Xysticus lanio
This record describes Xysticus lanio (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Male 4.2 to 6.2 mm. Prosoma black, with Y-shaped light brown markings, eye region light brown. Opisthosoma with black folium with white transverse and lateral lines. Female 6 to 8 mm. Prosoma and legs light brown with dark brown markings. Opisthosoma with brown folium and dark brown spots, reddish laterally. 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 trees in woodland, especially on Oaks. Widespread in south and east England. May be declining. https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Xysticus+lanio 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
On bushes and trees in woodland, especially on Oaks.
Seasonal Activity
Spring-Summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in south and east England. May be declining.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Xysticus lanio. 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 lanio (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Xysticus lanio
What is Xysticus lanio?
Xysticus lanio is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Xysticus lanio found?
Habitat: On bushes and trees in woodland, especially on Oaks.
When is Xysticus lanio active?
Xysticus lanio: seasonal activity - Spring-Summer..