Smeringopus pallidus
This record describes Smeringopus pallidus (species). Recorded family: Pholcidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Abdomen mostly cylindrical and elongate. The color pattern of paired purplish spots the entire length of the top and sides of the abdomen can usually distinguish this species from other similar synanthropic pholcids. |
| Carapace | Carapace has a brown pit-like median depression, two pair of brown spots, an irregular submarginal band, and two vertical stripes on the face. Underside of sternum has a dark stripe. |
| Legs | Legs have white rings. Female found in Florida: Introduced from Asia, recently. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mostly synanthropic. Builds irregular cobweb in sheltered areas.
Geographic Range
Introduced to Texas & Florida so far. ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Adults probably present year-round in warmer climates.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Insects & other spiders.
Life History
Eggs are bundled with a few strands of silk and carried in mother's jaws until they hatch.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Smeringopus means "hairyfoot" (from the Greek nouns), but there is nothing in Simon's description of the genus which seems to warrant this name, nor is there anything in Vinson's original description of the type species Pholcus elongatus Vinson 1863.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Smeringopus pallidus. 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 Smeringopus pallidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , cheins , Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Smeringopus pallidus
What is Smeringopus pallidus?
Smeringopus pallidus is a species in the family Pholcidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Smeringopus pallidus?
Body length is roughly 7mm or less (males smaller than females).
How do you identify Smeringopus pallidus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Abdomen mostly cylindrical and elongate. The color pattern of paired purplish spots the entire length of the top and sides of the abdomen can usually distinguish this species from other similar synanthropic pholcids. |
| Carapace | Carapace has a brown pit-like median depression, two pair of brown spots, an irregular submarginal band, and two vertical stripes on the face. Underside of sternum has a dark stripe. |
| Legs | Legs have white rings. Female found in Florida: |
Where is Smeringopus pallidus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mostly synanthropic. Builds irregular cobweb in sheltered areas. |
| Range | Introduced to Texas & Florida so far. ( 3 ) |
What does Smeringopus pallidus eat?
The diet of the Smeringopus pallidus includes Insects & other spiders..
When is Smeringopus pallidus active?
Smeringopus pallidus: seasonal activity - Adults probably present year-round in warmer climates..
What is the life cycle of a Smeringopus pallidus?
Eggs are bundled with a few strands of silk and carried in mother's jaws until they hatch.