ketaspidurids

Ketaspidurids are a small, recently described clade of arachnids within the larger group Chelicerata. The group currently includes about 25 described species distributed across two genera and is found mainly in tropical and subtropical forests, with most records arising from leaf litter, decaying wood, and shaded understory habitats. Ketaspidurids are generally nocturnal and ground-dwelling, relying on stealth and proximity to microhabitats to capture small invertebrate prey.

Morphologically, ketaspidurids are characterized by a dorsoventrally flattened body, a shield-like carapace with distinctive lateral keels, and an eye pattern that varies between line and cluster arrangements across species. They possess eight legs and robust male pedipalps that are used in courtship displays. The group shows modest silk production, primarily for constructing retreats, protecting eggs, and aiding juvenile development rather than for extensive web-building.

Ecology and behavior center on opportunistic predation within the leaf-litter complex. Ketaspidurids often hunt small arthropods and larvae, employing rapid short bursts and camouflage to ambush prey. Silk is used to secure egg sacs and to create protective microhabitats for immatures. Reproduction generally involves direct development: eggs are laid in silk cocoons, and juveniles emerge looking like miniature adults.

Taxonomy and phylogeny place ketaspidurids as a monophyletic group with two families, Ketaspididae and Ketuspidoridae (names provisional in some treatments). Their exact placement within Chelicerata remains debated, with ongoing work using both morphological and molecular data. Conservation assessments are limited, but several species have restricted ranges and may be sensitive to deforestation and habitat disturbance, underscoring the need for further study.