Goblin-spider
Guides
Escaphiella hespera
goblin spider
Escaphiella hespera is a species of goblin spider in the family Oonopidae, characterized by small body size and reduced eye structures typical of this spider family. The species was described by Chamberlin in 1924 and is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other oonopids, it likely inhabits leaf litter and soil microhabitats, though detailed ecological studies are lacking.
Opopaea deserticola
Goblin spider
Opopaea deserticola is a species of goblin spider in the family Oonopidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1892. Originally described from Southeast Asia, this species has demonstrated remarkable dispersal capabilities and is now recognized as having one of the widest distributions among oonopid spiders. It has been introduced to numerous regions worldwide including the Americas, Pacific islands, Atlantic islands, and Japan. The species is part of a diverse radiation of minute spiders that inhabit leaf litter and soil microhabitats, where their small size and cryptic coloration make them exceptionally difficult to detect.
Orchestina
goblin spiders
Orchestina is a species-rich genus of tiny goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing over 180 extant species. Members measure 1.0–3.0 mm in body length and possess an enlarged fourth femur enabling jumping. The genus exhibits a nearly global distribution in the Northern Hemisphere south of 45°N, with highest diversity in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. First described by Eugène Simon in 1882.
Orchestina quasimodo
Orchestina quasimodo is a species of goblin spider (family Oonopidae) described from the United States in 2017. The species epithet references Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre-Dame, presumably alluding to some morphological feature of the species. Oonopidae are among the most diverse spider families, characterized by their small size and reduced eye complements. Most members of the genus Orchestina are found in leaf litter and soil habitats.
Tapinesthis
Ivy parchment spider
Tapinesthis is a monotypic genus of goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) containing only Tapinesthis inermis, commonly known as the ivy parchment spider. The genus is characterized by its spineless legs, steeply sloping carapace with a dark net-like pattern, and soft body structure. Originally native to Europe, the species has been introduced to North America and shows synanthropic tendencies, frequently inhabiting human dwellings alongside natural habitats. The genus name reflects its distinctive morphological features within the diverse goblin spider family.