Selenopidae
Common Name
Wall spiders or flattie spiders
Overview
Selenopidae is a family of spiders known for their distinctive habit of being found on vertical surfaces like walls, tree trunks, and rocks. They are notable for their flattened bodies which allow them to squeeze into tight spaces.
Taxonomy
Key Characteristics
- Flattened bodies that facilitate movement along vertical surfaces
- Eight eyes arranged in two rows
- Long legs that are often laterigrade, meaning they extend sidewards
- Size ranges from small to medium, with bodies averaging between 7-15 mm in length
- Camouflaged coloration, typically in shades of brown or gray
Life Cycle
- Egg: Laid in a sac that the female guards
- Juvenile: Undergoes multiple molts as it grows
- Adult: Reaches sexual maturity and takes part in mating and reproduction
Behavior and Ecology
- Nocturnal hunters that use speed and agility to catch prey
- Excellent climbers, adapted to catching insects on surfaces like walls and tree trunks
- Commonly use their flattened bodies to hide in narrow crevices during the day
Notable Species
- Selenops radiatus - Found in the Americas, particularly notable for its large size and adaptability to different environments
- Selenops bursarius - Known to inhabit the Caribbean islands and Florida, recognized for its unique web-building behavior
Conservation
- Generally, Selenopidae species are not considered threatened. However, habitat loss and environmental changes could potentially impact certain localized species.
Significance to Humans
- Predatory behavior helps control insect populations
- Generally non-aggressive and not harmful to humans, making them a beneficial presence in homes and gardens
Fun Facts
- Selenopidae are often called "flattie spiders" because of their extremely flat bodies.
- They can run sideways as quickly as they can move forward.
- These spiders have some of the fastest prey-capture speeds recorded among arachnids.
- Unlike many spiders, Selenopidae do not rely on webs to catch their prey.