Rugathodes sexpunctatus
This record describes Rugathodes sexpunctatus (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The color and pattern of specimens from the Pacific coast are variable and usually different from those of eastern specimens illustrated by figure 349. Western species have the dorsum of the abdomen frequently as one large black patch. The connecting ducts differ greatly in length (fig. 344-346), being shortest and most like those in Theridion aurantium in Oregon and longest in specimens from the east . This is a controversial taxonomic change.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Rugathodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AK, AB, AZ, BC, CA, ID, MA, ME, MI, MT, NH, NY, OH, ON, OR, PA, QC, TN, UT, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: (Emerton, 1882)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Rugathodes sexpunctatus. 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 Rugathodes sexpunctatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Sloan; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , kschnei
Frequently Asked Questions About Rugathodes sexpunctatus
What is Rugathodes sexpunctatus?
Rugathodes sexpunctatus is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Rugathodes sexpunctatus?
The color and pattern of specimens from the Pacific coast are variable and usually different from those of eastern specimens illustrated by figure 349. Western species have the dorsum of the abdomen frequently as one large black patch. The connecting ducts differ greatly in length (fig. 344-346), being shortest and most like those in Theridion aurantium in Oregon and longest in specimens from the east .
Where is Rugathodes sexpunctatus found?
Range: AK, AB, AZ, BC, CA, ID, MA, ME, MI, MT, NH, NY, OH, ON, OR, PA, QC, TN, UT, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY