Spagnius foliaceus
This record describes Spagnius foliaceus (species). Recorded family: Dictynidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
S. foliaceus typically has a pale median area on the abdomen with an distinct undulating border. On the carapace there appears to be one prominent row of white hairs. There are few species to confuse it with in the east. Some Nopalityna sublata can be similar; this species typically has multiple white hair rows on the carapace. Palp: Epigynum:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Dictynidae (Mesh Web Weavers)
- Genus
- Spagnius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Florida to Maine and west to Dakotas and Texas.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Spagnius foliaceus. 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 Spagnius foliaceus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chad Heins; Additional contributions by chuuuuung
Frequently Asked Questions About Spagnius foliaceus
What is Spagnius foliaceus?
Spagnius foliaceus is a species in the family Dictynidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Spagnius foliaceus?
1.6-2.7mm
How do you identify Spagnius foliaceus?
S. foliaceus typically has a pale median area on the abdomen with an distinct undulating border. On the carapace there appears to be one prominent row of white hairs. There are few species to confuse it with in the east. Some Nopalityna sublata can be similar; this species typically has multiple white hair rows on the carapace. Palp: Epigynum:
Where is Spagnius foliaceus found?
Range: Florida to Maine and west to Dakotas and Texas.