Walckenaeria acuminata
This record describes Walckenaeria acuminata (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This spider is about 4 mm long and has a dark, almost black head and abdomen, and orangey red legs. The male is quite striking as his eyes sit in two groups at the top and middle of a slender tower more than twice the height of the head itself. Occurs in almost any habitat in the ground zone, including grassland, heathland, woodland, marsh and reed-beds, with a preference for damper substrates. Adults can be found in any month, but males mostly during the autumn, winter and spring.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Linyphiidae
- Genus
- Walckenaeria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs in almost any habitat in the ground zone, including grassland, heathland, woodland, marsh and reed-beds, with a preference for damper substrates.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found in any month, but males mostly during the autumn, winter and spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite common in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Walckenaeria acuminata. 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 Walckenaeria acuminata (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walckenaeria acuminata
What is Walckenaeria acuminata?
Walckenaeria acuminata is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Walckenaeria acuminata found?
Habitat: Occurs in almost any habitat in the ground zone, including grassland, heathland, woodland, marsh and reed-beds, with a preference for damper substrates.
When is Walckenaeria acuminata active?
Walckenaeria acuminata: seasonal activity - Adults can be found in any month, but males mostly during the autumn, winter and spring..