Telemidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Telemidae: //tɛˈlɛ.mɪˌdae̯//

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

Images

Summary

Telemidae, or long-legged cave spiders, are small haplogyne spiders known for their cave-dwelling habits and unique physical characteristics such as elongated bodies and legs. They are characterized by a reduction in their eyesight and are distributed in various habitats worldwide, particularly in dark, moist environments.

Physical Characteristics

Small spiders measuring 1.0-1.7 mm. They have long, thin legs that are relatively spineless and lack trichobothria. Their bodies have three pairs of spinnerets, with the longest pair positioned toward the head. Instead of book lungs, they possess two pairs of tracheal spiracles. The abdomen is elongate with a hardened ridge above the pedicel, more pronounced in males than females. Male pedipalps are oval and bag-like with a thin spermatophore, while female pedipalps do not have a claw.

Identification Tips

Look for long-legged spiders often found in caves or leaf litter. They typically exhibit a zigzag pattern on the abdomen ridge, which is more defined in males.

Habitat

Caves, leaf litter, and under rocks.

Distribution

Found from Alaska to central California, east to Colorado, with a global distribution that is most common in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Similar Taxa

Leptonetidae

Misconceptions

Many do not realize that some species of Telemidae do not have any eyes at all, which is atypical for spiders.