Dwarf Spiders
Erigoninae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Linyphiidae
- Subfamily: Erigoninae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Erigoninae: /ˌɛrɪˈɡoʊnɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Erigoninae, or dwarf spiders, are a diverse and numerous subfamily of sheet weavers, predominantly small in size and significant as predators in various ecosystems. They exhibit unique morphological features and reproductive behaviors that are not fully understood. Their ecological and potential agricultural importance is likely greater than commonly recognized.
Physical Characteristics
Most Erigoninae are very small, ranging from 1 to 6 mm in size, with many around 2 mm. Males often exhibit bizarre carapace projections including lobes, turrets, grooves, pits, and modified hairs, which are thought to play a role in courtship behavior.
Identification Tips
Look for the unique morphological features of males, such as carapace projections. The small size of these spiders, as well as their sheet web structures, can also aid in identification.
Habitat
Many species inhabit leaf litter and build minute sheet webs. One species, Atypena formosana, prefers wetland habitats where it constructs nets above the water line in rice fields.
Distribution
Over 300 species in northern Europe and about 650 species in North America. They are dominant in temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere; no native species found in New Zealand or Australia.
Diet
Primarily insectivorous, hunting small invertebrates, with some species noted for targeting specific prey such as planthopper nymphs.
Life Cycle
Erigoninae spiders exhibit ballooning behavior both as spiderlings and adults, which involves dispersing through the air using silk strands.
Reproduction
Involves copulatory behaviors where males may use carapace projections for mating, with females gripping males during copulation and later ingesting secretions.
Ecosystem Role
They are important predators in agroecosystems, contributing to pest control and overall ecological balance.
Economic Impact
Potentially beneficial for agriculture due to their role in controlling pest populations.
Cultural Significance
Known as 'money spiders' in England, indicated by folklore that finding one brings good luck.
Evolution
Taxonomic limits of the subfamily are not fully understood; Erigoninae are the most numerous group of sheet weavers.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often misunderstood in their ecological role; many people may perceive them as insignificant due to their small size.
Tags
- Erigoninae
- Dwarf Spiders
- Money Spiders
- Linyphiidae
- Ecological Importance