Also known as Theridiidae, the cobweb is the name given to the araneomorph spider family comprising of more than 3000 species divided into 124 genera. The species belonging to this family is the commonest arthropods found worldwide in human dwellings.
Size: Most of them are between 3 mm and 10 mm in length, with females being larger than males.
Color: The color pattern differs from one species to the other, though most of them have a brownish-gray body with dark markings.
Other characteristics: They possess a comb of setae or jagged bristles on the fourth pair of their legs, which earn them the name comb-footed spiders. Their abdomens are round, oval or spherical, while the females of this family possess long, slender legs.
The eggs are placed within the silken sac case and placed near the web of the female spider, with each sac having about 30 white eggs.
The spiderlings stay with their mother for a while after maturation. Then, they disperse to be on their own.
They make messy, tangled webs, which remain in a good state for a long span, rarely replaced.
Spiders of this family are said to be non-aggressive, not biting humans unless provoked or agitated. Moreover, their venom is also said to be low on toxicity which makes these species less dangerous to human beings.
| Other Names | Tangle-web spiders, comb-footed spiders |
| Lifespan | Approximately one year |
| Distribution | Continents of America, Asia, Africa, and Australia |
| Habitat | Dry, dark and dingy areas such as attics, garages, eaves, sheds, porches, and basements |
| Common Predators | Not known |
| Diet | Small insects and also on other spiders though occasionally |
© 2024 (Spider Identifications). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Follow us on: 
