Theridion glaucescens
This record describes Theridion glaucescens (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Orange-brown carapace with dark median V-shaped mark, broadening from the thoracic groove into the ocular region. The abdomen is dirty white, dusted with grays and reds. Along the abdominal midline is a series of white overlapping diamond-shaped spots arranged as a serrated stripe. Anteriorly, the abdominal stripe has a dark spot. Laterally, the margins of median white stripe are highlighted by black shading. The legs are darker than the basal color of the abdomen and have faint annuli. Webs of T. differens and of T. glaucescens are very similar. These irregular webs are usually spun in small trees or bushes three feet or less from the ground. The webs usually entangle several tigs and leaves. Epigynum: Palp:
Wikipedia reference for Theridion glaucescens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theridion glaucescens.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Theridion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Under surfaces of leaves of shrubs and trees.
Geographic Range
Eastern North America: Texas to Florida north to maritime provinces and west to Wisconsin/Nebraska.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Becker, 1879
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Theridion glaucescens. 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 Theridion glaucescens (3)
Photo credits: (c) cheins1, all rights reserved, uploaded by cheins1 | James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931), no known copyright restrictions (public domain) | Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , cheins , Ted Kropiewnicki , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Theridion glaucescens
What is Theridion glaucescens?
Theridion glaucescens is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Theridion glaucescens?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 1.6-3.0 mm |
| Male | 1.6-2.5 mm |
How do you identify Theridion glaucescens?
Orange-brown carapace with dark median V-shaped mark, broadening from the thoracic groove into the ocular region. The abdomen is dirty white, dusted with grays and reds. Along the abdominal midline is a series of white overlapping diamond-shaped spots arranged as a serrated stripe. Anteriorly, the abdominal stripe has a dark spot. Laterally, the margins of median white stripe are highlighted by black shading. The legs are darker than the basal color of the abdomen and have faint annuli. Webs of T. differens and of T. glaucescens are very similar. These irregular webs are usually spun in small trees or bushes three feet or less from the ground. The webs usually entangle several tigs and leaves. Epigynum: Palp:
Where is Theridion glaucescens found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Under surfaces of leaves of shrubs and trees. |
| Range | Eastern North America: Texas to Florida north to maritime provinces and west to Wisconsin/Nebraska. |