Flatties
Selenopidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Selenopidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Selenopidae: //sɛˈliː.noʊ.pɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Selenopidae, known as flatties or wall crab spiders, is a family of fast, nocturnal spiders characterized by their flattened body shapes and quick predation abilities. They possess a unique eye arrangement and are found globally in various habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Colors include shades of grey, brown, yellow, and orange with darker markings on the cephalothorax, spots or mottling on the abdomen, and annulations on the legs of most species. They are dorsoventrally flattened and possess two tarsal claws with laterigrade legs polarized in different directions.
Identification Tips
The eight eyes are arranged in two rows (one with six and one with two). Their flattened body shape and geographical color mimicry help in camouflage.
Habitat
Found worldwide from sea level to over 2,500 metres (8,200 ft), primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, also in deserts. Commonly on walls or under rocks.
Distribution
Selenops is the most widely distributed genus within the family. Anyphops is distributed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Other genera have specific distributions, and at least one species is known from subfossil records.
Diet
Insectivorous; they primarily feed on insects they catch with their swift movements and quick strikes.
Ecosystem Role
As predators, Selenopidae play a role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Cultural Significance
The Afrikaans name 'Muurspinnekop' translates to 'wall spider', indicating cultural recognition of their habitat and characteristics.
Evolution
The family Selenopidae was first described by Eugène Simon in 1897. Their evolutionary adaptability is seen in their ability to mimic their surroundings and their diverse habitats.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Despite the common name 'crab spider', they are not true crab spiders and have different ecological and physiological traits.
Tags
- spiders
- arachnids
- ecology
- mimicry
- fast animals