Argyrodes
Encyclopedia
Spiders of the genus Argyrodes (Theridiidae
), also called dewdrop spiders, occur worldwide. They are best known as kleptoparasites: they steal other spiders' prey. They invade and reside in their host's web even though they can spin their own webs. However, the relationship can sometimes be commensal
or even mutual since the dewdrop spider can feed on small trapped insects that are not eaten by the host. Some species can even prey upon the host. Many species are black with silvery markings. Most species are relatively small. For example, A. incursus has a body length of 3–4.5 mm while A. fissifrons has a body length of about 12 mm.
. Dewdrop spiders prefer large webs and clustered webs compared to small and isolated ones. Large webs tend to have more kleptoparasites than smaller ones. Isolated webs tend to have lesser number of kleptoparasites compared to clustered webs of the same size.
Theridiidae
Theridiidae is a large family of spiders, also known as the tangle-web spiders, cobweb spiders and comb-footed spiders. The diverse family includes over 2200 species in over 100 genera) of three-dimensional space-web-builders found throughout the world...
), also called dewdrop spiders, occur worldwide. They are best known as kleptoparasites: they steal other spiders' prey. They invade and reside in their host's web even though they can spin their own webs. However, the relationship can sometimes be commensal
Commensalism
In ecology, commensalism is a class of relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits but the other is neutral...
or even mutual since the dewdrop spider can feed on small trapped insects that are not eaten by the host. Some species can even prey upon the host. Many species are black with silvery markings. Most species are relatively small. For example, A. incursus has a body length of 3–4.5 mm while A. fissifrons has a body length of about 12 mm.
Distribution
Most Argyrodes are found in the tropics although 15 species are found in the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Dewdrop spiders prefer large webs and clustered webs compared to small and isolated ones. Large webs tend to have more kleptoparasites than smaller ones. Isolated webs tend to have lesser number of kleptoparasites compared to clustered webs of the same size.