Curtain-web spiders, a name given to the species of the Dipluridae family, belong to the Mygalomorphae infraorder. Several genera, also those of the Atrax genus (Sydney funnel-web) were a part of this family, but now have shifted to Hexathelidae. The World Spider Catalog recognizes eight genera as per the July 2020 records.
Size: They are versatile, with the largest species (Australothele nambucca) having a body length of 1.18 inches. On the other hand, the smallest spider (Masteria toddae) is 0.23 inches (6mm).
Color: Most have a dull brown with the patterns and stripes differing from one species to another.
Other Characteristic Features: They possess two pair booklungs, alongside chelicerae that go up and down, following a stabbing motion. Their long spinnerets looking like a finger lie towards the end of their body. The posterior median spinnerets are shorter than the posterior lateral ones. Some like the Masteria caeca comes without eyes.
The eggs are small enclosed in a silken case.
The juveniles separate from their family and begin moving on their own in a couple of days after hatching.
Some weave webs in the shape of a funnel, while others build burrows In litters of leaves, barks, or even below logs.
The toxicity of the venoms of most Curtain-web species remains unknown. Yet some species of this family are huge, and could inflict a painful bite.
| Distribution | Different parts of South America, Central America, and Australia |
| Habitat | Rainforests, grasslands, swampy areas particularly under logs, leaf litters, barks of trees and so on. |
| Diet | Insects, other spiders |
| Lifespan | Approximately 2 – 3 years |
© 2024 (Spider Identifications). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Follow us on: 
