Coelotinae

F.O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1893

Genus Guides

Coelotinae is a of funnel-web spiders in the Agelenidae, first established by F.O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1893. The subfamily has undergone repeated taxonomic revision, with constituent historically moved between Agelenidae and Amaurobiidae based on morphological interpretations. Coelotinae is now firmly placed within Agelenidae and contains numerous genera distributed primarily across East Asia, with some representatives in North America. Members construct funnel-shaped webs and exhibit diverse preferences including forests, caves, and human structures.

Coras by (c) Adrienne van den Beemt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adrienne van den Beemt. Used under a CC-BY license.

PSM V33 D814 Common house spider by Unknown authorUnknown author. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coelotinae: //sɛˌloʊtɪˈnaɪ//

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Identification

Coelotinae spiders can be distinguished from other Agelenidae by genitalic characters, particularly male palpal and female epigynal structures. In the Coras, diagnostic features include larger than anterior lateral eyes, and distinctive dark line patterns on the . Cave-dwelling genera such as Troglocoelotes exhibit deep morphological adaptations to subterranean life: depigmentation, degenerated or absent eyes, and frequently attenuated bodies or appendages. The genus Platocoelotes is united by presence of a conductor on the male palp, broad shallow atrium, and distinct epigynal hoods.

Images

Habitat

Highly variable across . Forest-dwelling (e.g., Coras, Coelotes) inhabit evergreen broad-leaved forests, building webs under rocks, in rock wall crevices, beneath loose bark on trees and logs, and on human structures such as building exteriors and basements. Cave-associated species occur in two forms: troglobitic species (e.g., Troglocoelotes, cave-exclusive Platocoelotes) with obligate subterranean adaptations, and eurytopic species found in both cave and surface . Some species forage around cave openings.

Distribution

Primarily East Asian, with major diversity in China, Japan (64 Coelotes ), and Korea. Southwest China is a center of diversification with multiple . North American representation includes genus Coras (15 species, principally east of the Mississippi River from southeast Canada to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Louisiana). Some genera extend to northern Vietnam.

Seasonality

Coras medicinalis observed in summer and fall; sacs probably produced in autumn. Both adult and Coras observed hibernating in silken retreats under rocks during winter months.

Behavior

Construct funnel-shaped webs, though generally smaller than those of other funnel-web spiders. Coras builds webs with multiple retreats rather than a single retreat, a distinctive behavioral trait. Some (e.g., Coelotes fani) actively search for prey around cave openings.

Human Relevance

Coras medicinalis was historically used in the 1800s to produce a tincture for fever relief, giving the its name. Some species commonly inhabit human structures including basements, cellars, and building exteriors. Generally harmless to humans.

Similar Taxa

Amaurobiidae (historical placement)Coelotinae were moved to Amaurobiidae in 1986 based on morphological interpretations, but returned to Agelenidae because they lack the cribellum—a plate-like silk-spinning organ diagnostic of Amaurobiidae.
Other Agelenidae subfamiliesCoelotinae webs are generally smaller than those of other funnel-web spiders, and the is distinguished by specific genitalic characters rather than web architecture alone.

More Details

Taxonomic instability

The has experienced exceptional taxonomic instability. The Coras alone was assigned to Tegenaria, Clubiona, and Coelotes before achieving current status, and placement shifted between Agelenidae and Amaurobiidae multiple times. Recent molecular and morphological work has stabilized its position within Agelenidae.

Cave adaptation radiation

Coelotinae contains one of the most diverse radiations of cave-adapted spiders, with like Troglocoelotes (exclusively troglobitic) and Platocoelotes (mixed cave/surface ) showing repeated evolution of subterranean traits including loss and depigmentation.