Australian Biological Resources Study

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Family THERIDIOSOMATIDAE Simon, 1881

Ray Spiders


Compiler and date details

Valerie Todd Davies (including the Lycosidae by R.J. McKay), Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Introduction

The 'ray' spiders are tiny to small, 3-clawed spiders. They build small orb-webs made with few radials and spirals. From the centre of the orb a horizontal thread runs to a point of attachment. The spiders rest, back to the web, on this; as it shortens this thread, the web is pulled into a cone shape and when prey touches the web the thread is released and the web springs forwards and straightens with the spider in its centre.

 

Diagnosis

Theridiosomatids can be distinguished by the pair of ovoid depressions on the anterior margin of the sternum. They have a spherical abdomen. Anterior sternal indentations on either side of labium. Sternum broadly truncate posteriorly. Female palp without a claw.

 

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)