AraneaeTheridiidae – Cobweb Spiders

Faiditus cancellatus

This record describes Faiditus cancellatus (species). Recorded family: Theridiidae. Recorded order: Araneae.

Identification and Appearance

Faiditus cancellatus - Faiditus cancellatus
Contributed by Laura P.

Faiditus cancellatus (Faiditus cancellatus) is a species in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as cobweb spiders, belonging to the order Araneae (Spiders). This species belongs to the genus Faiditus. Size: Female: 2.3-3.5mm Male: 2.5-4.5mm. Found in Often found in the webs of other spiders..

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae (Spiders)
Family
Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders)
Genus
Faiditus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Often found in the webs of other spiders.

Geographic Range

Eastern North America, eastern TX, FL north to NH, also Ontario.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Hentz, 1850

About Spiders: the wider group

Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Faiditus cancellatus. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.

Ecological role of the group

Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.

Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Araneae families and species →

Photos of Faiditus cancellatus (5)

Faiditus cancellatus - photo 1
Contributed by Laura P.
Faiditus cancellatus - photo 2
Contributed by Laura P.
Faiditus cancellatus - photo 3
Contributed by Laura P.
Faiditus cancellatus - photo 4
Contributed by Laura P.
Faiditus cancellatus - photo 5
Contributed by Laura P.

Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.

Frequently Asked Questions About Faiditus cancellatus

What is Faiditus cancellatus?

Faiditus cancellatus is a species in the family Theridiidae, within the order Araneae.

How big is Faiditus cancellatus?
FeatureDetails
Female2.3-3.5mm
Male2.5-4.5mm
Where is Faiditus cancellatus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatOften found in the webs of other spiders.
RangeEastern North America, eastern TX, FL north to NH, also Ontario.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Laura P.. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.