kihagyna

Kihagyna is a lesser-known genus of spiders belonging to the family Linyphiidae, commonly referred to as sheetweavers or dwarf sheetweb spiders. This genus is part of a diverse group of small, often cryptic arachnids that primarily inhabit temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name *Kihagyna* is derived from the Finnish word *kihara*, meaning "curl," which may refer to the coiled egg sacs or the coiled webs these spiders construct.

Species within *Kihagyna* are typically small, measuring just a few millimeters in body length, with slender bodies and long legs. Their coloration is often pale, ranging from white or cream to light gray or brown, which aids in camouflage among leaf litter, moss, or bark. Like many linyphiids, they are opportunistic predators, feeding on small arthropods such as mites, springtails, and other spiders. Their webs are typically sheet-like or tubular, constructed in dense vegetation or under bark, where they can ambush prey.

The taxonomy of *Kihagyna* has been a subject of study, with some species previously classified under other genera such as *Meioneta* or *Neriene*. Molecular and morphological research has since clarified its distinctiveness, though the genus remains understudied compared to more prominent linyphiid groups. Currently, only a few species are formally described, including *Kihagyna dentichelis*, which is found in Europe and parts of Asia.

Kihagyna spiders play a role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, contributing to the balance of invertebrate populations. Due to their small size and cryptic habits, they are rarely encountered by humans and are not considered medically significant. Research on this genus remains limited, and further taxonomic and ecological studies could provide deeper insights into their biology and distribution.