Toxopidae
The hunting strategies employed by Toxopidae spiders are not detailed in the given information.
Toxopidae is a small family of araneomorph spiders, first identified in 1940. After being classified as a subfamily within Desidae for many years, it was re-established as a distinct family in 2016 following a significant molecular phylogenetic study. This family currently encompasses fourteen genera and 82 species.
Key Facts
- ›Toxopidae is a family of araneomorph spiders.
- ›The family was initially described in 1940.
- ›It was previously considered a subfamily of Desidae.
- ›A 2016 phylogenetic study led to its reclassification as a separate family.
- ›As of January 2026, the family comprises fourteen genera.
- ›There are 82 described species within the Toxopidae family.
About Toxopidae
What is Toxopidae?
Toxopidae is a small family of araneomorph spiders that was first described in 1940. For a significant period, this group was classified as a subfamily within the family Desidae. However, this classification was met with some skepticism, with doubts expressed about its accuracy.
Reclassification and Diversity
A comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study conducted in 2016 led to the revival of Toxopidae as a distinct family. This research provided the necessary evidence to re-establish its independent taxonomic status. As of January 2026, the Toxopidae family is recognized to include fourteen genera and a total of 82 described species, indicating a moderate level of diversity within this spider group.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the family Toxopidae first described?
The family Toxopidae was first described in the year 1940. This classification marked the initial recognition of this group of spiders as a distinct taxonomic unit.
What was the previous classification of Toxopidae?
For many years, the spiders now classified under Toxopidae were considered a subfamily within the larger family Desidae. However, doubts were raised about the accuracy of this placement.
What led to Toxopidae being recognized as a separate family again?
A large-scale molecular phylogenetic study conducted in 2016 was instrumental in the revival of Toxopidae as a distinct family. This research provided evidence supporting its separation from Desidae.
How many genera are currently recognized within Toxopidae?
As of January 2026, there are fourteen genera that are recognized as belonging to the Toxopidae family. This indicates a moderate diversity within the group.
How many species are part of the Toxopidae family?
The Toxopidae family includes 82 described species as of January 2026. This number reflects the current known diversity of spiders within this taxonomic group.