Anyphaena

Sundevall, 1833

ghost spiders, anyphaenid sac spiders

Species Guides

7

Anyphaena is a of wandering spiders in the Anyphaenidae, commonly known as ghost spiders. The genus contains over 100 distributed across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. These spiders are typically yellow or brownish in coloration with a concave that narrows toward the . Several species groups have been recognized within the genus, including the accentuata, celer, pacifica, pectorosa, and porta groups, with the celer group showing the highest . Recent taxonomic work has substantially expanded the known species diversity, particularly from Mexico.

Anyphaena fraterna by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Anyphaena fraterna by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Anyphaena dixiana by (c) Elliott Gordon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Elliott Gordon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anyphaena: /ænɪˈfiːnə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Identification to requires examination of genitalia, particularly the in females and the male . The can be distinguished from other anyphaenid genera by a combination of somatic and genitalic characters, including the concave, anteriorly narrowing . Within Anyphaena, species groups are defined by genitalic features: the pacifica group lacks leg coxal spurs and has a lightly sclerotized atrium; other groups have distinct genitalic configurations. External alone is generally insufficient for species-level identification.

Images

Habitat

Found in diverse environments ranging from forests to deserts. Typically encountered on vegetation, among dead leaves, under loose bark, and beneath rocks. Some show tendencies and occur in urban environments, including inside houses.

Distribution

North America, Europe, Middle East, and Southern and Eastern Asia. Particularly diverse in Mexico, where many have been described recently. Also recorded from Central America, the Caribbean, and East Asia including Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.

Behavior

Wandering hunters that do not build webs for prey capture. Active hunters that may be attracted to lights. Some have been documented as , frequently inhabiting houses and urban structures.

Ecological Role

Can be abundant in agricultural crops including cotton, sorghum, and rice, where they likely function as on crop pests.

Human Relevance

Some are frequent inhabitants of houses and urban environments. The has been subject to extensive taxonomic study due to its diversity and the challenges of species identification.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Anyphaenidae generaAnyphaena can be distinguished from related by its concave, anteriorly narrowing and specific genitalic features, though external similarity requires careful examination
  • ClubionidaeBoth are wandering spiders with similar habits, but Anyphaenidae have distinct arrangements and genitalic

More Details

Taxonomic complexity

The Anyphaena is not monophyletic based on recent phylogenetic analyses, suggesting that comprehensive revision of groups and related anyphaenid genera is necessary. The genus currently comprises five recognized species groups (accentuata, celer, pacifica, pectorosa, porta), with the celer group containing the majority of species.

Recent species discoveries

Mexico has been a major source of newly described , with over 30 new species described in recent years. This reflects both high actual diversity and increased survey effort in previously understudied regions.

Sources and further reading