Trachelidae

Simon, 1897

Broad-Faced Sac Spiders, Ground Sac Spiders

Genus Guides

Trachelidae is a of araneomorph spiders within the RTA clade, elevated from status in 2014 based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. The family comprises 29 and approximately 307 distributed across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide. Members are commonly known as broad-faced sac spiders or ground sac spiders, though many species are arboreal. The family is characterized by reduced leg spines and other distinctive morphological synapomorphies that distinguish it from related families Corinnidae and Clubionidae.

Trachelidae by (c) Sunčana Bradley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sunčana Bradley. Used under a CC-BY license.

Trachelas by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.

Trachelas by (c) Benjamin Burgunder, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Benjamin Burgunder. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trachelidae: /træˈkiːlɪˌdaɪ/

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Identification

Distinguished from Corinnidae and Clubionidae by molecular phylogenetic data and the combination of reduced leg spines, absence of , and specific genital characteristics. The CTC clade affiliation can be confirmed by the presence of two tarsal claws with hair tufts. Some (Coronarachne, Falcaranea, Trachecymbius) possess strongly protruding setal bases on surfaces of legs, more developed in males. Arboreal may be collected via fogging, distinguishing them from ground-dwelling relatives.

Images

Habitat

Ecologically diverse: includes both ground-dwelling and arboreal . Arboreal members occupy tree in rainforest, jungle rubber agroforest, savanna, and forest ; some species specifically associated with tree bark microhabitats. Ground-dwelling species occur in leaf litter. Some species occur in agricultural (rubber, oil palm). Several species commonly found indoors.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Documented from Africa (including Afrotropical and southern African regions), Asia (China, India, Himalayas, Sumatra, Vietnam), Europe, North Africa, Central Asia, and South America (Argentina, Paraguay). Some previously considered Afrotropical endemics (e.g., Planochelas) have been discovered in Asia (China), indicating broader distributions than previously recognized.

Behavior

Members of the RTA clade are wandering hunters that do not construct webs for prey capture. Arboreal are frequently collected via fogging and beating, indicating active movement in vegetation. Bark-dwelling species exhibit cryptic habits beneath tree bark. Ground-dwelling species (e.g., Orthobula) inhabit leaf litter.

Ecological Role

Predatory component of arboreal and terrestrial . In southern African savanna and forest , arboreal trachelids represent a prominent component of fauna. Some show habitat specificity across land-use gradients, with potential as indicators of forest disturbance.

Human Relevance

Some commonly occur indoors. No documented medical significance or economic impact specified in sources.

Similar Taxa

CorinnidaeTrachelidae was previously classified within Corinnidae; separated based on 2014 phylogenetic analysis showing distant relationship
ClubionidaeFormerly placed in Clubionidae; distinguished by reduced leg spines and other synapomorphies
LiocranidaeSome historically misclassified in Liocranidae (e.g., Argistes africanus transferred to Trachelidae)

More Details

Taxonomic History

First described as 'Tracheleae' (modern Trachelinae) by Eugène Simon in 1897. Transferred to Clubionidae, then Corinnidae following splits. Deeleman-Reinhold (2001) first suggested family status. Ramírez (2014) molecular analysis confirmed separation from Corinnidae, establishing modern family circumscription. Now placed in CTC (Claw Tuft Clasper) clade.

Phylogenetic Affiliation

Member of RTA clade (wandering spiders) and CTC clade (Claw Tuft Clasper clade). Molecular based on COI gene have been used to evaluate relationships among Afrotropical and confirm boundaries.