heidepyamaspin
Hypsosinga sanguinea
The heidepyamaspin (Hypsosinga sanguinea) is a distinctive orb weaver spider characterized by its blood-red coloration and compact, rounded abdomen. This small arachnid constructs intricate circular webs in low vegetation, playing a crucial role as both predator of small flying insects and prey for birds and larger arthropods in heathland ecosystems.
33
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Araneidae
Genus
Hypsosinga
heidepyamaspin belongs to the family Araneidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The heidepyamaspin (Hypsosinga sanguinea) is a distinctive orb weaver spider characterized by its blood-red coloration and compact, rounded abdomen. This small arachnid constructs intricate circular webs in low vegetation, playing a crucial role as both predator of small flying insects and prey for birds and larger arthropods in heathland ecosystems.
Habitat loss due to heathland conversion for agriculture and urban development poses the primary threat to heidepyamaspin populations. Climate change and the encroachment of invasive plant species are further degrading the specialized microhabitats this spider requires for web construction and prey capture.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits European heathlands and moorlands, specifically favoring areas with dense stands of heather (Calluna vulgaris) and cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix). The spiders construct their webs between low shrubs at heights of 20-60 cm above ground, particularly in areas with morning dew retention and protection from strong winds.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Habitat loss due to heathland conversion for agriculture and urban development poses the primary threat to heidepyamaspin populations. Climate change and the encroachment of invasive plant species are further degrading the specialized microhabitats this spider requires for web construction and prey capture.
Detailed threat classification data is sourced from IUCN assessments as they become available.
Found in 33 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). heidepyamaspin (Hypsosinga sanguinea). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/heidepyamaspin