Prodidomidae

Simon, 1884

long-spinneret ground spiders

Prodidomidae is a of ground-dwelling , elevated from status in 2022. Members are distinguished by greatly elongated bases of piriform gland and often possess shiny body or . The family comprises approximately 196–300 across 24–31 , distributed primarily in warm regions worldwide. Most species are litter-dwellers, though some exhibit activity or habits.

Hentz Plate 18 by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz. Used under a Public domain license.Hentz Plate 12 by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Prodidomidae: //ˌproʊdɪˈdoʊmɪˌdiː//

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

Identification

The most reliable diagnostic feature is the greatly elongated base of the piriform gland on the . are flat, silvery, and triangular, -shaped, or irregularly rectangular. At least portions of the body are covered with shiny or . are typically mutic—lacking points, , or —with long, thin, often divergent .

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Habitat

Ground-dwelling; most occupy leaf litter and hide during daylight hours. Some species inhabit iron caves, as documented for Paracymbiomma in Brazil. Others occupy thermophilic environments with pioneer vegetation such as mining landfills or arid scree. The Zimiris is and occurs in human-modified environments.

Distribution

Primarily distributed in warm regions globally. Documented from South America (Brazil), Africa (Cape of Good Hope region), Macaronesia (Canary Islands, Madeira), North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt), and Mediterranean Europe (Spain, Sardinia, Corsica). The Zimirina corsica represents the first confirmed Prodidomidae from European France.

Life Cycle

are small-bodied. The biology of many remains poorly studied due to their diminutive adult size and cryptic habits. Most species descriptions are based on single sexes or isolated individuals, with intraspecific variability often unknown.

Behavior

Most are and remain concealed in litter during daylight. Myandra species are probably and may exhibit -. Zimirina species can move rapidly over short distances interspersed with slow movements, making them difficult to detect on the ground.

Human Relevance

Limited direct interaction with humans. The Zimiris has been transported worldwide through human activity. Some inhabit caves of interest, including iron caves in Brazil's Carajás region.

Similar Taxa

  • GnaphosidaeFormerly classified as a (Prodidominae) within Gnaphosidae; distinguished by the uniquely elongated piriform gland bases and mutic
  • MolycriinaeRe-established as a distinct in Gnaphosidae based on 2020 phylogenetic analysis; previously confused with Prodidomidae due to historical taxonomic uncertainty

Sources and further reading