Oecobius

Lucas, 1846

Wall Spiders

Species Guides

7

A of small spiders commonly known as wall spiders, characterized by the construction of flat, sheet-like webs on vertical surfaces. The genus contains approximately 90 with distribution, though individual species often have restricted or fragmentary ranges. Members possess a cribellum, a comb-like silk-processing organ that produces extremely fine silk fibers. Many species are associated with human structures, particularly building walls and crevices.

Oecobius navus by (c) Shannon Foreman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shannon Foreman. Used under a CC-BY license.Oecobius navus by (c) Roberto Daniel Avila, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roberto Daniel Avila. Used under a CC-BY license.Oecobius navus by (c) Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oecobius: //iːˈkoʊbiəs//

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

Images

Habitat

within this are strongly associated with vertical surfaces, particularly the walls of buildings, entrances, window sills, and similar artificial structures. Some species occupy natural rocky including limestone walls and desert regions. The genus shows a preference for sheltered microhabitats with high humidity, low air temperature, and protection from direct sunlight and rainfall.

Distribution

The has a distribution with recorded across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Specific documented records include: Ukraine (Donetsk and Odesa regions), Moldova, Greece, Crete, Turkey, Iran, Kazakhstan (Ustyurt Plateau), India (Thar Desert), Western Australia, and Tibet (China). Distribution is often fragmentary at the species level.

Diet

Prey consists of small arthropods. For O. navus, the red meat Iridomyrmex chasei has been documented as the most common prey item. O. tembili has been observed feeding on lepidopteran larvae including .

Life Cycle

Development includes , , and stages. For O. annulipes, nymphal development is affected by under indoor conditions. Adult spiders of O. rhodiensis have been observed in June-July, with highest abundance from May to October on building walls.

Behavior

Constructs small, flat, sheet-like webs on vertical surfaces. Spiders hide beneath these webs and hunt prey from this sheltered position. Web site selection is influenced by substrate type, with preferences documented for wooden substrates and pitted limestone walls in at least one . Courtship and copulation have been described for O. concinnus and O. annulipes.

Ecological Role

of small arthropods in urban and natural vertical surface .

Human Relevance

Frequently encountered in human dwellings due to preference for building walls and artificial structures. Some may contribute to of pest insects.

Similar Taxa

  • Uroctea durandiClose phylogenetic relationship suggested by morphological conformity in mouthparts and spinning apparatus; both are ecribellate spiders with similar web-building on vertical surfaces.

Sources and further reading