Saltonia incerta
This record describes Saltonia incerta (species). Recorded family: Argyronetidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Saltonia is a genus of spiders with the sole species Saltonia incerta, a rare spider only known from California, United States, where it occurs on the shores of the Salton Sea, among salt-crusts in several dry or intermittent lake-beds, and from a small island in the Gulf of California. All of the few collected specimens were collected during March and April near salt springs, salt water or salt marshes. Its colulus is similar to that of...
Wikipedia reference for Saltonia incerta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saltonia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Argyronetidae
- Genus
- Saltonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A salt-loving species only found on salt flats, near salt springs, salt water, or salt marshes. It was once thought to be extinct, especially with its type locality now under water, and only 3 specimens ever found in over 70 years of collection. However, additional specimens have been found more recently from alkaline lake beds in the Mojave Desert where it may actually be locally abundant .
Geographic Range
Extreme southern California, northern part of the Gulf of Mexico, and southwestern New Mexico.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Saltonia incerta. 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 Saltonia incerta (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by R.J. Adams; Additional contributions by Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Saltonia incerta
What is Saltonia incerta?
Saltonia incerta is a species in the family Argyronetidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Saltonia incerta?
Adult body length (excluding legs) ranges from 3.3-4.5 millimeters.
Where is Saltonia incerta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A salt-loving species only found on salt flats, near salt springs, salt water, or salt marshes. It was once thought to be extinct, especially with its type locality now under water, and only 3 specimens ever found in over 70 years of collection. However, additional specimens have been found more recently from alkaline lake beds in the Mojave Desert where it may actually be locally abundant . |
| Range | Extreme southern California, northern part of the Gulf of Mexico, and southwestern New Mexico. |