Linyphia

Latreille, 1804

Sheetweb Spiders, Dwarf Spiders

Species Guides

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Linyphia is a of sheet-web building spiders in the Linyphiidae, the second largest spider family. The genus name derives from Greek, meaning "thread-weaver" or "linen maker." construct horizontal sheet webs with dome-shaped retreats and are found on all continents except Antarctica. The genus contains approximately 70 species as of 2026.

Linyphia triangularis by (c) Martin Cooper, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Linyphia triangularis by (c) Line Sabroe, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.GT Linyphia triangularis Sheetweb Spider female and male by Ian Alexander. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Linyphia: //lɪˈnɪfiə//

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Identification

Members of Linyphia can be distinguished from other linyphiid by their characteristic web architecture: horizontal sheet webs with a dome-shaped retreat, typically positioned 20–150 cm above ground in vegetation. The spider hangs beneath the sheet and rushes upward through the web to capture prey. Specific morphological characters distinguishing Linyphia from other linyphiid genera require expert examination and are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Vegetated areas where horizontal sheet webs can be constructed 20–150 cm above ground; includes oak woodlands and other forested or shrubby .

Distribution

Found on all continents except Antarctica. Documented from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Vermont (USA), and other locations.

Diet

Small flying insects, primarily Diptera (flies), Hymenoptera (, ants, bees), and other small aerial arthropods that collide with the horizontal sheet web.

Behavior

Builds horizontal sheet webs with dome-shaped retreats gradually over many days; webs have long lifespans. Web construction involves two main : supporting structure construction and sticky thread placement within the sheet. Construction behaviors are nonstereotypic, allowing flexibility between structural and sticky thread construction even within single behavioral bouts. The spider hangs beneath the sheet and rushes up through the web to capture prey that collides with it. Web maintenance involves regular repair of damage.

Ecological Role

of small flying insects; may contribute to regulation of dipteran and hymenopteran . Web architecture may attract other arthropods, including predatory such as Aphidoletes aphidimyza, which use spider webs as oviposition cues.

Sources and further reading