Walckenaeria subdirecta
This record describes Walckenaeria subdirecta (species). Recorded family: Linyphiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
This species can be separated by other similar species by the closely spaced striae on the cheliceral file. In the past W. directa has not been differentiated from its sibling species W. subdirecta .
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
Recorded habitats include grass and meadows, in woods, in bogs, on dunes amongst pines, in leaf litter, under stones and on low vegetation.
Geographic Range
Fairly widely distributed throughout North America though noticeably less so (on current knowledge) than W. directa .
Seasonal Activity
Adult females have been taken from March to December, males in January and from March to October.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Walckenaeria subdirecta Millidge, 1983
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Walckenaeria subdirecta. 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 subdirecta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.; Additional contributions by cheins
Frequently Asked Questions About Walckenaeria subdirecta
What is Walckenaeria subdirecta?
Walckenaeria subdirecta is a species in the family Linyphiidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Walckenaeria subdirecta?
Female 2.1-2.9 mm Male 2.0-2.7 mm
How do you identify Walckenaeria subdirecta?
This species can be separated by other similar species by the closely spaced striae on the cheliceral file.
Where is Walckenaeria subdirecta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Recorded habitats include grass and meadows, in woods, in bogs, on dunes amongst pines, in leaf litter, under stones and on low vegetation. |
| Range | Fairly widely distributed throughout North America though noticeably less so (on current knowledge) than W. directa . |
When is Walckenaeria subdirecta active?
Walckenaeria subdirecta: seasonal activity - Adult females have been taken from March to December, males in January and from March to October..