Pholcoidea

Pholcoidea is an infraorder of spiders within the family Araneidae, commonly referred to as orb-web spinners. This group is one of the most studied and diverse infraorders in the family, consisting of over 300 species. Pholcoidea spiders are typically found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and backyards, and are native to almost every region of the world.

One of the most distinctive features of Pholcoidea spiders is their unique web-spinning behavior. Unlike other orb-web spinners, Pholcoidea spiders do not use a typical orb-web, but rather a radial web with a network of radial threads that stem from a central point. This method of web-spinning provides the spider with a unique means of capturing prey, which is often attached to the radial threads by its silk.

These spiders are also known for their relatively long lifespan, which can range from several months to several years, depending on the species. In some cases, Pholcoidea spiders can spin multiple webs in their lifetime, with the older webs being abandoned and new ones being spun.

Some species within the Pholcoidea infraorder have been observed using their webs in non-standard ways, such as wrapping prey in silk or using the web as a platform to hunt. Additionally, certain species have evolved unique adaptations, such as web-repairing behavior, that are not found in other Araneidae spiders.

Pholcoidea spiders play an essential role in regulating insect populations, making them a vital component of ecosystems worldwide.