Scytodes

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scytodes: //saɪˈtoʊdiːz//

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

Scytodes is a genus of spitting spiders known for their unique method of hunting through spitting sticky gum to trap prey. They exhibit sexual dimorphism and have a wide distribution, particularly the species Scytodes thoracica, which has been introduced to various parts of the world.

Physical Characteristics

Pale yellow bodies with black spots on the cephalothorax and legs characterized by black bands.

Identification Tips

Comparative carapace patterns and leg characteristics noted in available documentation and referenced materials.

Habitat

Temperate and terrestrial regions such as forests; frequently found in dark corners, cellars, cupboards, and closets in human habitats.

Distribution

Worldwide, with notable occurrences in the USA, Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Oceania, and Pacific Islands. In the US, 9 known species include alayoi (FL), atlacoya (Southeastern US), dorothea (TX), fusca (FL), globula (NC to FL), longipes (FL Keys), thoracica (northern parts of the USA and into Ontario), univittata (TX to CA), and zapatana (southern TX).

Diet

Predominantly feeds on other small insects, using sticky gum from its fangs to trap prey.

Life Cycle

Females carry eggs until they hatch, typically under their body or in their chelicerae. Juveniles remain in the mother's web until they reach maturity, after which they exhibit solitary behavior.

Reproduction

Males and females interact primarily for mating; reproductive strategy involves egg-carrying by females and solitary behavior post-maturity.

Ecosystem Role

As predators of insects, they help to maintain ecological balance in their habitats.

Evolution

The genus Scytodes was first described by Pierre André Latreille in 1804; recognized for its unique spitting behavior and adaptations for hunting.