Stiphidiid

Stiphidiid is a family of araneomorph spiders that includes over 100 described species in more than 30 genera. These spiders are found predominantly in Australasia, with some species also occurring in South America and Africa. They are typically small to medium-sized spiders, often brown or black in color, and are known for their sheet webs, which are spun near the ground in leaf litter, under rocks, or on low vegetation.

The Stiphidiid family is characterized by a combination of morphological features, including a specific arrangement of eyes and chelicerae. Their silk is notable for its strong adhesive properties, which helps them to capture a variety of small insects and other invertebrates that stray into their webs. Some stiphidiids are also known for their cryptic coloration and behavior, making them difficult to find in their natural habitats.

Reproduction in Stiphidiidae involves the female laying eggs in a silken sac, which is then hidden in a secluded location. The young spiders hatch and disperse on their own. While many species are still poorly understood, research continues to reveal new insights into their ecology, behavior, and evolutionary relationships. The family Stiphidiidae is considered part of the larger superfamily of spiders known as the Haplogynae, which also includes families like the Pholcidae (cellar spiders) and the Sicariidae (reclusive spiders).