Mecicobothriidae
Details on the hunting strategy are not provided, but their common name 'sheet funnel-web spiders' suggests they may construct webs.
Mecicobothriidae, commonly known as dwarf tarantulas or sheet funnel-web spiders, are a family of mygalomorph spiders that bear a resemblance to true tarantulas but are significantly smaller. These spiders are characterized by their downward-pointing fangs and prominent spinnerets.
Key Facts
- ›Dwarf tarantulas are physically much smaller than true tarantulas, with many specimens under 1 CM in length.
- ›The largest members of the Mecicobothriidae family rarely exceed 2 CM in body size.
- ›Like all mygalomorph spiders, they possess downward-pointing fangs.
- ›They are distinguished by the presence of long spinnerets.
- ›The family currently comprises one genus, Mecicobothrium, with two recognized species.
- ›The two known species are Mecicobothrium baccai and Mecicobothriium thorelli.
Dwarf Tarantulas, Sheet Funnel-Web Spiders
Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay
Downward Pointing Fangs, Long Spinnerets
About Mecicobothriidae
Mecicobothriidae: Dwarf Tarantulas
Mecicobothriidae, commonly referred to as dwarf tarantulas or sheet funnel-web spiders, represent a distinct family within the suborder Mygalomorphae. This group also encompasses the well-known true tarantulas. The defining characteristic of dwarf tarantulas is their diminutive size, which sets them apart from their larger relatives.
Description and Characteristics
As their name suggests, dwarf tarantulas bear a striking resemblance to true tarantulas, yet they are substantially smaller. Many individuals within this family measure less than one centimeter in body length, with the largest specimens rarely exceeding two centimeters. A key anatomical feature shared with all mygalomorph spiders is their downward-pointing fangs. Dwarf tarantulas are also distinguished by their notably long spinnerets.
Taxonomy and Distribution
As of January 2026, the Mecicobothriidae family is recognized to contain a single genus, Mecicobothrium, which includes two described species. These species are Mecicobothrium baccai, found in Brazil, and Mecicobothrium thorelli, native to Argentina and Uruguay. Historically, other genera such as Hexura, Hexurella, and Megahexura were associated with this family but have since been moved to different taxonomic groups.
While specific details regarding their habitat, diet, and behavior are not extensively documented in readily available records, their classification within Mygalomorphae suggests they are likely ground-dwelling spiders. The common name 'sheet funnel-web spiders' implies a hunting strategy involving the construction of webs, though further details on their ecological roles and life cycles remain areas for continued study.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dwarf tarantulas?
Dwarf tarantulas, also known as sheet funnel-web spiders, are a family of spiders belonging to the suborder Mygalomorphae. They share similarities with true tarantulas but are considerably smaller in size.
How big are dwarf tarantulas?
Dwarf tarantulas are very small, with many individuals measuring less than 1 centimeter in body length. The largest species within the family typically do not exceed 2 centimeters.
What are the distinctive physical features of Mecicobothriidae?
These spiders share the characteristic downward-pointing fangs of all mygalomorphs. Additionally, dwarf tarantulas are noted for having long spinnerets.
How many species are in the Mecicobothriidae family?
As of January 2026, the Mecicobothriidae family is recognized to include one genus, Mecicobothrium, which contains two distinct species.
Where are Mecicobothrium baccai and Mecicobothrium thorelli found?
Mecicobothrium baccai is found in Brazil, while Mecicobothrium thorelli has a distribution that includes Argentina and Uruguay.
Related Spider species
Dipluridae
Dipluridae, commonly known as curtain-web spiders, are a family of mygalomorph spiders characterized by two pairs of booklungs and stabbing chelicerae. While historically encompassing genera now moved to other families, the current Dipluridae are primarily found in South America and the Caribbean, known for building messy funnel-webs or silk-lined burrows.
Deinopidae
Deinopidae, commonly known as net-casting spiders, are a family of circumtropical cribellate spiders recognized for their unique hunting strategy. These stick-like spiders catch prey by stretching a specialized web between their front legs and then propelling themselves forward, entangling their victims. Their exceptional night vision, facilitated by large posterior median eyes, allows them to hunt effectively in low-light conditions.
Hypochilidae
Hypochilidae, commonly known as lampshade spiders, represent one of the most primitive lineages within the araneomorph spiders. These long-legged arachnids are characterized by their distinctive "lampshade" style webs, typically constructed under overhangs and within caves. The family is distributed across North America and China, with most species found in mountainous regions.