Theridiosoma gemmosum
This record describes Theridiosoma gemmosum (species). Recorded family: Theridiosomatidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A small but distinctive spider. Males 1.5-1.6mm, females 2-2.3mm. Prosoma light brown, with fine net-like pattern, eye region darker. Opisthosoma irregularly patterned with black, bright areas strikingly shining pearly. Legs brown, sometimes spotted or annulated with black. Sternum dark brown, slightly brighter medially. Male palp approximately as large as prosoma, very complex. Epigyne with shallow groove covered by robust chitinous bulge. Widespread in southern England and often abundant where found, but very local. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Theridiosoma+gemmosum No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiosomatidae (Ray Spiders)
- Genus
- Theridiosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Damp areas such as marshes and ditches.
Seasonal Activity
Spring-Autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in southern England and often abundant where found, but very local.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Theridiosoma gemmosum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theridiosoma gemmosum
What is Theridiosoma gemmosum?
Theridiosoma gemmosum is a species in the family Theridiosomatidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Theridiosoma gemmosum found?
Habitat: Damp areas such as marshes and ditches.
When is Theridiosoma gemmosum active?
Theridiosoma gemmosum: seasonal activity - Spring-Autumn..