Neriene

Neriene is a genus of dwarf spiders in the family Linyphiidae. This genus was described by Eugène Louis Simon in 1884. The name Neriene is a feminine noun, likely derived from the Greek word "nereis," meaning a sea nymph.

Species within the Neriene genus are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with a significant number of species described from Europe and Asia. These spiders are typically small, with adult females usually measuring between 3 to 6 millimeters in length, and males being slightly smaller. They are characterized by their dark coloration, often black or dark brown, and their relatively long legs.

Neriene spiders are known for constructing small, three-dimensional webs, often in sheltered locations such as under stones, in leaf litter, or on low vegetation. These webs are not typically orb webs but are more irregular and sheet-like, designed to catch small flying insects. The spiders are often found lurking within or near their webs, waiting to ambush prey.

Reproduction in Neriene spiders follows the general pattern for many small spiders. Males often engage in courtship displays to attract females, which can involve stridulation or physical movements. After mating, the female produces egg sacs, which are usually attached to her web or hidden in a nearby protected spot. The young spiderlings hatch and disperse, often by ballooning on silken threads.

Some common species include Neriene radiata, which has a wide distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America, and Neriene litigiosa. Like many Linyphiidae, Neriene spiders play a role in controlling insect populations in their respective habitats. They are not considered medically significant to humans.