Tetragnatha laboriosa (Long-jawed Spider)
Credit: Seira Ashley Adams
about the species
Tetragnatha laboriosa is a widespread species, native to California and the western US. Along with T. versicolor, T. laboriosa is one of the most widespread species amongst the 6 Tetragnatha species that commonly occur in the state. Members of the genus Tetragnatha as a whole are commonly known as long-jawed orb-weaver spiders or “stretch spiders” in reference to their elongated body and their stretched out form when hiding or resting on sticks. They are limited to habitats adjacent to water, whether lakes, rivers or creeks, where they build flimsy orb-shaped webs over, or close to, these bodies of water to catch prey. Compared to T. versicolor, T. laboriosa can be found farther away from water but are still very much reliant on a water source.
why species was selected
Long-jawed spiders are characteristic of sensitive habitats, in particular riparian areas, and are among the most important predators in wetland systems. These spiders are well known for transferring food subsidies from rivers and streams to terrestrial habitat. They have also been shown to play a key role in controlling herbivorous insect pests in grasslands and rice paddies where they are found in abundance. As key players that play a role in both the terrestrial and aquatic communities in the delicate California watershed system, the study of the population biology and dynamics is imperative in understanding and conserving these important ecosystems in California.
