Titanoeca is a of cribellate-web spiders in the Titanoecidae, established by Thorell in 1870. The genus comprises 31 as of January 2026, distributed primarily across Eurasia with notable exceptions: three species to North America (T. americana, T. brunnea, T. nigrella), one holarctic species (T. nivalis), and one Ecuadorian endemic (T. guayaquilensis). Members construct cribellate webs and exhibit conditional foraging .
Identification
Cribellate silk production distinguishes Titanoecidae from ecribellate spiders; identification requires examination of genitalia and subtle somatic characters. T. quadriguttata (formerly T. obscura) can be recognized by four distinct markings.
Images
Distribution
Primary range in Eurasia. North America: three (T. americana, T. brunnea, T. nigrella). Holarctic: T. nivalis. South America: T. guayaquilensis endemic to Ecuador.
Behavior
Conditional foraging has been documented in T. quadriguttata, where prey acceptance varies based on contextual factors.
Similar Taxa
- Other Titanoecidae generaShared cribellate web architecture; distinguished by genitalic and geographic distribution patterns.