Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

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Family PRODIDOMIDAE Simon, 1884


Compiler and date details

2012 - Dr Barbara Baehr, Queensland Museum, Brisbane

Introduction

A revision (Platnick & Baehr, 2006) of the family in Australia found over 120 new species, many of which are endemic to small areas. Prodidomids seem tobe more common in areas with rich ant faunas. They are found under rocks and in leaf litter, particularly in drier regions. They appear to feed exclusively on ants which are subdued with the aid of silk rapidly spun from the anterior lateral spinnerets.

 

Diagnosis

Gnaphosoid spiders with extremely large cylindrical anterior lateral spinnerets midway between epigastric fold and PMS; apical ring minute; posterior lateral spinnerets cylindrical; segments unequal in length. Prograde legs with 2 claws; with dense tufts or with posterior eye row strongly procurved; in 2 or 3 rows 4 2 2 eyes, and chelicerae porrect.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
15-Oct-2020 20-Jun-2012 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)