For most bugwatchers, getting to know the small spiders by the types of webs they weave is easier than trying to identify their sometimes diminutive owners. This is certainly true of the Comb-footed or Theridiid spiders. Comb-footed spiders make the tangled webs we think of as cobwebs. Some species are common around buildings. The web resident often hangs upside down in the web, or concealed in a crevice nearby.
Comb-footed spiders are typically tiny to fairly large and have long legs and spherical abdomens. The Black Widow spider is an example of a large and well-known species that show the typical form of this group of spiders. Comb-footed spiders typically have eight eyes in two rows but may have only six. The body and legs are not conspicuously hairy. The abdomen may exhibit colourful patterns.
The female usually does not stray far from her web. She hangs her considerable egg sac from the web or near her resting spot where she can guard it.
Comb-footed spiders employ combs on their hind legs to fling silk onto insects unlucky enough to blunder in the sticky web. Once wrapped sufficiently with silk the spider immobilizes the prey with venom, and may save ‘dinner’ in a convenient place for later consumption, or eat it right away.
Besides the Widow spiders, the American House Spider, which is associated with houses across North America is another smaller common species. Many much smaller species can be found in natural areas and buildings. There are over 200 North American members of this large Family. In Alberta there are more than 25 species known so far.
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RAY PHILLIPS
for serving as the society's DIRECTOR (MEMBERSHIPS) this year
BRENT JOHNER
for serving as the Society's 6th PRESIDENT (2000-2007)