Walckenaeria dysderoides
This record describes Walckenaeria dysderoides (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
1.7 to 2.3 mm. Prosoma brown to dark brown. Opisthosoma light grey. Microscopic examination of the of the genitalia is required to confirm this species. Typically found on heathlands, especially in open, stony areas, but has also been recorded in pine needles and moss in woodlands, and on both acidic and calcareous grassland. Widespread in England with a few scattered records in Wales and Scotland. Although widely distributed in the southern half of Britain, it is generally uncommon. The species has apparently shown a long-term decline, with a reduction of 50% in the number of 10 km squares occupied over the past 30 years. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Walckenaeria+dysderoides 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
Typically found on heathlands, especially in open, stony areas, but has also been recorded in pine needles and moss in woodlands, and on both acidic and calcareous grassland.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England with a few scattered records in Wales and Scotland. Although widely distributed in the southern half of Britain, it is generally uncommon. The species has apparently shown a long-term decline, with a reduction of 50% in the number of 10 km squares occupied over the past 30 years.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Walckenaeria dysderoides. 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 dysderoides (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walckenaeria dysderoides
What is Walckenaeria dysderoides?
Walckenaeria dysderoides is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Walckenaeria dysderoides found?
Habitat: Typically found on heathlands, especially in open, stony areas, but has also been recorded in pine needles and moss in woodlands, and on both acidic and calcareous grassland.
When is Walckenaeria dysderoides active?
Walckenaeria dysderoides: seasonal activity - All year..