Theridion pinastri
This record describes Theridion pinastri (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2.5-3mm. Prosoma yellowish-brown, legs yellowish-brown, annulated with black. Opisthosoma dorsally with median band brick-red with white margin, laterally brown, spotted with white, ventrally white, tinged with brown or green. Examination of genitalia of mature specimens is required to confirm this species. On broad-leaved trees such as Oak or Beech in open situations at the edge of woodland clearings, acid grassland or heathland. Mostly in south-east England, but could be found anywhere the favoured habitat exists. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Theridion+pinastri No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Genus
- Theridion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On broad-leaved trees such as Oak or Beech in open situations at the edge of woodland clearings, acid grassland or heathland.
Seasonal Activity
Summer-Autumn
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mostly in south-east England, but could be found anywhere the favoured habitat exists.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Theridion pinastri. 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 pinastri (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Theridion pinastri
What is Theridion pinastri?
Theridion pinastri is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Theridion pinastri?
2.5-3mm. Prosoma yellowish-brown, legs yellowish-brown, annulated with black. Opisthosoma dorsally with median band brick-red with white margin, laterally brown, spotted with white, ventrally white, tinged with brown or green.
Where is Theridion pinastri found?
Habitat: On broad-leaved trees such as Oak or Beech in open situations at the edge of woodland clearings, acid grassland or heathland.
When is Theridion pinastri active?
Theridion pinastri: seasonal activity - Summer-Autumn.