Specialized-web-architecture
Guides
Hypochilus thorelli
Thorell's Lampshade-web Spider, lampshade spider
Hypochilus thorelli is a relictual spider species notable for possessing four book lungs—a trait shared with mesothele and mygalomorph spiders but unique among araneomorphs. The species constructs distinctive lampshade-shaped webs on the undersides of overhangs in humid Appalachian forests. First described by George Marx in 1888, it serves as the type species for both its genus and family. Its combination of primitive respiratory anatomy with derived silk-producing structures makes it significant for spider phylogenetics.