Guardstone Spiders
Phrurolithidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Phrurolithidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phrurolithidae: /ˌfɹuːɹoʊˈlɪθɪˌdaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Phrurolithidae, known as guardstone spiders, is a recently established family of small araneomorph spiders that exhibit a distinct behavior of guarding their egg sacs under stones. They are predominantly found in North America and have only recently been distinguished from other spider families.
Physical Characteristics
Small body size for most species; under 3 mm for many, with some like Piabuna being less than 2 mm in body length.
Identification Tips
Look for tiny spiders often found under stones. They may resemble Castianeira and Micaria species.
Habitat
Typically found in sandy or rocky areas often underneath stones, which provide shelter and egg-laying sites.
Distribution
Native to North America; mainly concentrated in the USA, with some species extending into Canada.
Diet
Insectivorous; they primarily feed on small insects.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs in a spherical lump and cover them with a light, transparent web, guarding them until hatching.
Reproduction
Egg sacs are guarded by the mother, a behavior observed specifically in the type genus Phrurolithus.
Ecosystem Role
As predators of small insects, they play a role in controlling insect populations.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting under stones
- Use of pitfall traps
- Sweep netting in their habitats
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol immersion
- Pinning specimens
- Drying and storing in insect boxes
Evolution
Formerly classified under Corinnidae as Phrurolithinae, they were established as a separate family through phylogenetic studies.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often grouped with similar-looking families or not recognized due to lack of common names prior to 2014.
Tags
- Phrurolithidae
- Guardstone Spiders
- Arachnids
- Araneomorphs
- Spider taxonomy