Sheetweb and Dwarf Spiders

Linyphiidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Linyphiidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Linyphiidae: //ˌlɪnɪˈfaɪəˌdiː//

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

Images

Common Spiders U.S. 359 Erigone dentigera by James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931). Used under a Public domain license.

Dwarf Spider (Hypselistes florens) by Dann Thombs. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Money spider (BG) (33033809855) by David Short from Windsor, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Common Spiders U.S. 366-7 Erigone autumnalis by James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931). Used under a Public domain license.

Maso sundevalli (40993351782) by Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Erigone.atra2.-.lindsey by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Linyphiidae is a family of small spiders known as sheet weavers or money spiders, characterized by their web structures and often associated with good fortune. They comprise about 4,700 species in over 620 genera, making them the second largest family of spiders after Salticidae. Their diversity and small size complicate identification and taxonomy.

Physical Characteristics

In Linyphiidae, the clypeus is normally over twice as high as the diameter of the anterior median eyes. The chelicerae have lateral stridulating ridges and lack lateral condyles. The legs are long and thin, and bear macrosetae. The abdomen is usually oval or elongated.

Identification Tips

Males in the subfamily Erigoninae typically have modified cephalothoraxes with genus-specific structures such as grooves, tubercles, projections, bumps, lobes, and spines. These modifications can aid in identification across taxa.

Habitat

Linyphiidae occur nearly worldwide, inhabiting a range of environments including temperate and tropical regions.

Distribution

Linyphiidae are found worldwide; they are capable of ballooning for travel, contributing to their vast distribution. In Norway, they are known to walk on snow at temperatures as low as −7 °C.

Diet

Money spiders prey on aphids, springtails, flies, and other spiders.

Life Cycle

The life cycle details are not specified, but ballooning is a common behavior for spiderlings and juveniles which likely aids in dispersal and speciation.

Predators

Among their predators are birds, particularly goldcrests, which prey on money spiders.

Ecosystem Role

Within the agriculture industry, money spiders are regarded as biological control agents against pest species.

Cultural Significance

In various regions including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal, money spiders are associated with superstitions regarding financial good fortune.

Evolution

The Pimoidae are the sister group to the Linyphiidae. Taxonomic changes occur regularly as new species are discovered and identified.