Thymoites
Keyserling, 1884
Species Guides
6- Thymoites camano(cobweb spider)
- Thymoites maderae
- Thymoites minero
- Thymoites pallidus
- Thymoites pictipes
- Thymoites unimaculatus(Spotted Cobweaver)
Thymoites is a of comb-footed spiders in the Theridiidae, first described by Eugen von Keyserling in 1884. The genus contains approximately 94 distributed across six continents, with particularly high diversity in the Neotropical region, especially Brazil. Members of this genus are small spiders that construct irregular, tangled webs. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with many species transferred from related genera such as Theridion and Dipoena.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Thymoites: /θaɪˈmɔɪtiːz/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Thymoites are distinguished from other theridiid by genitalic characters, particularly the structure of the male and female . Species-level identification requires microscopic examination of these structures. The genus can be separated from the similar genus Theridion by subtle differences in abdominal and arrangement patterns. Many species were historically misidentified as members of Theridion or Dipoena before being transferred to Thymoites based on phylogenetic and morphological studies.
Images
Distribution
of Thymoites occur on six continents: North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, plus the Caribbean islands and Greenland. The highest occurs in Brazil, with at least 19 described species. The is notably absent from Australia and Oceania. Several species have broad ranges spanning multiple countries (e.g., T. bellissimus from Scandinavia to Far East Russia and China), while others are known from single localities.
Similar Taxa
- TheridionHistorically confused with Thymoites; distinguished by differences in abdominal and genitalic . Many Thymoites were originally described in Theridion.
- DipoenaSome Thymoites were previously classified in Dipoena; separation based on arrangement and genitalic structure.
- TheonoeT. americanus was transferred from Theonoe to Thymoites, indicating historical taxonomic confusion between these .
More Details
Taxonomic History
The has experienced substantial taxonomic revision. Herbert W. Levi conducted major revisions in 1957, 1959, 1964, and 1967, transferring numerous from Theridion and establishing the modern concept of the genus. More recent work by Rodrigues & Brescovit (2015) and others has added many new species from Brazil.
Nomenclatural Notes
The type is Thymoites crassipes Keyserling, 1884, from Peru. The name has been consistently attributed to Keyserling, 1884 in all major taxonomic databases.