Titanoecidae
Titanoecidae is a family of araneomorph spiders first described in 1967. These spiders are found across the New World and Eurasia, and are characterized by their mostly dark coloration and the construction of "woolly" cribellate silk webs. Several species inhabit high altitudes in mountain ranges, where they can be quite abundant.
Key Facts
- ›Belongs to the araneomorph spider group.
- ›First described by Pekka T. Lehtinen in 1967.
- ›Found widely in the New World and Eurasia.
- ›Build "woolly" (cribellate) silk webs.
- ›Often inhabit high altitudes in mountain ranges.
- ›More than 50 species are known worldwide.
New World, Eurasia
Build "Woolly" Silk Webs.
About Titanoecidae
The Titanoecidae family encompasses a group of araneomorph spiders, first formally identified and described by Pekka T. Lehtinen in 1967. These spiders exhibit a relatively widespread distribution, with populations found across both the New World and Eurasia. The family is characterized by its genera and species, numbering more than 50 worldwide.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Titanoecidae spiders are predominantly dark in coloration. A distinctive feature of this family is their web-building behavior, creating webs often described as "woolly" due to the use of cribellate silk. Notably, several species within the Titanoecidae family inhabit higher altitudes, making their homes in mountain ranges. In these elevated environments, they can sometimes be found in great abundance.
Taxonomy and Classification
As of January 2026, the Titanoecidae family comprises five distinct genera, encompassing a total of 67 species. While they are venomous, their venom is not considered medically significant to humans. Their primary hunting strategy involves building webs to capture prey.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Titanoecidae family?
Titanoecidae is a family of araneomorph spiders. They are known for their dark coloration and the type of silk webs they construct, often described as "woolly".
Where are Titanoecidae spiders found?
This family of spiders is fairly widespread. They can be found in both the New World and Eurasia, with a notable presence in high-altitude mountain regions.
What kind of webs do Titanoecidae spiders build?
Titanoecidae spiders are builders of "woolly" webs. This type of web is made from cribellate silk, which is known for its fuzzy appearance.
How many species are in the Titanoecidae family?
As of January 2026, the Titanoecidae family includes five genera and 67 species worldwide. More than 50 species were known when the family was first described.
Are Titanoecidae spiders common in mountainous areas?
Yes, several species within the Titanoecidae family are found at relatively high altitudes in mountain ranges. In these habitats, they can be very common.
Related Spider species
Oecobiidae
Oecobiidae, also known as disc web spiders, are a family of small to moderately sized araneomorph spiders found globally. They are distinguished by their unique leg placement, which gives them a wheel-like scurrying motion, and their characteristic star-shaped webs constructed on or under various surfaces. These spiders are notable for their diet, primarily consisting of ants, leading to common names like 'anteater'.
Diguetidae
Coneweb spiders, belonging to the family Diguetidae, are a small group of six-eyed haplogyne spiders. They are distinguished by their characteristic tangled space webs that feature a cone-like central retreat for hiding and egg-laying. This family is found in two distinct geographic regions: one in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, and another in South America.
Tetragnathidae
Tetragnathidae, commonly known as long-jawed orb weavers or long jawed spiders, are a family of araneomorph spiders characterized by their elongated bodies, legs, and chelicerae. These spiders are found near water, often in long vegetation, and construct small orb webs with open hubs.