Montane-endemism
Guides
Hypochilidae
Lampshade Spiders
Hypochilidae is an ancient and relict family of true spiders (Araneae) containing two genera: Hypochilus (11 species, North America) and Ectatosticta (22 species, Asia). The family originated in the Late Jurassic and exhibits a classic inter-continental disjunct distribution. These spiders are considered among the most primitive of araneomorphs, retaining plesiomorphic traits including two pairs of book lungs in most species. They are microhabitat specialists with naturally small geographic distributions and low vagility, making them important subjects for conservation and biogeographic research.