Family ULOBORIDAE Thorell, 1869

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Introduction

Uloborids are weavers of geometric orbs or webs derived from an orb. They include the very cryptic Miagrammopes which looks like a stick,

Diagnosis

Uloborids can be distinguished from all other spiders by the combined presence of trichobothria on femora II and III, and a cribellum and calamistrum.The Uloboridae are considered to be the sister-group to the net-casting Deinopidae. Uloborines are found over much of the Australian region; they construct orb-webs, especially under rock overhangs and against tree trunks. Some species are found in and around houses and other human dwellings. Small to medium sized, 3-clawed, cribellate spiders. Trichobothria in prolateral row on femora Il-IV; two rows on tibiae, one trichobothrium on metatarsi, none on tarsi. Posterior tracheal spiracle with tracheae extending to cephalothorax. No venom glands. Ventral row of erect macrosetae on distal 1/2-1/3 of metatarsus IV and most of tarsus IV. Prolateral metatarsal concavity adjacent to calamistrum. Broad retrolateral patellar notches. Two apical cymbial setae on male palp.

History of changes