Venom-projection
Guides
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 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.
Scytodidae
Spitting spiders
Scytodidae, commonly known as spitting spiders, are a family of haplogyne spiders characterized by their unique prey capture mechanism: projecting sticky venom from their fangs to immobilize prey. The family contains over 150 described species in several genera, with Scytodes being the most diverse and widespread. These spiders possess enlarged venom glands that produce a glue-like substance which solidifies into elastic threads upon contact, binding prey to surfaces. Some species exhibit social behaviors including communal egg guarding and cooperative prey capture, while others are solitary. They are found worldwide in tropical and temperate regions, with several species associated with human habitations.