Cybaeidae
Not explicitly described, but as ecribellate spiders, they do not use cribellate silk for prey capture. Likely ambush or active hunting strategies are employed.
The Cybaeidae are a family of entelegyne spiders first described by Nathan Banks in 1892. These spiders are characterized by having three claws, a single row of tarsal trichobothria, and posterior lateral spinnerets that lack a cribellum. Their distribution is largely Holarctic, with species found in the Northern Hemisphere, typically inhabiting shaded, cool forest environments under rocks or woody debris, though some are found in caves or on tree trunks.
Key Facts
- ›Cybaeidae spiders are ecribellate entelegyne spiders.
- ›They possess three claws and a single row of tarsal trichobothria.
- ›Posterior lateral spinnerets in Cybaeidae lack a cribellum.
- ›The family has a predominantly Holarctic distribution, found in the Northern Hemisphere.
- ›Many genera within Cybaeidae exhibit high species richness with many short-range endemic species.
- ›They are typically found in cool, shaded forest habitats under rocks or woody debris.
Northern Hemisphere
Three Claws, Single Row of Tarsal Trichobothria, Posterior Lateral Spinnerets Lack A Cribellum
About Cybaeidae
The Cybaeidae represent a family of spiders first formally described by Nathan Banks in 1892. These are classified as entelegyne spiders that are ecribellate, meaning they do not produce cribellate silk. A key morphological characteristic of Cybaeidae spiders is the presence of three claws on their tarsi, a single row of tarsal trichobothria, and posterior lateral spinnerets that notably lack a cribellum.
Distribution and Habitat
The geographic distribution of Cybaeidae spiders closely resembles a typical Holarctic biogeographical pattern, with all known species found exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere. Their preferred habitats are generally shaded and cool forest environments, where they often reside beneath rocks or woody debris. However, some species have adapted to different microhabitats, including caves and the moss found on tree trunks.
Genera and Species Richness
As of January 2026, the Cybaeidae family encompasses 24 genera and a total of 303 species. A significant aspect of this family is the high species richness observed in most of its genera. This often correlates with a large number of species that are endemic to very restricted geographical ranges, suggesting localized evolutionary diversification.
Taxonomic History
Historically, the classification of spiders within this family has seen some revisions. For example, the diving bell spider, known scientifically as Argyroneta aquatica, was once included within the Cybaeidae family. However, current taxonomic understanding places this unique aquatic spider in the family Dictynidae.
A fossil genus, †Vectaraneus, described by Selden in 2003 and found on the Isle of Wight, is also placed within this family, indicating a long evolutionary history.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the defining physical characteristics of Cybaeidae spiders?
Cybaeidae spiders are morphologically defined by having three claws, a single row of tarsal trichobothria, and posterior lateral spinnerets that lack a cribellum. They are also described as entelegyne and ecribellate.
Where are Cybaeidae spiders typically found?
Their distribution is primarily Holarctic, meaning they are found in the Northern Hemisphere. They tend to inhabit shaded, cool forest habitats, often living beneath rocks or woody debris. Some species can also be found in caves or on mossy tree trunks.
Are there many different types of Cybaeidae spiders?
Yes, most of the genera within the Cybaeidae family are very species-rich. This means there are many different species, often with a large number of species that are endemic to very small geographic areas.
What does 'cribellate' mean in the context of spiders?
Cribellate spiders produce a special type of silk called cribellate silk, which is used to entangle prey. Ecribellate spiders, like those in the Cybaeidae family, do not produce this type of silk and have different methods for capturing prey.
Has the classification of Cybaeidae spiders changed over time?
Yes, the classification has seen some changes. For instance, the diving bell spider, formerly included in this family, is now classified in the family Dictynidae.