Tibellus oblongus
This record describes Tibellus oblongus (species). Recorded family: Philodromidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Quite a large (about 10 mm) and elongate pale creamy brown spider with various markings, and usually a darker stripe down the centre of the abdomen. The males look similar to the females although their bodies are slimmer. Similar to T. maritimus , which whilst commoner in dunes and coastal areas can be found inland. These species can only be separated by examination of the genitals of mature specimens. Confirmation of this species: Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. T. oblongus occurs in a variety of dry or damp habitats, ranging from sand-hills to grassland of most types, though longer herbage seems to be preferred. Adults of both sexes are found mainly May to July, females persisting occasionally into the autumn. The species is widespread and frequent in much of the southern half of Britain, but the distribution becomes scattered in the west and north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Philodromidae (Running Crab Spiders)
- Genus
- Tibellus (Slender Crab Spiders)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
T. oblongus occurs in a variety of dry or damp habitats, ranging from sand-hills to grassland of most types, though longer herbage seems to be preferred.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly May to July, females persisting occasionally into the autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is widespread and frequent in much of the southern half of Britain, but the distribution becomes scattered in the west and north.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Tibellus oblongus. 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 Tibellus oblongus (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tibellus oblongus
What is Tibellus oblongus?
Tibellus oblongus is a species in the family Philodromidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Tibellus oblongus found?
Habitat: T. oblongus occurs in a variety of dry or damp habitats, ranging from sand-hills to grassland of most types, though longer herbage seems to be preferred.
When is Tibellus oblongus active?
Tibellus oblongus: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly May to July, females persisting occasionally into the autumn..