Scotinella fratrella
This record describes Scotinella fratrella (species). Recorded family: Phrurolithidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Scotinella specimens are very similar in appearance to those of Phrurolithus , the Old World genus from which they were split off. Two ways in which they differ from Phrurolithus is the lack of dorsal macrosetae on femur I and the presence of a hooked ventral prominence on the male palpal femur. S. fratrella has a grey abdomen, with three or four indistinct, paler chevrons. The male pedipalp is very similar in appearance to that of S. britcheri (Dondale & Redner, 1982).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Phrurolithidae (Guardstone Spiders)
- Genus
- Scotinella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Has been collected by pitfall trap in "fields and deciduous forests and under pin oaks in relict prairie".
Geographic Range
Texas to southern Ontario.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Scotinella fratrella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scotinella fratrella
What is Scotinella fratrella?
Scotinella fratrella is a species in the family Phrurolithidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Scotinella fratrella?
Total length male: approx. 1.75 mm; female: approx. 2.0 mm (Dondale & Redner, 1982).
How do you identify Scotinella fratrella?
Scotinella specimens are very similar in appearance to those of Phrurolithus , the Old World genus from which they were split off. Two ways in which they differ from Phrurolithus is the lack of dorsal macrosetae on femur I and the presence of a hooked ventral prominence on the male palpal femur. S. fratrella has a grey abdomen, with three or four indistinct, paler chevrons. The male pedipalp is very similar in appearance to that of S. britcheri (Dondale & Redner, 1982).
Where is Scotinella fratrella found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Has been collected by pitfall trap in fields and deciduous forests and under pin oaks in relict prairie. |
| Range | Texas to southern Ontario. |