Tetragnatha versicolor
This record describes Tetragnatha versicolor (species). Recorded family: Tetragnathidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Not diagnostic, but can separate some species: Male Palp: Epigyinum: A widespread Tetragnatha species that is found throughout North America. Levi writes that the species is quite variable, the abdominal patterns vary from completely silver to contrasting paired dorsal markings. More notes from Levi: Lateral eyes closer to each other than medians (not only T. versicolor); chelicerae usually shorter than carapace length (as opposed to T. elongata; recurved conductor, pointing proximally (pedipalp), is diagnostic for male.
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
Geographic Range
All across the US and Canada.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetragnatha versicolor Walckenaer, 1841
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Tetragnatha versicolor. 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 versicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by tom murray , Harsi S. Parker , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetragnatha versicolor
What is Tetragnatha versicolor?
Tetragnatha versicolor is a species in the family Tetragnathidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Tetragnatha versicolor?
Not diagnostic, but can separate some species: Male Palp: Epigyinum:
Where is Tetragnatha versicolor found?
Range: All across the US and Canada.