Zoropsoidea

The Zoropsoidea clade consists of wandering, non-cribellate spiders that do not build capture webs, but instead hunt actively or lie in ambush. Some species resemble Lycosidae or Gnaphosidae in appearance, although they are phylogenetically distinct.

🧬 Common Traits

• Active or ambush hunting behavior
• No capture web
• Good nocturnal vision
• Strong legs, sometimes hairy
• Cryptic coloration, well adapted to ground living

🕷️ Included Families

• Zoropsidae – The best-known family, sometimes found indoors
• Udubidae – A primarily African family, rare elsewhere
• Other families may be included depending on recent molecular classifications

🌍 Distribution

This clade occurs across several continents, notably:

• Southern Europe
• Africa
• Asia
• North America (fossil representatives and rare species)