Xysticus audax
This record describes Xysticus audax (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
It has been considered by some authors to be a form of Xysticus cristatus, but there is now agreement that it is a separate species. Identification of this species Requires examination at high magnification in good lighting, typically examination of the genitalia. Bee, L., Oxford, G., & Smith, H. (2020). Britain's Spiders: A Field Guide. Second Edition. Princeton University Press. Grassland and scrub, especially heath like areas where gorse or heather are present. Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring and early summer with a peak in May and June, females persisting later. The species has a widespread but rather scattered Distribution: in much of southern Britain, with a few scattered records north. It is frequent in suitable habitat in southern England, but very local elsewhere.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Thomisidae
- Genus
- Xysticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland and scrub, especially heath like areas where gorse or heather are present.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring and early summer with a peak in May and June, females persisting later.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species has a widespread but rather scattered Distribution: in much of southern Britain, with a few scattered records north. It is frequent in suitable habitat in southern England, but very local elsewhere.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Xysticus audax. 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 Xysticus audax (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Xysticus audax
What is Xysticus audax?
Xysticus audax is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Xysticus audax found?
Habitat: Grassland and scrub, especially heath like areas where gorse or heather are present.
When is Xysticus audax active?
Xysticus audax: seasonal activity - Adults of both sexes are found mainly in late spring and early summer with a peak in May and June, females persisting later..