knopphodeedderkopp
Walckenaeria nodosa
The knopphodeedderkopp (Walckenaeria nodosa) is a tiny sheet weaver spider characterized by distinctive nodular projections on the male's cephalothorax that give the species its common name. These minute spiders construct delicate sheet webs in leaf litter and low vegetation, playing a crucial role as predators of small arthropods including springtails, aphids, and other micro-invertebrates in their ecosystem.
18
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Linyphiidae
Genus
Walckenaeria
knopphodeedderkopp belongs to the family Linyphiidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The knopphodeedderkopp (Walckenaeria nodosa) is a tiny sheet weaver spider characterized by distinctive nodular projections on the male's cephalothorax that give the species its common name. These minute spiders construct delicate sheet webs in leaf litter and low vegetation, playing a crucial role as predators of small arthropods including springtails, aphids, and other micro-invertebrates in their ecosystem.
Walckenaeria nodosa faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. Climate change and associated shifts in microhabitat conditions pose additional risks to this specialized spider species with restricted distribution.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Walckenaeria nodosa inhabits the interface between soil surface and low vegetation, particularly favoring areas with dense leaf litter, moss cushions, and the bases of grasses in humid woodland edges and grassland margins. The species requires stable microclimatic conditions with consistent moisture levels and protection from direct sunlight.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Walckenaeria nodosa faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. Climate change and associated shifts in microhabitat conditions pose additional risks to this specialized spider species with restricted distribution.
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Small population size and restricted range
Urban development and land conversion
Climate change affecting microhabitat conditions
Pollution and pesticide use
Found in 18 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). knopphodeedderkopp (Walckenaeria nodosa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/knopphodeedderkopp