Scytodoidea

The Scytodoidea superfamily includes spiders with discreet habits, often nocturnal, found in humid or dark environments. They are best known for their unique hunting behavior, particularly in the Scytodidae family, which can spit a sticky mixture of silk and venom to immobilize prey.

🧬 Key Characteristics

• Typically domed head (elevated cephalothorax)
• Slow and discreet movement
• Silk spray used in predation, mixed with venom (in Scytodidae)
• Crepuscular or nocturnal activity
• Hunts without geometric webs, via ambush

🕷️ Included Families

• Scytodidae – Spitting spiders
• Sicariidae (sometimes included in this group depending on classification)
• Drymusidae (mentioned in some modern cladograms)

🌍 Habitat

Scytodoidea species are often found in:

• Dark cracks, humid corners, leaf litter
• Man-made structures: basements, walls, window frames
• Tropical or temperate zones, depending on the genus

📸 Observation

They can be observed:

• At night, using a flashlight or light traps
• In quiet, undisturbed places inside or near buildings
• Seldom active in broad daylight

🔗 Useful Link

• List of Scytodidae genera: https://araneae.nmbe.ch/list/genera/33