Textrix denticulata
This record describes Textrix denticulata (species). Recorded family: Agelenidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Size: 7 or 8 mm. There is some variation in the depth of the colour of the markings, but they are fairly distinctive. The light areas on the carapace and abdomen have white hairs and are quite conspicuous in the field. Usually in stony places and walls, but sometimes in bushes. It usually spins a sheet like web, but in dense Holly or Ivy, or in the crevices in trees it may use a tubular web. It is a fast running spider, but its long spinners help avoid any confusion with other species. Fairly frequent and widely distributed in Britain. 1,556 British records for this species to 2014.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Agelenidae
- Genus
- Textrix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually in stony places and walls, but sometimes in bushes.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It usually spins a sheet like web, but in dense Holly or Ivy, or in the crevices in trees it may use a tubular web. It is a fast running spider, but its long spinners help avoid any confusion with other species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widely distributed in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Textrix denticulata. 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 Textrix denticulata (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Textrix denticulata
What is Textrix denticulata?
Textrix denticulata is a species in the family Agelenidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Textrix denticulata?
7 or 8 mm. There is some variation in the depth of the colour of the markings, but they are fairly distinctive. The light areas on the carapace and abdomen have white hairs and are quite conspicuous in the field.
Where is Textrix denticulata found?
Habitat: Usually in stony places and walls, but sometimes in bushes.
What is the life cycle of a Textrix denticulata?
It usually spins a sheet like web, but in dense Holly or Ivy, or in the crevices in trees it may use a tubular web. It is a fast running spider, but its long spinners help avoid any confusion with other species.