Linyphiinae
Sheet-weavers
Genus Guides
35- Agnyphantes
- Agyneta(dwarf spiders)
- Allomengea(dwarf spiders)
- Arcuphantes
- Bathyphantes(dwarf spiders)
- Centromerita
- Centromerus(dwarf spiders)
- Diplostyla
- Drapetisca(sheetweb weavers)
Linyphiinae is a of dwarf spiders ( Linyphiidae) commonly known as sheet-weavers. Members construct horizontal sheet webs, often with a dome-shaped retreat and an overhead tangle of threads to knock down flying insects onto the sheet below. The subfamily contains thousands of described , many of which remain poorly known due to their small size and cryptic habits. Linyphiinae is distinguished from the other major subfamily Erigoninae by web architecture and certain morphological features, though definitive identification often requires microscopic examination.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Linyphiinae: /ˌlɪnɪˈfaɪɪniː/
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Identification
Linyphiinae can be distinguished from Erigoninae (the other major of Linyphiidae) primarily by web structure: Linyphiinae build horizontal sheet webs with a dome-shaped retreat and overhead threads, while Erigoninae typically construct simpler webs or are vagrant hunters. Microscopic examination of genitalia is usually required for definitive subfamily assignment. Members are generally small-bodied spiders, though size alone is not diagnostic.
Images
Habitat
Found in diverse terrestrial including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and alpine meadows. Many occupy the ground layer or low vegetation. Some inhabit disturbed or agricultural environments.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution with particularly high diversity in temperate and tropical regions. Numerous documented across North America, Europe, Asia, and other continents.
Behavior
Construct horizontal sheet webs with a dome-shaped silk retreat at one edge; an overhead tangle of threads intercepts flying insects and knocks them down onto the sheet, where the spider captures them.
Ecological Role
Small that contribute to in ground and understory . Their sheet webs represent a distinct foraging strategy among spiders.
Similar Taxa
- ErigoninaeAlso a of Linyphiidae; distinguished by typically simpler web architecture and different genitalic . Erigoninae often lack the characteristic dome retreat and threads of Linyphiinae.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Linyphiidae was formerly split into two families: Linyphiidae (sheet-web weavers) and Micronetidae (dwarf spiders, corresponding to Erigoninae). Current treats these as within an expanded Linyphiidae.