Cheiracanthiidae
Hunting strategies for Cheiracanthiidae spiders are not detailed.
Cheiracanthiidae is a family of araneomorph spiders first described by Vladimir Wagner in 1887. While previously known by the synonym Eutichuridae, Cheiracanthiidae is the valid and prioritized name. The largest genus within this family is Cheiracanthium.
Key Facts
- ›The family Cheiracanthiidae was established by Vladimir Wagner in 1887.
- ›It was formerly known by the synonym Eutichuridae.
- ›The family comprises 15 genera and 385 species as of January 2026.
- ›The genus Cheiracanthium is the largest within this family.
- ›Cheiracanthiidae has been previously classified within the families Clubionidae and Miturgidae.
About Cheiracanthiidae
The family Cheiracanthiidae encompasses a group of araneomorph spiders, first formally described by Vladimir Wagner in 1887. For an extended period, the family was recognized under the synonym Eutichuridae. However, Cheiracanthiidae is now established as the valid and prioritized scientific name for this taxonomic classification.
Taxonomy and Classification
The monophyly of the group within spider taxonomy is considered reasonably uncontroversial. Historically, Cheiracanthiidae has experienced different placements, having been classified within both the Clubionidae and Miturgidae families. In 2009, it was recognized as a synonym of Eutichuridae, a designation that risked obsolescence until the name Cheiracanthiidae was resurrected in 2011. An analysis conducted by Martín J. Ramírez in 2014 supported the consideration of Cheiracanthiidae as a distinct family.
Genera and Species
As of January 2026, the Cheiracanthiidae family is recognized to include fifteen genera, containing a total of 385 species. The largest genus currently belonging to this family is Cheiracanthium. This genus itself has a history of being placed in other spider families, including Clubionidae and Miturgidae, prior to the establishment of Cheiracanthiidae as a separate entity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheiracanthiidae?
Cheiracanthiidae is a family of araneomorph spiders. It was first described in 1887 and is now recognized as a distinct taxonomic group.
What are other names for Cheiracanthiidae?
The family was long known by the synonym Eutichuridae. However, Cheiracanthiidae is the currently recognized and prioritized scientific name.
How many species are in the Cheiracanthiidae family?
As of January 2026, the Cheiracanthiidae family includes 385 species. These species are distributed across 15 different genera.
What is the largest genus in Cheiracanthiidae?
The largest genus currently recognized within the Cheiracanthiidae family is Cheiracanthium. This genus has previously been placed in other spider families.