Cicurinidae
Cicurinidae·Cicurinidae·Size details are not provided in the text.·Coloration details are not provided in the text.
Cicurinidae is a family of araneomorph spiders that was resurrected in 2023. It is distinguished from related families by the absence of a cribellum, which is replaced by a small colulus with bristles, and by having three tarsal claws without claw tufts. The family currently includes four genera and 183 species.
Key Facts
- ›Cicurinidae is a family of araneomorph spiders.
- ›The family was resurrected in 2023 based on molecular phylogenetic studies.
- ›Key diagnostic features include the absence of a cribellum and the presence of a colulus with bristles.
- ›Members have three tarsal claws and lack claw tufts.
- ›As of January 2026, the family comprises four genera and 183 species.
- ›Mature male palps possess an enlarged retrolateral tibial apophysis.
- Lack of A Cribellum
- Presence of A Small Colulus With Several Bristles
- Three Tarsal Claws On Legs
- Absence of Claw Tufts
- Enlarged Retrolateral Tibial Apophysis On Mature Male Palps
About Cicurinidae
What is Cicurinidae?
Cicurinidae is a family of araneomorph spiders. The taxonomic classification of this family was significantly revised and resurrected in 2023, following molecular phylogenetic studies. These studies led to a re-circumscription of several spider families, including the establishment of Cicurinidae as a distinct group. Genera previously placed in other families, such as Dictynidae and Hahniidae, were reassigned to Cicurinidae based on new genetic and morphological evidence.
Key Characteristics
Members of the Cicurinidae family are identifiable through several key diagnostic features that set them apart from related taxa like Dictynidae and Hahniidae. A prominent characteristic is the absence of a cribellum, a spinning organ found in many spiders. Instead, Cicurinidae spiders possess a small colulus, which is a remnant structure bearing several bristles (setae). Furthermore, their legs are equipped with three tarsal claws, and they lack the claw tufts commonly seen in other spider families. In mature males, the palps exhibit a distinct enlarged retrolateral tibial apophysis.
Taxonomy and Diversity
As of January 2026, the Cicurinidae family encompasses four genera and a total of 183 species. The family's current composition is the result of recent phylogenetic research that re-evaluated existing classifications. The genera Brommella and Cicurina were identified as forming a monophyletic group, leading to their placement within Cicurinidae, while Chorizomma was later included based on morphological assessments. This ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of spider evolutionary relationships and family structures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cicurinidae spiders?
Cicurinidae is a family of araneomorph spiders. They are characterized by specific anatomical features that distinguish them from closely related families.
How can Cicurinidae spiders be identified?
Cicurinidae spiders can be identified by their lack of a cribellum, which is instead replaced by a small colulus with several bristles. They also possess three tarsal claws on their legs and lack claw tufts.
How many genera and species are in the Cicurinidae family?
As of January 2026, the Cicurinidae family includes four genera and a total of 183 species.
What is the significance of the colulus in Cicurinidae spiders?
The colulus in Cicurinidae spiders is a distinguishing feature that replaces the cribellum found in some other spider families. It is a small structure equipped with several bristles.
What is a notable feature of male Cicurinidae spiders?
Mature male Cicurinidae spiders have palps that feature an enlarged retrolateral tibial apophysis, which is a specific anatomical characteristic used in their diagnosis.