Vermontia thoracica
This record describes Vermontia thoracica (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Orange-brown to deep brown, with dusky markings and margins. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen: grey to black. Sternum: yellow to orange, suffused with black. |
| Legs | Legs: yellow to orange-brown. Epigynum: ventral/dorsal |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Erigoninae
- Genus
- Vermontia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Habitats recorded are in moss and litter in a seepage area; in a soil sample in a marshy area; in moss in a boggy area; in forest litter; and in a meadow. It seems probable that the species prefers wet areas."
Geographic Range
According to the American Arachnological Society: AB, BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, PQ, SK; AK, NY, VT (there are records from PA here on BugGuide)
Seasonal Activity
Mature females have been found from May to October and mature males have been found from June to October.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Vermontia thoracica. 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 Vermontia thoracica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Rosenfeld; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermontia thoracica
What is Vermontia thoracica?
Vermontia thoracica is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Vermontia thoracica?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 1.50-1.55mm |
| Female | 1.35-1.65mm |
How do you identify Vermontia thoracica?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Orange-brown to deep brown, with dusky markings and margins. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen: grey to black. Sternum: yellow to orange, suffused with black. |
| Legs | Legs: yellow to orange-brown. Epigynum: ventral/dorsal |
Where is Vermontia thoracica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Habitats recorded are in moss and litter in a seepage area; in a soil sample in a marshy area; in moss in a boggy area; in forest litter; and in a meadow. It seems probable that the species prefers wet areas. |
| Range | According to the American Arachnological Society: AB, BC, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, PQ, SK; AK, NY, VT (there are records from PA here on BugGuide) |
When is Vermontia thoracica active?
Vermontia thoracica: seasonal activity - Mature females have been found from May to October and mature males have been found from June to October..