Psechridae

Common Name

Psechrid Spiders

Overview

The family Psechridae consists of medium to large-sized spiders that spin unique sheet-like webs. They predominantly inhabit tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Body Size: Medium to large spiders.
  • Webs: Construct horizontal sheet webs with a funnel-shaped retreat.
  • Legs: Long and slender legs adapted for climbing.
  • Eyes: Eight eyes in two rows, with the posterior lateral eyes being the largest.

Life Cycle

  • Egg Sac: Females produce egg sacs that are typically hidden in the web's retreat.
  • Development: Spiderlings undergo several molts before reaching maturity.
  • Longevity: Lifespan can range from a few months to several years, depending on the species.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Habitat: Prefers humid tropical forests and can often be found in low vegetation.
  • Diet: Insects and other small arthropods that get trapped in their webs.
  • Predation: Uses rapid movements to capture prey on the sheet web.

Notable Species

  • Psechrus singaporensis : Known for its large size and distinctive web structure.
  • Fecenia ochracea : Notable for its intricate web and adaptation to life in forest canopies.

Conservation

Many species within the Psechridae family are not well-studied, making it difficult to assess their conservation status. Habitat destruction through deforestation could pose a threat to their populations.

Significance to Humans

These spiders play a role in controlling insect populations. They are generally not harmful to humans and can be appreciated for their unique web constructions.

Fun Facts

  • The webs of Psechridae spiders can often resemble those of the more widely known funnel-web spiders, but the two families are not closely related.
  • Some species can adjust the tension of their web's silk threads, which may improve their ability to detect prey.
  • Despite their large webs, Psechrid spiders are surprisingly agile and can quickly retreat when threatened.
  • They often rebuild their webs every night, which keeps the structure effective for capturing prey.