Xysticus kochi
This record describes Xysticus kochi (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Males 4 to 6mm, females 6 to11mm. Prosoma with black stripes and triangle large. Sternum light brown, margin brown-yellow. Legs dorsally dark brown with bright longitudinal lines and strong spines. Opisthosoma distinctly patterned with light brown-ochre foliaceous patterns on dark background, colour very variable (males overall darker). 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. On bushes and undergrowth, rough grassland. Widespread but scattered, mainly in the south. http://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Xysticus+kochi
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
On bushes and undergrowth, rough grassland.
Seasonal Activity
April to July.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but scattered, mainly in the south.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Xysticus kochi. 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 kochi (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Xysticus kochi
What is Xysticus kochi?
Xysticus kochi is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Xysticus kochi found?
Habitat: On bushes and undergrowth, rough grassland.
When is Xysticus kochi active?
Xysticus kochi: seasonal activity - April to July..