Mysmenidae

Petrunkevitch, 1928

dwarf cobweb weavers

Genus Guides

Microdipoena(dwarf cobweb weaver spiders)
Trogloneta(spurred orb-weavers)

Mysmenidae is a of minute spiders comprising approximately 135-188 described across 13-17 . Members are among the smallest known spiders, ranging from 0.75 to 3 mm in body length. The family is one of the least studied groups of orb-weaving spiders due to their diminutive size and cryptic habits. Many species exhibit kleptoparasitic , inhabiting the webs of other spiders to steal prey.

Microdipoena by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Trogloneta paradoxa by (c) Toby, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Toby. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mysmenidae: //mɪsˈmɛnɪdiː//

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

Identification

Distinguished by extremely small body size (typically under 3 mm), eight , and disproportionately large spherical . The combination of minute size, cryptic coloration, and preference for humid microhabitats makes field identification challenging. -level identification requires examination of genitalia and other microscopic morphological features.

Images

Habitat

Humid microhabitats including moist leaf litter, moss, and caves. Some inhabit the webs of other spiders as kleptoparasites.

Distribution

Pantropical and subtropical distribution with records from the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, New Guinea, and various islands. Documented from Ecuador, China (Sichuan, Chongqing, Gaoligong Mountains), Jamaica, and other regions.

Behavior

Kleptoparasitism has been documented in the Isela and Mysmenopsis, where inhabit webs of spiders (primarily Dipluridae, specifically Linothele, and Lycosidae, specifically Aglaoctenus) to steal captured prey. Cocoon handling and dragline production have been observed in Trogloneta granulum.