Plokiophilidae

Definition

A small family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) commonly known as web-lovers, comprising nine genera and approximately 20 described species. Members of this family are associated with spider webs, where they inhabit the silk retreats of various spiders and feed on captured prey, silk, or other organic matter. Their commensal or kleptoparasitic relationship with spiders represents a distinctive ecological specialization among heteropterans.

Etymology

From Greek plokios (twisted, woven) + philos (loving), referring to their association with spider webs

Example

Plokiophilid bugs such as those in the genus Plokiophila live within the sheet webs of linyphiid spiders, scavenging on prey remains and possibly consuming silk.

Synonyms

• web-lovers

Related Terms

• Heteroptera
• Hemiptera
• kleptoparasitism
• commensalism
• Araneae
• Linypphiidae

Usage Notes

The family is sometimes overlooked in general entomology references due to its small size and specialized habitat. Identification requires examination of genitalic structures; the family is distinguished from other Cimicomorpha by reduced wing venation and adaptations for moving on spider silk. Not to be confused with web-building insects such as Embioptera (webspinners).