Family CYCLOCTENIDAE Simon, 1898

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Introduction

Cycloctenidae are active diurnal hunters on trees and the ground. One genus is recorded from Australia, with seven species.

Diagnosis

Cycloctenids have 3 claws, the eyes are in 2 or 3 rows with the eyes of the front row smaller than those of the back; the back row may be so strongly curved back as to form a third row, the retrocoxal hymen is absent and a predistal tarsal fracture is evident on leg tarsi, the cribellum is absent, the trochanters are unnotched, and tibiae and metatarsi 1 and 2 have strong paired spines ventrally. Most cycloctenids have small anterior lateral eyes set high near the posterior median or posterior lateral eyes and the thoracic region of the carapace is separated from the cephalic portion by a deep groove.

History of changes