grote heidehangmatspin
Linyphia tenuipalpis
The grote heidehangmatspin (Linyphia tenuipalpis) is a small sheet web spider belonging to the family Linyphiidae, characterized by its delicate build and thin palps as suggested by its scientific name. This spider constructs horizontal sheet webs with a tangle of threads above, playing an important role as a predator of small flying insects in heathland ecosystems.
19
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Linyphiidae
Genus
Linyphia
grote heidehangmatspin belongs to the family Linyphiidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The grote heidehangmatspin (Linyphia tenuipalpis) is a small sheet web spider belonging to the family Linyphiidae, characterized by its delicate build and thin palps as suggested by its scientific name. This spider constructs horizontal sheet webs with a tangle of threads above, playing an important role as a predator of small flying insects in heathland ecosystems.
The grote heidehangmatspin (Linyphia tenuipalpis) is critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation of its specialized heathland ecosystem. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have dramatically reduced the availability of suitable heathland habitats. Climate change may further threaten the species by altering the microhabitat conditions required for its survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Linyphia tenuipalpis inhabits dry heathlands dominated by heather (Calluna vulgaris) and other ericaceous shrubs, where it builds its webs among the low vegetation. The species shows a strong preference for mature heathland with diverse microhabitats including moss layers and scattered grasses.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The grote heidehangmatspin (Linyphia tenuipalpis) is critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation of its specialized heathland ecosystem. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in traditional land management practices have dramatically reduced the availability of suitable heathland habitats. Climate change may further threaten the species by altering the microhabitat conditions required for its survival.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change impacts on microhabitat conditions
Loss of traditional heathland management
Found in 19 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). grote heidehangmatspin (Linyphia tenuipalpis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/grote-heidehangmatspin