Comb-Footed Spiders

Family Theridiidae

Comb-footed spiders make up the vast majority of house spiders. They're the ones that make cobwebs. When someone says "spider," a comb-footed spider is probably the first kind that comes to mind. The black widow, for example, is a comb-footed spider.

Physical Features

Comb-footed spiders have very large abdomens and long, thin, needle-like legs with several hairs on the ends of the hind legs, hence the name "comb-footed." They have 6-8 eyes and can range in size from very small (1/16 inch) to not-so-small at all(1/2 inch). The female black widow is recognizable by the red, hourglass-shaped marking on her underside.

Diet

Comb-footed spiders eat insects and other small arthropods.

Habitat

Worldwide. In North America there are over 200 species. They live in houses, barns, and other buildings, under piles of debris and unattended objects—generally anywhere sheltered, dark and undisturbed.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Adult females can live anywhere from 1-3 years. Egg sacs, which are usually brown, are hung on the web. One interesting feature of female black widows is that they can store sperm after mating; this trait allows them to continue making egg sacs without any further mating. The female black widow is also nefarious for eating the male after reproduction, hence the name "widow."