Micropholcommatidae

Common Name

Dwarf cobweb weavers

Overview

The family Micropholcommatidae, commonly known as dwarf cobweb weavers, comprises tiny spiders typically found in the Southern Hemisphere. Known for their diminutive size, these spiders live in leaf litter, moss, and other ground cover in various ecosystems.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Infraorder: Araneomorphae
• Superfamily: Araneoidea
• Family: Micropholcommatidae

Key Characteristics

• Size: Small, generally less than 2 mm in body length.
• Color: Typically brown or dull-colored, aiding in camouflage.
• Webs: Construct irregular, sheet-like webs among detritus and vegetation.
• Eyes: Eight eyes arranged in two rows.
• Spinnerets: Short and relatively inconspicuous.

Life Cycle

• Egg: Laid in small, spherical egg sacs.
• Spiderlings: Hatch from eggs and go through several molts before reaching adulthood.
• Adult: Engage in typical arachnid behaviors; lifespan largely unknown but presumed to be about one year.

Behavior and Ecology

• Diet: Predators of small invertebrates such as mites and springtails.
• Habitat: Found in leaf litter, forest floors, under stones, or in moss.
• Reproduction: Limited information, but likely similar to other small spiders with direct transfer of sperm via palps.

Notable Species

• Micropholcomma fragile: Found in Tasmania and known for its incredibly small size.
• Tricellina gertschi: Distributed in several temperate regions and often used as a model organism for studying ground-dwelling spider behavior.

Conservation

• Generally not a focus of conservation efforts due to their small size and inconspicuous nature. Conservation status of many species is not well-documented.

Significance to Humans

• Minimal direct impact on humans.
• Play a role in controlling populations of small invertebrates, contributing to ecological balance.

Fun Facts

• Minuscule Architects: Some species build webs that are incredibly intricate despite their small size.
• Camouflage Experts: Their dull coloration helps them blend seamlessly into their environments.
• Hidden Treasures: Often overlooked due to their size, these spiders can be incredibly challenging to spot.
• Unique Genus: The genus Micropholcomma includes some of the smallest known spiders in the world.
• Arachnid Nebula: Despite their tiny footprint on Earth, these spiders are part of an expansive and diverse arachnid "universe."