New-family
Guides
Trogloraptor
Cave robber
Trogloraptor is a genus of large cave-dwelling spiders endemic to southwestern Oregon, representing the sole genus in the family Trogloraptoridae. The genus contains one described species, Trogloraptor marchingtoni, distinguished by unique hook-like claws on the tarsi of its legs. Discovered in 2010 and described in 2012, this represents one of only three new spider families described since 1990. The genus name combines Greek and Latin roots meaning "cave robber," referencing both its habitat and predatory appendages.
Trogloraptor marchingtoni
cave robber spider
Trogloraptor marchingtoni is a large cave-dwelling spider and the sole species in the family Trogloraptoridae, the first new spider family described from North America since the 1890s. Discovered in 2010 in caves of southwestern Oregon, this species is distinguished by extraordinary hook-like claws on its legs used to capture prey. It represents a remarkable evolutionary lineage with no close known relatives among living spiders. The species name honors Neil Marchington, the deputy sheriff and amateur biologist who first brought the spiders to scientific attention.
Trogloraptoridae
Cave Robber Spiders
Trogloraptoridae is a family of spiders established in 2012 to accommodate the single genus Trogloraptor, found in caves and old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The family was erected based on the unique morphology of Trogloraptor marchingtoni, which possesses distinctive raptorial claws unlike any other known spider. This discovery marked the first new family of spiders described from North America since the 1890s. The family represents a significant evolutionary lineage that has forced revisions to understanding of spider phylogeny.