Walckenaeria carolina
This record describes Walckenaeria carolina (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Glossy orange-red to chestnut brown with blackish margins; not significantly darkened anteriorly. Anterior of carapace is raised (more pronounced in males). Abdomen gray Palp: Carapace pattern similar to W. pallida
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
Geographic Range
From the American Arachnological Society: --MO, NC, WV (but records on BugGuide from GA)
Seasonal Activity
Adults likely found year-round, but records from February to October.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Millidge. Year first published: 1983
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Walckenaeria carolina. 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 carolina (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Walckenaeria carolina
What is Walckenaeria carolina?
Walckenaeria carolina is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Walckenaeria carolina?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 2.2-2.35mm |
| Female | 2.4-2.9mm |
How do you identify Walckenaeria carolina?
Glossy orange-red to chestnut brown with blackish margins; not significantly darkened anteriorly. Anterior of carapace is raised (more pronounced in males). Abdomen gray Palp:
Where is Walckenaeria carolina found?
Range: From the American Arachnological Society: --MO, NC, WV (but records on BugGuide from GA)
When is Walckenaeria carolina active?
Walckenaeria carolina: seasonal activity - Adults likely found year-round, but records from February to October..