Xysticus erraticus
This record describes Xysticus erraticus (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
A very distinctively marked member of the family, but it can be quite variable. Microscopic examination of the genitalia is necessary to confirm identification. Confirmation requires microscopic examination of the genitalia of adult specimens. 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. Principally a grassland and heathland spider with a penchant for shorter swards such as those found on grazed calcareous grassland, upland base-rich flushes or disturbed sites such as quarries. Adults are recorded from March to October. This spider is a crab spider and builds no web but hunts at ground level. A local species which has a widespread but patchy and scattered distribution in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Principally a grassland and heathland spider with a penchant for shorter swards such as those found on grazed calcareous grassland, upland base-rich flushes or disturbed sites such as quarries.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are recorded from March to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This spider is a crab spider and builds no web but hunts at ground level.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local species which has a widespread but patchy and scattered distribution in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Xysticus erraticus. 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 erraticus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Xysticus erraticus
What is Xysticus erraticus?
Xysticus erraticus is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Xysticus erraticus found?
Habitat: Principally a grassland and heathland spider with a penchant for shorter swards such as those found on grazed calcareous grassland, upland base-rich flushes or disturbed sites such as quarries.
When is Xysticus erraticus active?
Xysticus erraticus: seasonal activity - Adults are recorded from March to October..
What is the life cycle of a Xysticus erraticus?
This spider is a crab spider and builds no web but hunts at ground level.