Macrothelidae
Macrothelidae·Macrothelidae·https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a7/Spider_family_tree.svg/1200px-Spider_family_tree.svg.png
Macrothelidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders that was established in 2018, separated from the family Hexathelidae. This family includes currently existing genera as well as the extinct genus Promacrothele, which is found in Burmese amber.
Key Facts
- ›Macrothelidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders.
- ›It was split off from the family Hexathelidae in 2018.
- ›The family contains extant (currently living) genera.
- ›It also includes the extinct genus Promacrothele.
- ›Promacrothele fossils have been found in Burmese amber from the MID-Cretaceous period.
- ›As of January 2026, the family comprises seven genera and 56 species.
About Macrothelidae
Introduction
Macrothelidae is a distinct family within the order Araneae, specifically belonging to the mygalomorph infraorder. This taxonomic group was established in 2018 when it was formally separated from the larger family Hexathelidae. The family encompasses a range of spider genera, including those that are currently extant (living) and at least one extinct genus.
Taxonomy and Classification
The establishment of Macrothelidae as a separate family reflects recent advancements in spider taxonomy, likely driven by genetic and morphological research. As of January 2026, the family is recognized to contain seven genera and a total of 56 species. This includes genera that are alive today and species that existed in prehistoric times.
Extinct Members
Among the notable members of the Macrothelidae family is the extinct genus Promacrothele. Fossil evidence of Promacrothele has been discovered in Burmese amber, originating from Myanmar. These fossils date back to the mid-Cretaceous period, offering a glimpse into the ancient lineage of these spiders and their presence in ecosystems millions of years ago.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Macrothelidae?
Macrothelidae is a family of mygalomorph spiders. This classification was established in 2018 when it was separated from the family Hexathelidae.
How many genera and species are in the Macrothelidae family?
As of January 2026, the Macrothelidae family includes seven genera and 56 species. This count encompasses both extant and extinct members.
Are there any extinct spiders in the Macrothelidae family?
Yes, the Macrothelidae family includes the extinct genus Promacrothele. Fossils of this genus have been discovered in Burmese amber, dating back to the mid-Cretaceous period.
When was the Macrothelidae family established?
The Macrothelidae family was established in 2018. It was created by splitting off from the previously recognized family, Hexathelidae.