Walckenaeria antica
This record describes Walckenaeria antica (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Males 1.75 to 2.3 mm, females 2.0 to 2.6 mm. Prosoma red-brown to dark brown, radial stripes and margin darker. Legs red-orange with dark tibia. Opisthosoma grey-black. Identification of this species requires microscopic examination of the genitalia of mature specimens. W. antica appears to prefer sites exposed to the sun in open places or dry woodland litter, whereas W. alticeps prefers moist litter or shaded sphagnum bogs. However, W. antica, being more eurytopic than W. alticeps, can utilise the wetter habitats more usually associated with the latter species if it is absent. No additional images available for this species.
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
W. antica appears to prefer sites exposed to the sun in open places or dry woodland litter, whereas W. alticeps prefers moist litter or shaded sphagnum bogs. However, W. antica, being more eurytopic than W. alticeps, can utilise the wetter habitats more usually associated with the latter species if it is absent.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a common aeronaut.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Walckenaeria antica. 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 antica (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walckenaeria antica
What is Walckenaeria antica?
Walckenaeria antica is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Walckenaeria antica found?
Habitat: W. antica appears to prefer sites exposed to the sun in open places or dry woodland litter, whereas W. alticeps prefers moist litter or shaded sphagnum bogs. However, W. antica, being more eurytopic than W. alticeps, can utilise the wetter habitats more usually associated with the latter species if it is absent.
When is Walckenaeria antica active?
Walckenaeria antica: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Walckenaeria antica?
It is a common aeronaut.