Xysticus texanus
This record describes Xysticus texanus (species). Recorded family: Thomisidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Distinctive color pattern, especially on the carapace and legs, as is described in Gertsch 1939 , page 375. Adult males:
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern United States, plus Colorado and eastern New Mexico.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Xysticus texanus. 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 texanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mandy Howe
Frequently Asked Questions About Xysticus texanus
What is Xysticus texanus?
Xysticus texanus is a species in the family Thomisidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Xysticus texanus?
Body length (excluding legs) of adults is roughly 4 - 5.5 millimeters.
How do you identify Xysticus texanus?
Distinctive color pattern, especially on the carapace and legs, as is described in Gertsch 1939 , page 375. Adult males:
Where is Xysticus texanus found?
Range: Southeastern United States, plus Colorado and eastern New Mexico.