Comb-footed-spider
Guides
Chrysso
Chrysso is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) first described by Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1882. The genus currently contains approximately 64 species distributed primarily in the Americas and Asia, with some species exhibiting wide geographic ranges. Many species display striking and variable coloration, with some capable of rapid color change when disturbed. The genus has undergone recent taxonomic revision, with several former species transferred to the related genera Megama, Meotipa, and Physcoa.
Emertonella
Emertonella is a genus of cobweb spiders in the family Theridiidae, subfamily Hadrotarsinae, first described by E. B. Bryant in 1945. The genus was re-delimited in 2024 based on male palpal morphology, transferring approximately 30 species from the genus Euryopis. It now contains species distributed across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and New Guinea.
spidercobweb-spiderTheridiidaeHadrotarsinaeant-predator-subfamilyre-delimited-genuscosmopolitan-distributionmale-palpal-morphologytaxonomyEuryopis-transferChinaHenan-Provinceforest-habitatagricultural-habitatJuly-collectionelevation-70-1340mBryant-19452024-revisionPMC12964056ZooKeys-1270genus-levelAraneaeArachnidacomb-footed-spiderEnoplognatha
Candystripe Spider (E. ovata)
Enoplognatha is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) first described by P. Pavesi in 1880. The genus includes approximately 75 species with cosmopolitan distribution. Members are characterized by a large colulus, subspherical abdomen, and males typically possess enlarged chelicerae. The genus is considered a senior synonym of Symopagia.
Episinus
Square-ended Cobweb Spiders
Episinus is a genus of comb-footed spiders in the family Theridiidae, first described by Walckenaer in 1809. The genus includes approximately 64 described species distributed across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with 16 species recorded from China. These small spiders are known for their highly reduced, H- or Y-shaped webs constructed near ground level in low vegetation. Several species have conservation significance, including the Tree H-weaver (Episinus maculipes) which is Red Data Book listed in the UK.
Latrodectus
widow spiders, black widow spiders, brown widow spiders
Latrodectus is a genus of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) containing approximately 34-35 species distributed worldwide except Antarctica. Females are typically dark-colored with distinctive reddish ventral abdominal markings, often hourglass-shaped, while males and juveniles frequently display dorsal red or red-and-white patterns. The genus is medically significant due to potent venom containing the neurotoxin latrotoxin, which causes the condition latrodectism. Despite their reputation, bites rarely cause death in humans. The common name "widow spiders" derives from observations of sexual cannibalism, though this behavior is more common in laboratory settings than in nature.
Parasteatoda
Colourful Comb-footed Spiders
Parasteatoda is a genus of comb-footed spiders (family Theridiidae) first described by Allan Frost Archer in 1946. The genus name derives from Greek "para-" (near) combined with the related genus Steatoda. Species in this genus are characterized by a teardrop-shaped or nearly spherical abdomen with highly variable coloration, and possess the comb-footed spines on the fourth leg typical of theridiids. The genus contains 42 species and one subspecies as of October 2025, distributed primarily across the Old World with many species in Asia and New Guinea, though several have been introduced to the Americas and Europe through human commerce. The best-known member, Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Common House Spider), has become a significant model organism for evolutionary developmental biology research.
Platnickina mneon
A comb-footed spider in the family Theridiidae, originally described from a female specimen collected in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan in 1906. The species was recently reinstated as valid based on distinct body coloration, markings, genital morphology, and molecular data (partial mitochondrial COI gene), having been previously synonymized with Yunohamella lyrica. Molecular analysis revealed that females previously identified as Platnickina mneon are conspecific with males associated with Yunohamella varietas, leading to the latter's synonymization. The species is currently classified under the genus Platnickina, though it was transferred to Yunohamella in the revision that reestablished its validity.
Rhomphaea
Stretched Thief Spiders
Rhomphaea is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) characterized by their distinctive elongated, stick-like bodies and specialized araneophagous predatory behavior. These small spiders (4–5 mm) are found worldwide and are notable for their aggressive mimicry tactics, using triangular nets to capture other spiders on their own webs or by invading the webs of other species. The genus is closely related to Ariamnes and is the sister group to Neospintharus within the subfamily Argyrodinae.
Simitidion
Simitidion is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) described by J. Wunderlich in 1992. The genus contains three recognized species: S. agaricographum, S. lacuna, and S. simile. Native populations occur in Africa, Asia, and Europe, with S. simile introduced to Canada. The genus is part of the diverse cobweb spider family.
Simitidion simile
Simitidion simile is a species of comb-footed spider in the family Theridiidae. Native to the Palearctic region, it has been documented across Europe, North Africa, Turkey, Israel, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Central Asia. The species has been introduced to Canada, establishing populations outside its native range. As a member of the Theridiidae, it possesses the characteristic comb-like setae on the hind tarsi used for silk handling.
Thymoites pallidus
Thymoites pallidus is a species of comb-footed spider in the family Theridiidae, first described by Emerton in 1913. This species is known from Cuba, the United States, and the Caribbean region extending to Venezuela. Like other theridiid spiders, it possesses the characteristic comb-like serrated bristles (setae) on the tarsi of the hind legs used for manipulating silk. The species epithet 'pallidus' refers to its pale coloration.
Yunohamella
Yunohamella is a genus of comb-footed spiders in the family Theridiidae, established by H. Yoshida in 2007. The genus is characterized by distinct male genital morphology: a large tegulum, small median apophysis, thin embolus, and distinct tegular apophysis. Females have an epigyne lacking a pointed scapus or possessing a blunt scapus. As of 2026, the genus comprises thirteen species distributed across Asia, Europe, and North America. Recent taxonomic revisions have clarified species boundaries using morphological and molecular data, including the reestablishment of Y. mneon as a valid species and the synonymy of Y. varietas.