Walckenaeria auranticeps
This record describes Walckenaeria auranticeps (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Bright orange . The male has a broad, upright horn in the ocular area. Femora orange but the remaining segments are dark blackish brown. Epigynum: W. lepida is sometimes found in the same habitats. The epigynum of W. fusciceps is similar, but has the central area broader, and the spermathecae are near to the posterior margin. It is also different in color.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Linyphiidae (Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders)
- Subfamily
- Erigoninae
- Genus
- Walckenaeria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"under leaves, in grass, and on low vegetation" Commonly found on Douglas Fir or marsh foliage.
Geographic Range
From the American Arachnological Society: --AB, BC, MB, NB, NF NS NT, ON, PQ, SK, YT; CO, ID, MA, ME, MI, NY, OR, UT, VA, WA
Seasonal Activity
Adults likely to be found year-round but primarily from March to November
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Walckenaeria auranticeps. 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 auranticeps (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Walckenaeria auranticeps
What is Walckenaeria auranticeps?
Walckenaeria auranticeps is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Walckenaeria auranticeps?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 2.0-2.2mm |
| Female | 2.25-3.20mm |
How do you identify Walckenaeria auranticeps?
Bright orange . The male has a broad, upright horn in the ocular area. Femora orange but the remaining segments are dark blackish brown. Epigynum:
Where is Walckenaeria auranticeps found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under leaves, in grass, and on low vegetation Commonly found on Douglas Fir or marsh foliage. |
| Range | From the American Arachnological Society: --AB, BC, MB, NB, NF NS NT, ON, PQ, SK, YT; CO, ID, MA, ME, MI, NY, OR, UT, VA, WA |
When is Walckenaeria auranticeps active?
Walckenaeria auranticeps: seasonal activity - Adults likely to be found year-round but primarily from March to November.