TaxonHub

Reduced Sheet Web Spider

Oedothorax retusus

A small linyphiid spider species native to Northern Europe, characterized by its minute size and intricate web-building behavior. Part of the sheet web weaver family, this species plays a crucial role in terrestrial ecosystem microhabitats.

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Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Primarily found in temperate grasslands, forest floors, moss-covered areas, and low vegetation zones across Scandinavia and Northern European regions. Prefers cool, humid microenvironments with dense ground cover.

Ecological Role

Critical component of small arthropod population control, serving as both predator and potential prey in complex terrestrial food webs. Contributes to insect population regulation and nutrient cycling in ecosystem microenvironments.

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Pale brownish-gray exoskeleton, providing excellent camouflage in leaf litter and moss environments
  • LIMBS WINGS Eight slender legs with fine sensory hairs, adapted for navigating complex ground-level vegetation
  • HEAD SENSORY Eight simple eyes arranged in two rows, high visual acuity for detecting small prey movements
  • BODY STRUCTURE Extremely small spider, typically 2-3 mm in body length, with compact cylindrical abdomen and proportionally sized cephalothorax
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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Related Species in Linyphiidae