Scytodidae – commonly called spitting spiders or silk-gland spiders – are a family of spiders with unique hunting and defense behaviors. Here is a summary of their key characteristics:
- Hunting method: Scytodidae have developed an unusual hunting strategy. Instead of spinning a traditional web, they use specialized silk glands to spray droplets of adhesive silk onto their prey. This immobilizes the prey and allows the spider to approach and strike.
- Morphology: Scytodidae have a compact body and relatively short legs. Their front eyes are larger than the others and help them precisely target their prey.
- Defense behavior: Besides their unique hunting technique, Scytodidae also use adhesive silk for defense. They can spray droplets of silk at predators or threats, temporarily immobilizing them.
Spitting spiders from the Scytodidae family hunt by projecting sticky silk – sometimes infused with venom. The velocity of the spray can reach up to 100 km/h!
They have a domed cephalothorax and three pairs of eyes.
List of Scytodidae genera (external link, Araneae)
Genus Scytodes (Latreille, 1804)
Scytodes thoracica – Spitting Spider
| Order | Aranea |
|---|---|
| Family | Scytodidae |
| Genus | Scytodes |
| Species | thoracica |
| Identifier | Latreille |
| Year of identification | 1802 |
| Male size min | 3.5 |
| Male size max | 4 |
| Female size min | 4.5 |
| Female size max | 5 |
| Color | Yellow and brown |
| Cephalothorax | dark brown speckles, domed structure |
| Abdomen | dark brown speckles |
| Legs | long, thin, ringed |
| Habitat | Houses, rocks, bark |
| Web | Does not build a web |
| Active from | February |
| Active until | December |
| Range | Asia, North America, South America, Palearctic, Oceania |
| Particularity |
References:
- https://www.gbif.org/fr/species/5168969
- https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scytodes_thoracica
- https://inpn.mnhn.fr/espece/cd_nom/1120/tab/fiche