Ageleninae
Typical Funnel Weavers
Genus Guides
8- Agelenopsis(American grass spiders)
- Barronopsis
- Calilena(funnel weavers)
- Eratigena(funnel weaver spiders)
- Hololena(funnel-web weavers)
- Novalena
- Rualena
- Tegenaria(Barn Funnel Weavers)
Ageleninae is a of funnel-weaving spiders ( Agelenidae) characterized by their distinctive web architecture. The subfamily includes two recognized tribes, Textricini and Agelenini. Recent systematic work in South Africa has substantially expanded known diversity, documenting significant undescribed species richness in arid regions. Members of this subfamily are among the most commonly encountered spiders in their , with over 185,000 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ageleninae: /ˌæ.dʒəˈlɛ.ni.niː/
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Identification
Members of Ageleninae can be distinguished from other Agelenidae by genitalic characters and molecular data (COI sequences). The subfamily encompasses considerable morphological diversity across its constituent , with no single set of external morphological characters reliably diagnosing all members. Identification to genus or level requires examination of and epigynal structures.
Images
Habitat
vary widely across the 's range, including the arid western regions of South Africa (Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo) where recent systematic work has focused. Specific habitat preferences differ among and .
Distribution
Global distribution with substantial representation in western South Africa based on recent taxonomic study. The 's full geographic extent extends beyond this region, though precise boundaries require further documentation.
Behavior
Funnel-weaving: spiders construct characteristic sheet webs with a tubular retreat at one edge, from which they capture prey.
Similar Taxa
- Other Agelenidae subfamiliesDistinguished by genitalic and molecular phylogenetic data; external morphology alone is insufficient for reliable -level identification.
More Details
Recent taxonomic expansion
A 2024 systematic revision documented 16 new from arid western South Africa alone, representing two new (Afrotrix and Namagelena) and demonstrating that the 's diversity in this region has been historically underestimated.
Molecular phylogenetics
COI sequence data have been used to support -level delimitation in recent systematic studies, though broader phylogenetic relationships within the remain incompletely resolved.