Cycloctenidae

Common Name

There is no widely recognized common name for the family Cycloctenidae.

Overview

Cycloctenidae is a family of araneomorph spiders primarily found in Australasia, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. They inhabit a variety of environments including forests and grasslands and exhibit nocturnal predatory behavior.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Medium-sized spiders with body lengths ranging from 4 to 12 mm.
  • Generally dark-colored with a robust body structure.
  • Distinctive eye arrangement with six or eight eyes arranged in two or three rows.
  • They possess a cribellum—a specialized silk-spinning organ.
  • Chelicerae are strong and well-adapted for predation.

Life Cycle

  • The life cycle starts as eggs, which are deposited into egg sacs.
  • Spiderlings hatch from these sacs and undergo several molts as they grow.
  • Juveniles gradually mature into adults, completing their life cycle in about one year.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Nocturnal hunters that rely on stealth and agility to capture prey.
  • Often found in leaf litter, under rocks, or within crevices during the daytime.
  • Primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods.
  • Courtship involves complex rituals with males often performing vibratory signals on the web of potential mates.

Notable Species

  • Cycloctenus abyssinus : A species endemic to New Zealand.
  • Cycloctenus flaviceps : Another species found predominantly in Australasian regions.

Conservation

  • Currently, there are no significant conservation concerns specific to Cycloctenidae.
  • Their habitats, however, face threats from environmental changes and habitat destruction.

Significance to Humans

  • Not known to be harmful to humans.
  • Play a role in controlling insect populations, contributing to ecological balance.

Fun Facts

  • Cycloctenidae spiders are cribellate, meaning they produce woolly silk with a comb-like structure on their spinnerets.
  • They are often mistaken for members of the family Agelenidae due to their appearance and web structure.
  • Despite their fearsome appearance, they are generally harmless to humans.
  • These spiders are more often heard than seen due to their nocturnal habits and preference for lurking in dark, sheltered places.