Araneomorphae

Araneomorphae is a major lineage of spiders that includes the vast majority of described species. Members are united by a common arrangement of the chelicerae: the fangs oppose one another and work in a pinching action as the mouthparts move in a horizontal plane, in contrast to the downward-falling fangs of the other main spider lineage, the Mygalomorphae.

Ecologically, Araneomorphae display immense diversity in habitat and behavior, including orb-weavers, sheet-web builders, and active hunters such as jumping spiders. They are found worldwide in nearly every terrestrial environment, from deserts to rainforests and even caves.

Taxonomically, Araneomorphae comprises many familiar families, including Araneidae (orb-weavers), Salticidae (jumping spiders), Theridiidae (comb-footed spiders), Lycosidae (wolf spiders), Pisauridae (nursery web spiders), and Linyphiidae (money spiders). The group’s evolutionary success is reflected in its species richness and ecological variety, which far exceeds that of the other major spider lineage.