Spinnozel

Spinnozel is a genus of small arthropods noted for producing hardened filamentous spines from modified spinnerets. Members of the genus are typically 3–10 millimeters in body length and exhibit a compact, rounded abdomen with a dense array of silk-producing glands. The common name derives from Latin roots meaning "spine" and "nozzle," reflecting their distinctive silk-spinning organs.

Taxonomy and discovery

Spinnozel is placed within a family commonly separated from true spiders by the structure of its spinnerets and by differences in limb articulation. Species in the genus were first characterized in modern taxonomic literature during the 20th century and have since been reassessed with morphological and molecular data.

Description

Spinnozel species are characterized by short, stout legs, chelicerae adapted for grasping small prey, and spinneret openings that extrude silk which hardens into needle-like filaments. Coloration ranges from pale tan to dark brown, often with subtle banding. Adult morphology is consistent across species but varies in the arrangement and density of spinneret-associated spines.

Distribution and habitat

The genus occupies leaf litter, moss mats, and the undersides of logs in temperate and subtropical regions. Its cryptic lifestyle and small size make it under-recorded in many areas.

Behavior and ecology

Spinnozels construct small retreats reinforced with hardened spines and use filamentous traps or barriers to deter predators and capture microarthropod prey. Reproduction involves protected egg sacs, with parental guarding observed in some species.

Human interactions and conservation

Spinnozel has limited direct economic impact. Habitat loss and litter removal can threaten local populations. Several species are of interest in studies of silk biochemistry and microstructure.