Scytodes

Latreille, 1804

spitting spiders

Species Guides

9

Scytodes is a globally distributed of spitting spiders distinguished by their unique prey-capture mechanism: projecting a sticky, glue-like secretion from their fangs to immobilize prey. The genus contains approximately 239 , with Scytodes thoracica being the most widely distributed. Members exhibit diverse social structures ranging from solitary to communal-territorial and fully social species.

Scytodes globula by no rights reserved, uploaded by Natalia S. Martino. Used under a CC0 license.Scytodes alayoi by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.Scytodes by (c) Martin Cooper, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scytodes: //saɪˈtoʊdiːz//

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Identification

Scytodes are recognized by six arranged in three pairs, a distinctly convex that accommodates enlarged venom glands, and long, slender legs often marked with dark bands. The body is typically pale yellow with black markings on the cephalothorax. in size is present: males measure 3.5–4 mm, females 4–4.5 mm. The convex cephalothorax shape distinguishes them from superficially similar spiders such as brown recluses (Loxosceles), which share the six-eye arrangement but lack the domed cephalothorax.

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Habitat

Scytodes occupy diverse microhabitats including under rocks, in crevices, leaf litter, and human structures. Most species are and do not construct prey-capture webs, though some tropical species such as Scytodes longipes build sheet-like webs connected to tubular shelters. Short-legged species are ground-dwelling in leaf litter and under rocks, while long-legged species are more commonly found on vegetation and structures.

Distribution

Near-global distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Strong presence in Asia, Oceania, Europe, Mediterranean region, and North America; limited presence in Africa and South America. The is particularly diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with numerous documented from Caribbean islands, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.

Diet

Specialized on soft-bodied arthropods including , mosquitoes, crickets, silverfish, and other spiders. Hard-chitinized insects such as beetles, , and some true bugs are typically refused. Many are araneophagic, with documented preference for spider prey. Scavenging of dead arthropods has been observed as rare supplemental feeding .

Life Cycle

Females carry loosely wrapped in sparse silk, secured beneath the body or held in until hatching. This egg-carrying period represents the most vulnerable life stage. spiders in subsocial and social remain in the maternal web after hatching, cooperatively capturing and feeding on prey. Upon reaching sexual maturity, young spiders disperse and adopt solitary . Lifespan extends 1.5–2 years for males and 2–4 years for females in studied species.

Behavior

Primary prey detection occurs through vibration and smell. Hunting involves stalking prey with slow, deliberate movements, then projecting glue in a rapid zigzag pattern from oscillating fangs to immobilize prey at distances of 4–10 body lengths. Prey is subsequently wrapped in silk and bitten. When pursuing fleeing prey, spiders may spit while in motion. Social organization varies extensively: some are solitary, others subsocial with extended maternal care and cooperative foraging among juveniles, and at least one species (S. socialis) forms permanent colonies with non-aggressive sharing prey.

Ecological Role

Secondary consumers controlling of soft-bodied arthropods and other spiders. Some function as tertiary consumers through araneophagy. The specialized predatory reduces competition with web-building spiders and other .

Human Relevance

Non-dangerous to humans despite enlarged venom glands; venom is specialized for prey. Frequently encountered in and around human dwellings, particularly long-legged . Occasionally mistaken for medically significant spiders such as brown recluses due to shared six- arrangement and pale coloration.

Similar Taxa

  • Loxosceles (brown recluses and relatives)Shared six- arrangement in three pairs and pale coloration; distinguished by Scytodes' convex versus the flattened cephalothorax of Loxosceles, and by the presence of dark leg banding in Scytodes versus the uniform legs typical of Loxosceles. Loxosceles also possesses the diagnostic violin-shaped marking on the cephalothorax.
  • Pholcus (cellar spiders)Convergent long-legged and sheet-web construction in some ; distinguished by Scytodes' six (versus eight in Pholcus), convex , and spitting . Pholcus webs are more extensive and irregular, and the body shape is more elongated and less domed.

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