Thymoites unimaculatus
This record describes Thymoites unimaculatus (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
There are two pattern types for this spider. The northern has abdomen light orange with black spot on dorsum - carapace is orange with eye region black. The southern specimens the abdomen is whitish usually with three dusky stripes, the carapace is orange including eye region and it usually has a median dusky stripe. Levi, 1957
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
- Genus
- Thymoites
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern US & Southeastern Canada.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Thymoites unimaculatus. 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 Thymoites unimaculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , tom murray , cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Thymoites unimaculatus
What is Thymoites unimaculatus?
Thymoites unimaculatus is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Thymoites unimaculatus?
Females to 2.5 mm Males to 2 mm
How do you identify Thymoites unimaculatus?
There are two pattern types for this spider. The northern has abdomen light orange with black spot on dorsum - carapace is orange with eye region black. The southern specimens the abdomen is whitish usually with three dusky stripes, the carapace is orange including eye region and it usually has a median dusky stripe. Levi, 1957
Where is Thymoites unimaculatus found?
Range: Eastern US & Southeastern Canada.