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melvynyeo — Theridiidae

Published: 2013-03-28 06:37:04 +0000 UTC; Views: 5843; Favourites: 97; Downloads: 78
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Description Rhomphaea sp.? 6mm, taken at night in Singapore forest.

Quote from [link]
Theridiid are probably the only family with a large diversity of spider web forms: there is a high within-taxon diversity (e.g. in Latrodectus), as well as convergence in different taxa. Theridiid gumfoot-webs consist of frame lines that anchor them to surroundings and of support threads, which possess viscid silk. Four main web types are currently recognized: among webs with gumfooted lines, there are webs with a central retreat (Achaearanea-type) and those with a peripheral retreat (Latrodectus-type). Among webs without gumfooted lines, there are those that contain viscid silk (Theridion-type) and those with a sheet-like structure, which do not contain visible viscid silk (Coleosoma-type). However, there are many undescribed web forms.

Building of gumfooted lines constitutes a unique stereotyped behaviour and is most probably homologous for Theridiidae and its sister family Nesticidae. Webs remain in place for extended periods and are expanded and repaired, but no regular pattern of web replacement has been observed.
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Comments: 8

ponyvilleraver [2013-06-20 09:36:53 +0000 UTC]

so beautiful. how can anyone see craters such as these and still take advantage of nature and destroy it sooo.....

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Manigran [2013-04-19 04:23:39 +0000 UTC]

Just amazing. I love your gallery so much. Just out of curiosity, are you an entomologist?

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melvynyeo In reply to Manigran [2013-04-19 05:42:23 +0000 UTC]

Thank you! This is just my hobby

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Manigran In reply to melvynyeo [2013-04-22 04:20:51 +0000 UTC]

You're very welcome. Well, it's a great hobby.

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Slipping-Star [2013-03-28 23:58:07 +0000 UTC]

I'm meeting so many new arthropods!

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melvynyeo In reply to Slipping-Star [2013-04-01 08:01:20 +0000 UTC]

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diskfire [2013-03-28 15:45:49 +0000 UTC]

Sweet.

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melvynyeo In reply to diskfire [2013-04-01 08:01:27 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!!

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