Scytodes


Scytodes is a genus of spitting spiders that occur all around the world. The most widely distributed species is Scytodes thoracica, which originally had a palearctic distribution, but has been introduced to North America, Argentina, India, Australia, and New Zealand. The genus was first described by Pierre André Latreille in 1804.

Behavior

Reproduction

Females carry their eggs until they hatch. Upon hatching, the juvenile spiders remain in their mother's web. They cooperatively capture and feed on prey caught in the web. Upon reaching sexual maturity, the young spiders leave the web, move a short distance away and exhibit solitary behavior.

Spitting

The spitting from which its name derives is used as a method of trapping prey or escaping predators. Sticky gum is expelled from their fangs and can be shot up to ten body lengths from the spider.

Species

Scytodes contains 222 species and two subspecies. They are found in South America, the Caribbean, Central America, Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania, and on the Pacific Islands: