''Lepthyphantes minutus'' is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
spider
Spiders ( order Araneae) are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs, chelicerae with fangs generally able to inject venom, and spinnerets that extrude silk. They are the largest order of arachnids and rank seventh in total species ...
belonging to the family
Linyphiidae
Linyphiidae, spiders commonly known as sheet weavers (from the shape of their webs), or money spiders (in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and in Portugal, from the superstition that if such a spider is seen running on you, ...
.
[Roberts, Michael J. (1996) ''Collins Field Guide - Spiders of Britain and Northern Europe'', Collins, , p. 358][Jones, Dick (1989) ''A Guide to Spiders of Britain and Northern Europe'' (revised edition), Hamlyn, , p. 286] Despite its name it is one of the larger species of Lepthyphantes.
It is found throughout Northern Europe.
The body length excluding legs is about .
The
carapace
A carapace is a Dorsum (biology), dorsal (upper) section of the exoskeleton or shell in a number of animal groups, including arthropods, such as crustaceans and arachnids, as well as vertebrates, such as turtles and tortoises. In turtles and tor ...
is dark brown.
The
abdomen
The abdomen (colloquially called the belly, tummy, midriff, tucky or stomach) is the part of the body between the thorax (chest) and pelvis, in humans and in other vertebrates. The abdomen is the front part of the abdominal segment of the torso. ...
typically has black pattern with gold spots, and the legs are annulated, distinguishing it from similar species.
The palpal patella of the male has a large spine, which is thicker than those on its legs.
[Savory, Theodore (1945) ''The Spiders & Allied Orders of the British Isles'', Warne, p. 112]
''Lepthyphantes minutus'' is usually found on tree trunks, under logs, or around houses.
References
External links
Lepthyphantes minutus Spider and Harvestman Recording Scheme website
Linyphiidae
Spiders of Europe
Spiders described in 1833
{{Linyphiidae-stub