Spitting Spiders (Scytodidae)

One could argue that spitting spiders are a rather insignificant family. Currently, only about 240 species are known, which, however, occur throughout the world. They are small to medium-sized and have six eyes, which are arranged in three groups (Fig. 4.3). Scytodids stand out due to their long, thin legs and the noticeably large forebody. This is as large as the hind body and, quite unusual for spiders, sometimes even slightly larger. Hidden inside is a glue gland, which enables spitting spiders to use a unique method of prey capture, probably unparalleled in the rest of the animal kingdom. Most scytodids do not build webs but roam slowly at night in search of prey. Only some tropical species build irregular webs, in which they lie in wait for prey.