Knowra Theridiidae Theridiidae Theridiidae is a large spider family commonly called cobweb spiders or comb-footed spiders. Its members are known for building irregular, three-dimensional webs, often with sticky capture threads.
Spider web : A structure made from spider silk, used for prey capture, shelter, reproduction, or movement. Theridiid webs are a distinctive type of spider web, with an irregular three-dimensional structure.
Black widow spider : A group of venomous spiders in the genus Latrodectus, recognized by characteristic markings and potent neurotoxic venom. Black widows are among the best-known theridiids and build irregular webs.
Cobweb : An irregular web of tangled silk threads, often used by spiders to intercept prey. The cobweb is the characteristic capture structure associated with many theridiids.
Araneidae : A spider family whose members commonly build characteristic circular orb webs. Orb webs contrast with the irregular three-dimensional webs typical of theridiids.
Latrodectism : A syndrome caused by bites from widow spiders, marked by pain and possible systemic symptoms. This is the principal medical concern associated with some theridiid species.
Spider silk : A protein-based fiber produced by spiders for webs, draglines, egg sacs, and other functions. Silk supplies the structural and sticky threads that make theridiid webs effective.
Redback spider : An Australian widow spider, Latrodectus hasselti, with a conspicuous red marking on the abdomen. This theridiid illustrates the family's medically significant widow spiders.
Spider web construction : The sequence of behaviors by which a spider produces and arranges silk into a web. Theridiid construction creates a three-dimensional tangle rather than a flat orb.
Linyphiidae : A large spider family commonly called sheet-web spiders, many of which build horizontal sheet webs. Its sheet webs differ in architecture from theridiid cobwebs.
Spider bite : A wound caused when a spider's fangs penetrate skin, sometimes introducing venom. Theridiid bites are often discussed because widow spiders can cause serious envenomation.
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