Trachycosmidae
Trachycosmidae·Trachycosmidae·https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Spider_in_web.jpg/1280px-Spider_in_web.jpg
Trachycosmidae is a family of spiders belonging to the infraorder Araneomorphae. These spiders are distinguished by specific features of their spinnerets and eyes, including separated lateral spinnerets with an undivided distal article and convex anterior lateral eyes. Many genera now in Trachycosmidae were previously classified under the families Trochanteriidae and Gallieniellidae.
Key Facts
- ›Belongs to the infraorder Araneomorphae.
- ›Characterized by separated lateral spinnerets with an undivided distal article.
- ›Possess two major ampullate gland spigots.
- ›Features an epigynal field formed by an undivided plate.
- ›Anterior lateral eyes have convex lenses raised from the cuticle.
- ›Currently comprises twenty genera and 148 species.
- Lateral Spinnerets Separated By the Length of Their Diameter and Have Their Complete Distal Article Without Inflatable Area.
- Presence of Two Major Ampullate Gland Spigots.
- Epigynal Field Formed By An Undivided Plate.
- Lens of the Anterior Lateral Eyes Are Convex, Raised From the Surrounding Cuticle.
About Trachycosmidae
Trachycosmidae represents a distinct family within the infraorder Araneomorphae, encompassing a significant number of spider species. The classification of many genera within Trachycosmidae has evolved, with most previously being part of the families Trochanteriidae and Gallieniellidae.
Identification and Characteristics
Spiders belonging to the Trachycosmidae family possess several key anatomical features that aid in their identification. Notably, their lateral spinnerets are separated by a distance equivalent to their diameter, and the distal article of these spinnerets lacks an inflatable area. Furthermore, they exhibit the presence of two major ampullate gland spigots. The epigynal field is characterized by an undivided plate. A distinguishing ocular feature is that the lens of the anterior lateral eyes is convex and raised from the surrounding cuticle, a characteristic that differentiates them from spiders in the related Trochanteriidae family, where this feature is flat.
Taxonomy and Diversity
As of January 2026, the Trachycosmidae family is recognized to include twenty genera, which collectively comprise 148 species. This taxonomic structure reflects ongoing scientific study and the reclassification of various spider groups based on detailed morphological and genetic analyses.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key identification features of Trachycosmidae spiders?
Trachycosmidae spiders can be identified by their lateral spinnerets, which are separated by the length of their diameter and have a complete distal article without an inflatable area. They also possess two major ampullate gland spigots and an epigynal field formed by an undivided plate. The anterior lateral eyes are convex and raised from the surrounding cuticle.
How do Trachycosmidae spiders differ from Trochanteriidae?
A key difference lies in the anterior lateral eyes; in Trachycosmidae, the lens is convex and raised from the cuticle, whereas in Trochanteriidae, it is flat. This anatomical distinction aids in their classification.
How many genera and species are currently recognized in the Trachycosmidae family?
As of January 2026, the Trachycosmidae family includes twenty genera and a total of 148 species. This number reflects ongoing taxonomic research and reclassifications.
Where were most Trachycosmidae genera previously classified?
Most genera now grouped within the Trachycosmidae family were formerly part of the families Trochanteriidae and Gallieniellidae. This indicates a recent consolidation and reevaluation of spider taxonomy.