Sergiolus capulatus
This record describes Sergiolus capulatus (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Palp
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Gnaphosidae (Ground Spiders)
- Genus
- Sergiolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Specimens have been collected from litter in oak, pine, maple, and basswood forests on hillsides, meadows, and lawns in pitfall traps and indoors."
Geographic Range
Minnesota east to Massachusetts and south to Texas and Florida
Seasonal Activity
Mature males: February to August (November) Mature females: May to September (November)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sergiolus capulatus ( Walckenaer , 1837)
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Sergiolus capulatus. 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 Sergiolus capulatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , john and jane balaban , cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Sergiolus capulatus
How big is Sergiolus capulatus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~5.6 mm |
| Females | ~6.9 mm |
How do you identify Sergiolus capulatus?
Palp
Where is Sergiolus capulatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens have been collected from litter in oak, pine, maple, and basswood forests on hillsides, meadows, and lawns in pitfall traps and indoors. |
| Range | Minnesota east to Massachusetts and south to Texas and Florida |
When is Sergiolus capulatus active?
Sergiolus capulatus: seasonal activity - Mature males: February to August (November) Mature females: May to September (November).