Amaurobiidae

Amaurobiidae is a family of araneomorph spiders commonly known as the "hackled-web weavers" or "tag-web spiders". These spiders are found worldwide, though they are most diverse in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are typically medium-sized spiders, with females generally larger than males. Their coloration varies, often featuring shades of brown, grey, or black, sometimes with mottled patterns.

The defining characteristic of Amaurobiidae is their unique web-building behavior. They construct irregular, three-dimensional webs that are often spun in sheltered locations such as under rocks, in bark crevices, or within leaf litter. These webs are typically made of silk with a cribellate, hackled texture, which gives them their common name. The spiders often incorporate a "trip-line" or "tag-line" extending from the web, which alerts them to prey movement. They are ambush predators, waiting patiently in or near their web for unsuspecting insects to become ensnared.

Amaurobiid spiders are nocturnal hunters, with most activity occurring at night. They are generally considered harmless to humans, though like many spiders, they may bite defensively if threatened. Their diet consists primarily of small flying and crawling insects. The family includes several genera, with Amaurobius being one of the most well-known. These spiders play a role in controlling insect populations in their respective habitats.