Xysticus obscurus
This record describes Xysticus obscurus (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | epigyne |
| Male | left palp, ventral view left palp, retrolateral view |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae (Spiders)
- Family
- Thomisidae (Crab Spiders)
- Genus
- Xysticus (Ground Crab Spiders)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Female with egg sac:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Collett, 1877
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Xysticus obscurus. 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 obscurus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Sloan
Frequently Asked Questions About Xysticus obscurus
What is Xysticus obscurus?
Xysticus obscurus is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
How do you identify Xysticus obscurus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | epigyne |
| Male | left palp, ventral view left palp, retrolateral view |
What is the life cycle of a Xysticus obscurus?
Female with egg sac: