Tangle-web-spider
Guides
Canalidion montanum
Canalidion montanum is a small tangle-web spider (family Theridiidae) and the sole species in the monotypic genus Canalidion. Originally described as Theridion montanum by James Emerton in 1882, it was transferred to its own genus by J. Wunderlich in 2018 based on distinctive cheliceral dentition and male genitalic morphology. The species has a holarctic distribution, occurring across northern North America and Eurasia.
Dipoena
tangle-web spiders
Dipoena is a genus of tangle-web spiders (family Theridiidae) containing approximately 162 species distributed worldwide. The genus was established by Tamerlan Thorell in 1869. Males are distinguished by a characteristically high, cylindrical carapace often bearing grooves or depressions on the dorsum, while female carapaces are rarely modified though sometimes elevated. Species occur across Asia, Central America, North America, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, Australia, and Pacific islands including Vanuatu.
Phylloneta impressa
Forest Cobweb Weaver
Phylloneta impressa is a small comb-footed spider (Theridiidae) with a Holarctic distribution. Males measure 2.5–5.5 mm and females 3.5–5.5 mm. The species constructs tangle webs beneath retreats on vegetation and has been documented in agricultural settings including rape fields. It is closely related to and frequently confused with Phylloneta sisyphia.
Platnickina
Platnick's Cobweb Spiders
Platnickina is a genus of cobweb spiders (Theridiidae) established in 2008 and named in honor of arachnologist Norman Platnick. The genus is cosmopolitan, excluding Oceania, with fifteen recognized species as of 2025. European species exhibit distinctive bright yellow coloration with black mottling. The genus can be distinguished from other theridiids by specific morphological traits including trichobothria on the metatarsi of the third leg pair.
Platnickina tincta
False Pirate Spider
Platnickina tincta is a small tangle web spider (family Theridiidae) with a Holarctic distribution, native to Europe and northern Asia and introduced to North America. It is the type species of the genus Platnickina, originally described from Paris, France. The species is commonly known as the False Pirate Spider.