porrhomma pygmaeum?
Porrhomma pygmaeum is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Porrhomma pygmaeum?
2 or 3 mm. This is a small dark blackish spider with paler legs.
Where is Porrhomma pygmaeum found?
Habitat: The main habitat for this species is in damp marshy places. However it is a common aeronaut and can be found in many habitats at all levels, from woodland leaf litter, through grassland of many types, and upwards into shrub and canopy layers.
When is Porrhomma pygmaeum active?
Porrhomma pygmaeum: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes can be found at any time of year, with a peak in spring and early summer..