Spitting Spiders

Scytodidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scytodidae: /saiˈtɒdɪdiː/

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

Images

Scytodes longipes 1 by G. Blagoev, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Scytodes thoracica Goettingen 03 by Biodehio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Scytodes thoracica (aka) by André Karwath aka Aka
. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Scytodes thoracica Lavis 02 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Scytodes thoracica Lavis 01 by Syrio. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Scytodes thoracica fg02 by Fritz Geller-Grimm. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Summary

Spitting spiders, belonging to the family Scytodidae, are known for their unique hunting technique of spitting a venomous silk to capture prey. Comprising over 240 species in 4 genera, they exhibit specific physical characteristics and behaviors that distinguish them from other spider families.

Physical Characteristics

Spitting spiders have six eyes arranged in three pairs, a dome-shaped cephalothorax, and long, thin legs. They are typically yellow or light brown with black spots.

Identification Tips

They can be identified by their large round cephalothorax and long legs. Front view eye arrangement resembles a human skull, giving rise to the common name 'skull spiders'.

Distribution

Scytodes is widely distributed with 221 species worldwide, 9 of which are found in the US. Dictis has 4 species worldwide, including 1 in the US.

Diet

Scytodidae feed primarily on small arthropods, such as silverfish, which they catch using a sticky, venom-laced silk.

Health Concerns

Not dangerous to humans.

Misconceptions

Despite the common name 'skull spiders', they are not dangerous and do not pose a threat to humans.