Theridion leechi
This record describes Theridion leechi (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Levi (1957a) writes: The small eyes of this species differentiate the females from those of the related Theridion punctipes and from juvenile specimens of T. agrifoliae and T. californicum. TYPE LOCALITY.-Male holotype and female allotype from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, May 25, 1938 (0. R. Leech).
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
Geographic Range
Distribution: British Columbia and western states, west of the continental divide (Levi, 1957a).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Gertsch & Archer. Year first published: 1942.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Theridion leechi. 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 leechi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by pfeiffer , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Theridion leechi
What is Theridion leechi?
Theridion leechi is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Theridion leechi?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | Length 2.5-4.2 mm |
| Male | Length 3.5 mm |
How do you identify Theridion leechi?
Levi (1957a) writes: The small eyes of this species differentiate the females from those of the related Theridion punctipes and from juvenile specimens of T. agrifoliae and T. californicum.
Where is Theridion leechi found?
Range: Distribution: British Columbia and western states, west of the continental divide (Levi, 1957a).