Sergiolus ocellatus
This record describes Sergiolus ocellatus (species). Recorded family: Gnaphosidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
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 in litter in Pin Oak forests and a staghorn sumac grove, in pitcher plants in bogs and marshes, in pitfall traps in prairies and indoors."
Geographic Range
Saskatchewan east to Nova Scotia and south to Texas and Florida
Seasonal Activity
Mature males: May to August Mature females: April to September
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Walckenaer. Year first published: 1837.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Sergiolus ocellatus. 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 ocellatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Sergiolus ocellatus
How big is Sergiolus ocellatus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | ~4.7 mm |
| Females | ~7.8 mm |
Where is Sergiolus ocellatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens have been collected in litter in Pin Oak forests and a staghorn sumac grove, in pitcher plants in bogs and marshes, in pitfall traps in prairies and indoors. |
| Range | Saskatchewan east to Nova Scotia and south to Texas and Florida |
When is Sergiolus ocellatus active?
Sergiolus ocellatus: seasonal activity - Mature males: May to August Mature females: April to September.