Theridion michelbacheri
This record describes Theridion michelbacheri (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male palpus curiously modified, with cymbium wrapped around bulb; cymbium black . This species can be readily distinguished from all other members of the genus by the peculiar palpus and the epigynum .
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
Western United States, specimens known from California, Oregon, Washington and Montana.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Theridion michelbacheri. 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 michelbacheri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Theridion michelbacheri
What is Theridion michelbacheri?
Theridion michelbacheri is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Theridion michelbacheri?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | Length 2.2 mm |
| Male | Length 1.8-2.5 mm |
How do you identify Theridion michelbacheri?
Male palpus curiously modified, with cymbium wrapped around bulb; cymbium black . This species can be readily distinguished from all other members of the genus by the peculiar palpus and the epigynum .
Where is Theridion michelbacheri found?
Range: Western United States, specimens known from California, Oregon, Washington and Montana.