Numbers
over 2200 spp. in 96 genera worldwide; 234 spp. in 32 genera in our area
(1)Identification
In separating Theridiidae from Linyphiidae
(1)
1. Legs
Theridiidae have first legs usually longest, third legs shortest. Also fourth legs usually with comb macrosetae (indistinct in Dipoena & Euryopis). Legs have no thick setae and no femoral macrosetae.
Linyphiidae have legs long & thin with macrosetae. (Hairs on males somewhat reduced.) They have long sensory hairs on the first three legs, sometimes on all four legs.
2. Abdomen
Theridiidae have abdomen usually round, rarely elongate.
Linyphiidae abdomen usually oval or elongated.
Remarks
family may not be a monophyletic group
genera
Achaearanea, Anelosimus, and
Theridion are known to contain subsocial species, but the only social spiders in our area are in the genus
Anelosimus
Spiders with very small (if strong) jaws (such as crab spiders and cobweb weavers) make small holes in the prey and vomit their digestive fluid into the prey's body, the end result being a hollow shell with some or most of the muscles and internal organs digested and sucked out.
(2)
