Sheetweb Spiders
Linyphiinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Linyphiidae
- Subfamily: Linyphiinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Linyphiinae: /ˌlɪnɪˈfaɪɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Linyphiinae, commonly known as sheetweb spiders, are small spiders known for their unique web structures. They contribute significantly to pest control in agricultural systems and exhibit a wide geographical distribution.
Physical Characteristics
Usually between 3 and 10 mm in size, the abdomen is typically longer than wide with a patterned appearance. The clypeus is normally over twice as high as the diameter of the anterior median eyes and the chelicerae have lateral stridulating ridges and lack lateral condyles. The legs are long, thin, and bear macrosetae.
Identification Tips
The shape of the web can indicate the species of the sheetweb spider. Webs may be flat, domed, or bowl-shaped, and a pattern on the abdomen can assist in identification.
Habitat
Linyphiinae can be found in various habitats nearly worldwide and are often associated with debris or vegetation.
Distribution
This subfamily is nearly worldwide in distribution. In Norway, many species have been found on snow at temperatures as low as -7 °C.
Diet
Money spiders prey on aphids, springtails, flies, and other spiders, and they themselves are preyed upon by birds such as goldcrests.
Predators
Goldcrests and other birds are known to prey on money spiders.
Ecosystem Role
Act as biological control agents against pest species in agriculture, particularly aphids and springtails.
Economic Impact
Regarded as beneficial due to their role in controlling pest populations in agricultural settings.
Cultural Significance
In the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal, these spiders are referred to as 'money spiders' due to a superstition linking their appearance to financial good fortune.
Collecting Methods
- Netting from vegetation
- Vacuum sampling
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Dry preservation in envelopes
Evolution
Linyphiidae are among the most diverse families of spiders, with ongoing discoveries and changes in their taxonomy as new species are described and definitions are refined; they show evolutionary adaptations to small body sizes and wide distributions.
Similar Taxa
- Micronetinae
- Erigoninae
Misconceptions
The superstition regarding 'money spiders' does not affect the actual economic conditions overseen by human activity, rendering this belief purely cultural.
Tags
- spiders
- arachnids
- Linyphiidae
- Linyphiinae
- biological control