Wall spiders

Oecobiidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Oecobiidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oecobiidae: /iːkˌoʊˈbaɪɪdiːiː/

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

Images

Oecobius annulipes by Mike. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Oecobius cellariorum by Derek Sikes, University of Alaska Museum. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Oecobius maculatus femelle face ventrale by Skithéo. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Oecobius maculatus epigyne grossie 80x by Skithéo. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Oecobius maculatus femelle face dorsale by Skithéo. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Stucco spider 02 by Kamran Iftikhar (Kamranki at en.wikipedia; kamranki@gmail.com). Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Oecobiidae, or wall spiders, is a family of araneomorph spiders characterized by their small size and unique web structures. They inhabit various environments and are known for their peculiar leg positioning and key adaptations, allowing them to thrive near human dwellings and other habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Small to moderate sized spiders, about 2 to 20 millimeters long depending on the species. Characteristic features include a rounded carapace with six to eight eyes, and the first two pairs of legs often point forward then curve backwards, giving a scurrying, wheel-like impression.

Identification Tips

Look for the even placement of the legs around the prosoma and the tuft of long hairs from the anal gland. Color patterns can be dark-patterned cream or feature symmetrical yellow or white spots against a dull orange to black background.

Habitat

Oecobiidae are commonly found on or under rocks, gravel, and on walls. Some species inhabit residential areas and build webs in homes.

Distribution

Worldwide; Oecobius navus is known to occur globally.

Diet

Primarily predatory on ants, lending to common names such as "anteater."

Ecosystem Role

Oecobiidae serve as predators of ants and possibly other small arthropods, helping to maintain the balance of these populations.

Evolution

The family Oecobiidae shows a distinction between cribellate (Oecobius) and ecribellate (Uroctea) genera, which may suggest evolutionary adaptations related to web-building.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some people may confuse Oecobiidae spiders with other similar small spider families based on their web-building habits or appearance.