Argyrodes

Argyrodes is a genus of spiders in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as kleptoparasitic spiders. Members of this genus inhabit the webs of larger spiders and obtain much of their food by stealing prey from their hosts rather than constructing large, independent webs.

Most Argyrodes are small, measuring about 2–4 mm in body length, with slender bodies and long legs. Their coloration and patterns are variable across species, and many exhibit a metallic or iridescent sheen on the abdomen. The overall morphology is adapted to a stealthy lifestyle on other spiders’ webs.

Ecology and behavior: Argyrodes spp. are obligate or facultative kleptoparasites, frequently found on the webs of orb-weaving and other large spiders. They steal prey that becomes entangled in the host’s web or that the host has captured, sometimes approaching prey remnants with minimal disturbance to avoid provoking the host. Some species employ vibrational mimicry to blend with the host’s web signals, reducing the chance of detection. They rely on the host’s silk structure for shelter and mobility rather than maintaining their own large webs.

Distribution and diversity: Argyrodes occurs worldwide, with the highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus comprises numerous described species, and its exact species count is subject to ongoing taxonomic revision.

Taxonomy and references: The genus was established within Theridiidae to accommodate kleptoparasitic species. Taxonomic status and species lists are maintained in catalogs such as the World Spider Catalog, which documents described Argyrodes species and their distributions.