Identification
Members of this family have flattened bodies, 3/8" (8-11 mm) long, with spiny pedipalps and slender, flat antennae-like legs. The cephalothorax is often wider than long, and the abdomen is generally shorter and narrower than the cephalothorax. The abdomen and cephalothorax are connected by a short stalk. The first pair of legs have long filamentous or whiplike tips. The remaining 3 pairs of legs are held to the side, crablike. (2)
Range
Primarily denizens of humid tropics, most North American species are found in Florida and Gulf states, where they occasionally enter houses. (2)
Remarks
The very long front legs are referred to as ANTENNIFORM LEGS. The animal uses them to "feel" its way about and to locate its insect prey, which is captured with the spiny pedipalps. (1)
