Spitting-spider
Guides
Dictis striatipes
Striped Spitting Spider
Dictis striatipes is a spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, known for the common name "Striped Spitting Spider." The species has been introduced to regions outside its native range, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Yemen. As a member of Scytodidae, it possesses the characteristic spitting ability that defines this family—immobilizing prey by ejecting a mixture of silk, venom, and adhesive from the chelicerae. It is a synanthropic species often found in human-modified environments.
Scytodes
spitting spiders
Scytodes is a globally distributed genus of spitting spiders distinguished by their unique prey-capture mechanism: projecting a sticky, glue-like secretion from their fangs to immobilize prey. The genus contains approximately 239 species, with Scytodes thoracica being the most widely distributed. Members exhibit diverse social structures ranging from solitary to communal-territorial and fully social species.
Scytodes dorothea
spitting spider
Scytodes dorothea is a species of spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, first described by Gertsch in 1935. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the distinctive ability to eject sticky venom from its chelicerae to immobilize prey. The species is part of a family characterized by six eyes arranged in three pairs, a highly convex cephalothorax housing enlarged venom glands, and slow, deliberate hunting movements. Very few specific details about this particular species are documented in available sources.
Scytodes fusca
dark common spitting spider, brown spitting spider
Scytodes fusca is a cosmopolitan spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, native to Central and South America but introduced worldwide. It is notable for exhibiting social behavior unusual among spiders, including tolerance of conspecifics and communal living. The species hunts by projecting sticky venom from its fangs to immobilize prey, a distinctive trait of the Scytodidae family.
Scytodes globula
Chilean tiger spider, araña tigre, long-legged spider, spitting spider
Scytodes globula is a predatory spitting spider (family Scytodidae) native to South America. It is notable for its distinctive hunting method: projecting an extremely sticky substance from enlarged venom glands to immobilize prey. The species has gained recognition as a documented predator of the medically significant Chilean recluse spider (Loxosceles laeta), though experimental evidence indicates predation success varies with prey behavior. It is primarily nocturnal and commonly associated with human dwellings.
Scytodes longipes
Long-legged Spitting Spider
Scytodes longipes is a tropical spitting spider distinguished by its long legs and specialized prey-capture behavior. Unlike short-legged Scytodes species that are ground-dwelling hunters, this species constructs tangled, sheet-like webs similar to cellar spiders (Pholcidae). It has been introduced well beyond its native range, establishing populations on Pacific Islands, in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The species is notable for its communal tendencies and unique spitting mechanism that immobilizes prey with adhesive venom.
Scytodes thoracica
Common Spitting Spider, Spitting Spider
Scytodes thoracica is a small spitting spider renowned for its unique hunting method: projecting venomous, sticky silk threads to immobilize prey. The species possesses six eyes arranged in three pairs and distinctive silk glands in the cephalothorax connected to venom glands, enabling production of venomous silk. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated dispersal and is frequently encountered in synanthropic habitats.
Scytodes univittata
spitting spider
Scytodes univittata is a spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, distinguished by its specialized venom projection hunting mechanism. Native to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, the species has been introduced to multiple regions worldwide including the Americas, Mediterranean Europe, and Hawaii. It belongs to a family characterized by six eyes arranged in three pairs, enlarged venom glands, and the unique ability to immobilize prey by spitting a sticky, silk-laced venom mixture. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form and Scytodes u. unilineata endemic to Myanmar.
Scytodes zapatana
Zapatana Spitting Spider
Scytodes zapatana is a species of spitting spider in the family Scytodidae, first described by Gertsch and Mulaik in 1940. Like other members of its genus, it possesses the distinctive spitting predatory behavior that characterizes this family, using modified venom glands to eject sticky silk-glue mixtures to immobilize prey. The species is part of a group of spiders that are frequently associated with human habitations in their known range. Specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature.