Tetragnatha elongata
This record describes Tetragnatha elongata (species). Recorded family: Tetragnathidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Not diagnostic, but can separate some species: Voucher Specimens: Female: Male: Male Palp - The conductor tappers evenly to its tip and ends in a small hook:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Tetragnathidae (Long-jawed Orb Weavers)
- Genus
- Tetragnatha (Longjawed Orbweavers)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually construct their webs in the shade above water.
Geographic Range
Across the US & southern Canada, though most data points are in the eastern half of the US. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetragnatha elongata Walckenaer, 1841
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Tetragnatha elongata. 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 Tetragnatha elongata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetragnatha elongata
What is Tetragnatha elongata?
Tetragnatha elongata is a species in the family Tetragnathidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Tetragnatha elongata?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | Length 8.2-13.2 mm |
| Male | Length 5.0-10.5 mm |
How do you identify Tetragnatha elongata?
Not diagnostic, but can separate some species: Voucher Specimens: Female: Male: Male Palp - The conductor tappers evenly to its tip and ends in a small hook:
Where is Tetragnatha elongata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually construct their webs in the shade above water. |
| Range | Across the US & southern Canada, though most data points are in the eastern half of the US. ( 3 ) |